How to Decide Between Single-Sex and Co-ed Schools
When selecting a school for their children, there are several factors that parents must consider, such as location, reputation, student diversity, and extracurriculars. An important consideration for parents when deciding on a school is whether to choose a single-sex or co-educational setting. Each child is different, and research shows that there is no definitive answer on which option is better. Before making a decision, it is important to know the benefits and drawbacks of both options.
1. Single-sex schools allow students to focus on learning rather than being liked.
One benefit of single-sex schooling is that the students don’t have the distraction of impressing the opposite sex and are instead focused on learning and gaining confidence. Girls, in particular, are less worried about the typical concerns of a young girl, such as their make-up, what they’re wearing, and looking good for class. Studies show that, on average, girls who attended single-sex schools left feeling more confident than those who attended co-ed schools.
2. Single-sex schools can utilize gender-specific teaching methods.
When students are separated by gender, teachers are able to use strategies that don’t work as well in co-ed classrooms and play to each gender’s strengths. For example, in a co-ed classroom, girls tend to doubt their mathematical and scientific abilities, and the expectation is that boys aren’t talented writers or readers. Single-sex schools allow the opportunity for students to broaden their horizons beyond gender stereotypes and explore areas they otherwise wouldn’t. Research shows that boys who attended single-sex schools were twice as likely to engage in subjects such as drama, language, and art.
3. Separation can increase gender stereotyping.
Some research shows that separating students by gender can actually increase gender stereotyping among the students. In single-sex schools for boys, competition and aggression are emphasized in the classroom, while schools for girls emphasize passivity among female students. A study revealed that when students are separated by gender, they are less interested in playing with students of the opposite gender and have increased stereotypical attitudes.
4. “Macho culture” may be bred within boys’ schools.
All boy schools tend to have a stereotypical male that they look for in applicants. This allows for hyper-masculinity and misogynistic culture to spread among the students. However, some schools have taken steps to avoid a hyper-masculine environment. Research shows that boys’ schools that addressed the issue by hiring more female staff members, changing the environment, and promoting fine arts subjects assisted in a change of culture that positively affected the students.
5. Co-ed schools may not allow the same opportunities for female students.
Gender stereotyping exists within co-ed schools as well, and can impact a girl’s experience in co-ed education. Regardless of if the school is co-ed, teachers may have an implicit gender bias that can affect girls’ education. For example, the teachers might subconsciously encourage more boys to pursue more advanced STEM subjects than girls at the same level. In single-sex schooling, girls may be able to branch out and develop skills that aren’t traditionally feminine.
6. Co-education can assist in socialization for students.
For both male and female students, social skills may be improved in co-ed schools. Boys are less likely to value and respect their female peers after attending a single-sex school, and may have a more difficult time developing healthy relationships. Girls may learn other important socialization skills, as well, such as how to handle their teachers setting different expectations for male and female students.
7. There is no evidence that single-sex schools increase grades.
While there have been many studies, there is no research that shows that single-sex schooling improves academic performance for neither girls nor boys. Research finds that neither students in co-educational, nor in single-sex schools, achieve higher grades.
Both single-sex and co-educational schools have benefits and drawbacks that may vary from child to child. One size does not fit all, and education is not a universal experience for every child. For more information about educational tips and resources, ranging from school placement to special education needs, to tutoring and homeschooling, please visit thevedagroup.com/services.