Benefits of an All-Girls School/Thrive Girls Ranch & Home

Parents of young teen girls may not realize that their daughters face a lot of barriers in a co-ed public or co-ed private school that they will NOT encounter in an all-girls school, like Thrive Girls Ranch & Home near Austin, TX. (512) 545-2226

In fact, many parents take it for granted that guys excel in sports, leadership, and even math and science–it’s just not a girl’s thing. But research over the years shows that boys and girls experience a difference in teaching methods, attention received, and expectations when enrolled in a co-ed public or private school. Because of these differences, girls especially benefit from enrollment in an all-girls school environment.

Barriers Girls Experience at Co-ed Schools:
When young teen girls  attend a co-ed school, public or private, the classroom environment and interaction with young boys can change how a girl feels about her learning ability and confidence. Girls exposed to high achieving boys in the classroom are apt to set their educational goals lower and to lack confidence in their own abilities than girls not so exposed; 1

And when it comes to studies in math and science, girls often lose interest rather than compete academically with boys. Greater exposure to high-achieving boys in high school negatively impacts girls science and math grades, according to recent findings from the National Bureau of Economic Research. 1

Here’s one reason that may surprise you about co-ed classroom settings, and the effect on girls. Teachers are shown to be more attentive to boys than girls in the classroom, and to call on boys more often than girls; 1

Another key issue for girls at a co-ed school who struggle to be their best in studies, sports or social life is peer pressure. Peer pressure and the perceived need to conform to popular opinion and thinking, including the desire to be accepted, can all impact girls. These are just some of the reasons which make many girls suppress their own personalities and individuality in a co-ed academic setting. 2

Of course, this may be the first time that you’ve heard about these co-ed classroom and sports differences, and now feel concerned about your young girl and her struggles.

One thing a parent can do to help her become her best at a co-ed school requires showing strong support for her, at home, and at school. Talk with her about the possibilities and opportunities in her future, and the importance of perseverance to become her best. And let her know that you understand how peer pressure, and other negative distractions can undermine using her gifts and skills to achieve her personal dreams and identity.

Benefits Girls Receive at All-Girls Schools:
You may also want to consider the benefits of enrolling her in an all-girls school.

Girls in classrooms with high achieving females are more likely to pursue ambitious educational goals even when of average ability themselves; 1

When children learn with single-gender peers, they are more likely to attend to their studies, speak more openly in the classroom, and feel more encouraged to pursue their interests and achieve their fullest potential; 2

When a school is limited to only educating girls, the pedagogy changes, and the science behind how a female brain works and how girls grow and mature all become part of the core educational paths students report feeling more free to speak and express themselves, which leads to a stronger development of a love of learning. 2

Girls in same-sex schools are more apt to excel athletically and to have opportunities for school leadership roles; 2

A single-sex environment often feels empowering to students, especially girls, and encourages them to try new things. When boys aren’t around, girls are more likely to take a risk and try something new. 2

Middle school girls are more likely to engage in competitive athletics than their peers at coed schools. 2

Research reveals that young girls can truly benefit from the attention they receive in the classroom, as well as on the sports field. And because they are led by teachers who are trained to teach girls, and understand how girls learn, they have a much better chance to grow academically, and vocationally in an all-girls setting. Apart from the distraction of relationships with boys, and peer pressure to keep quiet and conform to social settings at a co-ed school, young girls can open up, express their thoughts and nurture their leadership skills.

This is why many parents of struggling young girls look for a school where their daughter can focus on improving in every aspect of her life and relationships.

What to Expect at Thrive Girls Ranch & Home:
Our unique boarding school environment is ideal for middle school or high school girls (ages 12-17) who are struggling with life, emotions, behavior or relationships, or who are having difficulty excelling in the traditional educational system. Thrive Girls is open to young teen girls who wants to be better, or who just need some personal motivation to get back into the game of preparing for life. 

We provide therapeutic counseling to each individual girl, plus daily learning experiences and activities that nurture a true change of heart–and help her thrive in life. We desire to see every girl discover her God-given potential, and live out the core values of integrity, compassion, community, vision, stewardship, servanthood, and faith in Jesus Christ.

We help girls transform into responsible, respectful and gracious young women. Our affordable therapeutic residential program in Central Texas features TC Biblical advisors and mentors, a focus on academics, and a milieu of therapeutic activities, including equine therapy. Girls also benefit from vocational training and mentoring, and it is all designed to help girls  transition into a life where they thrive!

Give us a call to learn more. (512) 545-2226
We look forward to speaking with you!

Sources:
1) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/womens-issues/201909/what-is-the-one-overlooked-advantage-all-girls-schools
2) https://www.thoughtco.com/benefits-of-attending-girls-school-2774631