Single Sex or Coeducation?

Single Sex or Coeducation?
Published
Written by
Sooner or later you need to consider a single sex school as opposed to a traditional coeducational school. Why? For several reasons.
Sooner or later you ought to consider a single sex school as opposed to a traditional coeducational school. Why? For several reasons. First of all, coeducational schools have only become 'traditional' or commonly accepted in the last several decades. Private education has its roots in single sex education, both in this country and in England.
 
Indeed, if you look at the history of most of the legendary prep schools in America, you are likely to find that they began as a single sex institutions. For example, Phillips Academy Exeter began as a boys' school. It only began admitting girls in its summer sessions in 1961 which was fifteen years after it dropped the two year Latin requirement - horrible dictu! It would be another nine years before Exeter admitted girls in its regular sessions.
 
So, what's really happening here? American private schools like Exeter have always pretty much mirrored the society which they seek to serve. Back in the late 1700's and early 1800's when many of these schools got their start, educating girls was not considered as important as educating boys. Those views changed over the centuries as the young republic grew and matured. So did views about education. In the 1960's and '70's single sex schools gradually fell out of fashion. In order to survive, some boys' and girls' schools merged to form coeducational schools. Others, like Exeter, saw the handwriting on the wall and moved with the times by admitting girls.
 
In the 21st century the pendulum has begun to swing the other way. Single sex schools are enjoying something of a come-back. Why? Simply because many researchers and educators and parents feel that boys and girls learn differently. To be sure, there are passionately held views on both sides of this argument. But, the reality is that there is room in the world of education for single sex schools.

Additional Resources [+]
{"http://www.privateschoolreview.com/articles/32":{"comments":{"data":[]}}}

About Boys' Schools:  In Their Words  About Boys' Schools: In Their Words
Here are a dozen or so boys' schools' public thoughts about themselves and their missions.

Which School Is The Best For Your Child? Which School Is The Best For Your Child?
It depends on your requirements. But in the end only one thing matters most anyway.

comments powered by Disqus

Recent Articles:

About Boys' Schools:  In Their Words
About Boys' Schools: In Their Words
Published May 15, 2013
Here are a dozen or so boys' schools' public thoughts about themselves and their missions.

 Marketing the Small Private School Marketing the Small Private School
Some marketing resources and tips for small private schools with limited marketing budgets.

Academic Excellence: Any Future with a C Average and No Skills? Academic Excellence: Any Future with a C Average and No Skills?
A challenging academic program combined with training in life skills is your best weapon against mediocre results.

  • More articles: Getting into Private School, High School Issues, Jobs in Private Schools, Running a Private School, Opinion
  • RSS/XML Feed RSS

    Choosing a Private School:

    Finding Schools

    Make lists of schools which seem to fit your requirements.

    Most Popular Articles: