If you’d asked me a few years ago if I wanted to go to a school with ALL girls, then my answer would have been a big, fat, “NO WAY!” Going to school with boys around was really all I knew and all I felt comfortable with. Taking them out of the equation sounded strange, scary even. And from what I heard, girls could be pretty scary, too.

Fast forward to today. I’m finishing up my third year at an all-girls’ school and absolutely loving it! Why? Because I’m surrounded by confident, assertive young women, who have truly been the support system I needed to get through the challenges of transitioning from middle to high school. I found a sisterhood that I never knew existed, a sisterhood that I now know will stick with me for the many years following high school.   

Initially, the  transition to an all-girls’ school was not easy, not because of the absence of boys, but rather because of the rigorous school work, which is to be expected at a high school level, but still was quite strenuous. The all-girls’ environment helped me focus on my studies. I felt motivated to learn and to explore the opportunities in front of me. And although single-gender schools are on the wane, they offer many advantages for students. For example, studies show girls learn differently. Girls are collaborative and enjoy communicating with one another (read — they love to talk).  All-girls’ schools know how girls work, how they learn with one another and how to apply this information to the classroom to help them become successful.

One of the things I like about going to this school is the ability to be more open with peers. I also enjoy how there is an apparent willingness among girls to be more collaborative with one another. It’s a breath of fresh air, coming from a co-ed school, because typically girls are too timid or reluctant to collaborate with boys, let alone each other. Furthermore, single-gender schools provide more academic advantages as students are more encouraged and supported in whatever field they choose to pursue.

Being comfortable

Tampons. Period. Boys. Makeup. Yup. These are only a few of the topics that are freely discussed with classmates (and sometimes even with the female teachers), and it is one thing I love most about attending an all-girls’ school.  We’re so comfortable with each other that there is no shame discussing anything whatsoever. It isn’t uncommon for a girl to show up at school without makeup or without brushing her hair, a.k.a. the “tita bun.” Announcing you have your period or asking for a tampon is also part of the norm, but it’s that level of comfort I’ve come to appreciate.  

Aside from being able to talk to classmates about sensitive topics, I do not feel self-conscious about asking questions or taking longer than everyone else on a test. Since there is no judgment in most areas, I feel as if I don’t need to impress anyone. Because of this, I am more confident and look forward to  going to school every day. In fact, I definitely feel more self-assured in this kind of environment, as compared to when I went to a co-ed school.

Opportunities

I have also discovered the wide range of opportunities for leadership at an all-girls’ school.  Currently, I am in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at St. Louis School, serve as secretary for both Student Council and National Honor Society, participate in my school’s Liturgical Corps and am one of the editors for the school newspaper.  

Although the school I attend puts an emphasis on the STEM program, including robotics and high powered science courses, students are able to select elective courses, such as choir, band, dance and art. We are given many opportunities to find our passion and pursue whatever field interests us.  

I have also noticed that teachers tend to be more encouraging and supportive in an all-girls’ atmosphere. We are always urged to be productive and resourceful in a nurturing way. I am thankful that my teachers are so supportive and because of this, we have learned to establish trust and to be open with them.

By subtracting boys, an all-girls’ education adds opportunities. At Sacred Hearts Academy, a girl occupies every role: most parts in theater, every seat on the Student Council, every position on every team. Not only does she have a wealth of avenues for self-exploration and development but also of peer role models. In the classroom, I am not afraid to speak my mind and to share my opinions. I am not afraid to take the lead or to pursue a career I am truly passionate about because at an all-girls’ school, students like me, learn that there is potential and power in being a girl.