Why an All Girl's School?
Submitted by Silverleaf Academy

Silverleaf Academy, a private girls' high school, opened it's doors in September, 2006 in Mission Viejo, California. The school is based on the premise that all girls' schools provide a more nurturing environment where girls are encouraged to excel academically and develop great self-esteem. So…why an all girls' school rather than a coed private school? To understand gender myths that persist, despite our advances understanding other complex scientific research about adolescent development, we need to review our historical perspective of learning. For example, we still believe boys learn math and science more easily and more quickly than girls. We can attribute that kind of thinking to the fact that men still outnumber women in math and science-related careers. However that does not render the belief 'valid' according to researchers.

The published results of a meta-analysis of SAT (Scholastic Achievement Tests) of approximately 3 million students indicated that boys and girls performed identically in math (Barnett & Rivers, 2004). Silverleaf is committed to help dispel these types of myths implying girls have a harder time than boys learning the sciences, math, and technology subject areas. A nation-wide survey, conducted by the National Coalition of Girls' Schools involving 65 all girls' schools, found those female students favored math and science in greater proportions than girls from co-ed schools. Approximately 48% or twice the national average, of students from private girls' schools planned to pursue math and science studies in college. Most significantly, there is other research to support the value of single gender learning for girls.

The national polling firm, Yankelovitch, Clancy, and Shulman, conducted a survey of 1,200 alumnae from 35 girls' schools (1990), where graduates represented a span of twenty years. The poll of these graduates showed:

• More than 90% went to college and 44% attended graduate school
• 90% belonged to community, charitable, educational organization, and/or arts associations
• 91% stated that attendance at an all girls' school helped them focus on academics and test their intellectual ability.

According to researchers there is a difference in how girls respond to learning when there are no boys in class. Professors Myra and David Sadker of the American University state: "When girls go to single-gender schools, they stop being the audience and become the players." The value of attending an all girls' school encompasses more than being more focused and more confident; there are other significant factors that foster success including cohesion amongst the students themselves. Girls are less inclined to compete with each other in an atmosphere where collaboration and cooperation are everyday practice. Silverleaf Academy provides the most comprehensive curriculum, the best environment, and the greatest opportunities for creative expression. "Why not an all girls' school?" …would be a better question.

Call Silverleaf to speak with the Director for more information about the Academy: (949) 829-9037, or visit the website at www.silverleafacademy.com.