Why an All-Boys School is Better

by Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy

Something Needs to be Done to Help Boys Perform Better Academically

During the last 30 years, it has become increasingly apparent that boys are falling behind girls academically. Two prior Bridgedale Academy blogs have discussed this phenomenon is some depth. (See Bias Against Boys in Education and Is America's Education System Hurting Boys?.)

This occurs nation-wide and at virtually every level of education. And the gap is growing wider. 

One solution that has been a God-send for many boys is the resurgence of all-boys schools. Perhaps the most significant reasons for the gap in academic performance between boys and girls is the fact that girls mature more quickly than boys. While there are of course exceptions, it is generally speaking true that during the pre- and early teens, girls will on average be as much as 2 years “older” than boys in many or even most respects.

This is not only true physically, but also mentally and emotionally. 

And nowhere is this more noticeable than at school. 

The most important factors at work appear to be:

• Boys are intimidated by the more mature girls
• Being less mature, boys’ mental faculties are not as developed
• Whereas girls can sit quietly and focus in class, as a rule boys cannot
• Boys therefore tend to be more disruptive, which impacts learning
• Academics at the younger ages tend to focus on subjects girls like but boys hate
• Language arts and reading are easier for girls at the younger ages
• Boys often become discouraged and lose interest in academics

Vive la difference

The physical differences between boys and girls are of course obvious, but it is clear there are also profound mental and emotional differences as well.

Much has been written recently about the gender differences. (One such author is Leonard Sax, an MD and PhD who has written “Why Gender Matters” and “Boys Adrift,” books that discuss these issues in great depth.)

Scientific studies confirm that there are significant differences between the brains of males and females.

Some even suggest that boys and girls “see and hear” differently. 

For example:

• Boys eyes are drawn to movement, so better if the teacher moves around
• Girls are comfortable with teachers who remain in one place during lesson
• Boys prefer “cold” colors like blues and grays
• Girls prefer “warm” colors like reds and yellows
• Boys like the inanimate while girls prefer faces
• Girls hear higher frequencies than boys and so are more sensitive to sounds
• Boys are therefore less likely to be intimidated if a teacher raises his voice 

The Resurgence of Same-sex Schooling

One of the offshoots of this new-found knowledge is the resurgence of same-sex schools. And this brings up the question: do boys learn better in an all-boys school?

The answer appears to be a resounding YES.

Here are some of the benefits of single-sex education for boys:

• An increase in academic performance (See our blog “Bias Against Boys in Education.”)
• Teachers can spend extra time with topics boys may struggle with
• Removal of the distraction of coed social pressures
• Easier for boys to concentrate, understand and learn their daily lessons
• Freedom to branch out and try new things without feeling the need to impress the girls
• Increased confidence because able to explore and discover their interests and abilities more freely
• Boys become more collaborative when freed from worry of girls’ opinions of them
• Lowers the need for gender stereotypes in the classroom
• A decrease in discipline problems

Conclusion

On balance it is clear that the advantages of same-sex schooling far outweigh any suppose drawbacks, and this is especially true for boys today.

With the academic performance gap between girls and boys widening, some would even say reaching crisis proportions, it has become all the more how important to put boys in an academic environment where they too can learn, where they too “love” to go to school.

And what do Bridgedale teachers say about Bridgedale?

"This is such a special place!! It is life changing for these boys as it centers around strong relationships that encourage strong academic growth. It’s a hockey school, but so much more than that. 

"It’s a pleasure to come to work everyday. Thank you for creating such a positive, caring environment."

Kristi Florey, Bridgedale Math Teacher