Elizabeth Falco, Canadian Liaison for The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS), challenges us to imagine a school where every student in the jazz band is a girl. The captain of the touch football team is a girl. The student council is made up of all girls. Girls win poetry contests and physics competitions. Girls are on stage and backstage.
They design robots, produce documentary films and paint expressive murals. They lead the environmental club and the Hip Hop class. They debate world issues and take on social causes with compassion.
This is what Falco, who is also the Head of School at The Study, an all-girls independent day school in Montreal, Quebec, witnesses every day.
She says that girls’ schools offer an environment where students don’t hesitate to ask questions, make mistakes, express their feelings or state their opinions.
“They are nurtured, empowered and celebrated,” she says. “Girls’ schools are successful in transforming the lives of young women because of their focused learning environment, their unique culture and climate and the endless opportunities for leadership development.”
All-girls schools are designed to cater to their students, their developmental needs, and the unique ways in which they learn.
Teachers at all-girls schools are specialists of girls’ learning.
“In general, girls prefer communicative and collaborative approaches where connections are made with people and concepts,” Falco says.
According to Falco, teachers in all-girls schools are attuned to the socio-emotional development of girls and are able to shape the teaching-learning environment to meet the students’ needs and interests.
Removing the gender variable in the classroom helps teachers optimize each girl’s unique potential, Falco says.
Research provided by the NCGS shows that 82 percent of recent girl’s school graduates are satisfied or extremely satisfied with the how well their schools instilled self-confidence and that 84 percent give their schools top marks for providing leadership opportunities.
Girls thrive while taking centre stage. As a result, students who attend schools for girls are more likely to succeed at, and stick with courses such as math, science and technology, the NCGS reports.
“The single-sex environment allows girls to explore their true selves—to articulate their opinions and feelings in class, to create playful and silly skits at assembly, cheer loudly on House Days and take intellectual risks in their curricular and co-curricular programs,” says Falco. “Class time is spent focused on learning.”
High standards and support from both teachers and peers drive students to achieve. Alumnae of girls’ schools readily attribute their confidence and success to the all-girls’ environment and value the strong network of women they have established through their schools, according to Falco.
At all-girls schools, the role models for leadership and citizenship in all aspects of school life—academics, athletics, arts and community—are girls. This sets high expectations for students and provides endless opportunities.
“Accomplishments—whether big or small, public or private—are valued by everyone. There are no glass ceilings,” says Falco.
“Girls have a strong sense of themselves and their capabilities and are determined to make a difference."
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Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day & Boarding school for girls. Students build academic skills to thrive at university and beyond. Over $2 million available in financial assistance.
—From the school
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"With a global network of schools around the world, a rich and proud history, and a strong and unique set of core values, Sacred Heart offers not just an education but an experience that is unparalleled in Nova Scotia.
—From the school
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"Our goal is for SCS students to understand learning as an outcome in and of itself. Learning that doesn't follow a straight path. And if it gets messy, that's okay, because at SCS it's safe to explore and be who you are.
—From the school
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"SMLS is a premier independent school for girls Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. We give our students the tools to excel in the world—and help shape it.
—From the school
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"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls in JK-Grade 12, developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age.
—From the school
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"Havergal’s supportive environment drives academic excellence and cultivates confident leaders through unparalleled programs, empowering students to pursue their passions, take initiative and thrive.
—From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road "Elmwood School is Ottawa’s leading school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. With high academic standards, small classes, and a supportive environment, each girl is known, challenged, and empowered to reach her" —From the school
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 Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Recognizing each student's potential in their pursuit of excellence, we encourage progress, we develop opportunities, and we advocate belonging as they create paths that take them into uncharted territories." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Iris St/Woodroffe Ave "Empowering girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 through bilingual education." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Mississauga Rd/QEW "We strive to take the best aspects of Catholic teaching & interpret it in a modern context for the confident young woman of today. They are imbued with a strong work ethic, sense of purpose & a desire to change the world" —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy, a traditional private Catholic school in Calgary, offering Jr. Kindergarten–Grade 12. Our University Prep Program has a 100% acceptance rate, forming Christian leaders who will transform society." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Hawthorn partners with parents to form well-rounded young women rooted in the Catholic faith. Through personalized attention, students excel in academics, leadership, and character, with exceptional university placement." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Davenport "At The Linden School, we empower students to lead, think critically, and thrive in an inclusive, progressive environment. Our innovative approach to education promotes student voice, well-being, and academic excellence." —From the school
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 Aurora, Ontario St. John's Sideroad/Shining Hill Way "Girls at St. Anne's thrive in an inspirational and progressive learning environment. The school’s focus on STEM/STEAM, community giving, leadership, and wellness develops well-rounded, global-minded citizens." —From the school
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 St. Catharines, Ontario Ontario St./Welland Ave. "Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school
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 Whitby, Ontario Garden Street/Hwy. 2 "Whether exploring science and technology, creating art, or competing in athletics, there is nothing a Trafalgar girl can't handle." —From the school
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 Westmount, Quebec Mount Pleasant Avenue/Cedar Avenue "Located in Montreal, QC, Miss Edgar’s & Miss Cramp’s School offers a bilingual education for girls from K-12. From entrepreneurship to STEAM, our unique learning environment empowers girls to lead the way." —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are." —From the school
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 Westmount, Quebec The Boulevard/Place Braeside "The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' schools. Our bilingual mother-tongue program, experiential learning, and small classes help girls become leaders who are driven to make a difference." —From the school
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 Montreal, Quebec "We believe in Girls' Education. Trafalgar offers a strong liberal arts education, a comprehensive STEAM program, a broad and dynamic athletics program and a host of leadership opportunities through clubs and activities." —From the school
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Girls' schools
Guide to private schools for girls (September 24, 2019)
Testimonials: What it's like at an all-girls school
Students share what they love most about their experience (September 24, 2019)
How single-sex schools let kids flourish
A more in depth look at the learning differences between boys and girls (August 14, 2019)
Coed vs. single-sex schools
Do girls and boys learn better together or separately? (August 14, 2019)
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