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 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.
For example:
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.
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.
"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
Attention 4th Graders
Bridgedale Academy is accepting a limited number of 4th graders for the 2023-24 school year, on a case-by-case basis. Please call me at 708-712-5079 to inquire.
Mike McPartlin, Headmaster
Bridgedale students LOVE going to school,
and so they THRIVE in it.
They LOVE coming to school every day.
And as a result, they are thriving.
They engage academically ...
... and so they come to love learning.
They also love that they get to work on the sport they have such passion for, while also training to become better athletes, all as part of their school day.
They train athletically ...
... and so they more fully develop their skills.
They LOVE getting so much better ... so much sooner.
They are physically fit and mentally alert ... they are thriving.
“Every shot you don't take won't go in.”
Wayne Gretzky
Bridgedale is now enrolling students for the 2023-24 School Year.