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Girls schools: Expert advice

How girls benefit according to experts

It’s no secret that girls and boys learn differently, and that each thrives in different learning environments. Girls’ schools across the world have tapped into this understanding by focusing on the social, emotional and specific academic needs of girls in their approach to education. Single sex education not only gives girls the tools they need to learn effectively, but also provides the opportunity to develop strong friendships and self-confidence. Read more


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List of all-girls' schools

Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.

1. Schools with in-depth reports

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.

Havergal College

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Toronto, Ontario
Lawrence Avenue West/Avenue Road
 
IN-DEPTH REPORT
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"Havergal has been preparing young women to make a difference since 1894 through its innovative curriculum and future-ready programming with a focus on wellbeing and student agency.

  1. Beautiful 22-acre campus in the heart of Toronto.
  2. Innovative curriculum and future-ready programming for students.
  3. Small class sizes with a focus on wellness and student agency.
  4. Award-winning Art, Music and Drama departments.

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $41,520 to $79,905
 
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Havergal College 41520 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls

Branksome Hall

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Toronto, Ontario
Bloor Street East/Mount Pleasant Road
 
IN-DEPTH REPORT
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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.

  1. 13-acre downtown campus
  2. Athletics and Wellness Centre
  3. IB programs: JK to Grade 12
  4. Leadership opportunities

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $40,940 to $82,290
 
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Branksome Hall 40940 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls

St. Clement's School

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Toronto, Ontario
Yonge St./Eglinton Ave.
 
IN-DEPTH REPORT
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 26

"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.

  1. Girls' school, founded in 1901
  2. Enriched and balanced academics at all grade levels
  3. Unrivaled Advanced Placement course offerings
  4. 100% university acceptance

—From the school

  • Gr. 1 to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $38,000
 
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St. Clement's School 38000 Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Oakville, Ontario
 
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Meet them at the Expos: Oct 26, Oct 27

"SMLS is a premier independent school for girls Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 since 1891. We give our students the tools to excel in the world—and help shape it.

  1. Signature Programs in Global Citizenship, STEM & Robotics, Active Healthy Living, Arts & Design
  2. Professional Internship Customized for Each Girl (Grade 11)
  3. Focus on whole girl and student wellbeing
  4. Enriched curriculum, Advanced Placement, DELF

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum; Reggio Emilia
  • $25,685 to $33,280
 
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St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School 25685 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls

Holy Name of Mary College School

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Mississauga, Ontario
Mississauga Rd/QEW
 
IN-DEPTH REPORT
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Meet them at the Expos: Oct 26, Oct 27

"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

  1. University preparatory school
  2. Catholic academic tradition
  3. Academic Excellence
  4. Mini-Medical School

—From the school

  • Gr. 5 to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $25,300 to $26,200
 
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Holy Name of Mary College School 25300 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls

2. Schools with standard reports

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Toronto, Ontario
Spadina/St Clair Ave W
 
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"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

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $39,800 to $78,200
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The Bishop Strachan School 39800 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls

Winnipeg, Manitoba
Langside St./Westminster Ave.
 
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"Parents trust us to personalize the educational experience of each girl, to care for each girl, to challenge her to grow, to build a supportive community around her, and, most importantly, to prepare her for the future." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $18,750 to $69,000
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Balmoral Hall School 18750 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls
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Ottawa, Ontario
Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road
 
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"Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $17,500 to $34,276
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Elmwood School 17500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
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Ottawa, Ontario
Iris St/Woodroffe Ave
 
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"Empowering girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 through bilingual education." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $18,300
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Joan of Arc Academy | Academie Jeanne d'Arc 18300 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Girls

Montreal, Quebec
 
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"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

  • Gr. 7 to 11 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • English certificate req
  • $23,240
  • Day school
  • 240 students
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Trafalgar School For Girls 23240 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Girls
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Whitby, Ontario
Garden Street/Hwy. 2
 
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"Whether exploring science and technology, creating art, or competing in athletics, there is nothing a Trafalgar girl can't handle." —From the school

  • Gr. 4 to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $29,348 to $78,215
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Trafalgar Castle School 29348 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls

Halifax, Nova Scotia
 
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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

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls/Coed/Boys)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $15,230 to $21,340
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Sacred Heart School of Halifax 15230 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Day Girls Coed Boys
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Aurora, Ontario
St. John's Sideroad/Shining Hill Way
 
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"Girls at St. Anne's will thrive in an inspirational and progressive learning environment. The school’s focus on STEM/STEAM, community giving, leadership, and wellness will develop well-rounded, global-minded citizens." —From the school

  • Gr. 5 to 12 (Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $43,100 to $46,640
  • Day school
  • 174 students
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St. Anne's School 43100 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
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Toronto, Ontario
Yonge/St. Clair
 
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"The Linden School's transformative teaching and socially-progressive values inspire academic excellence, wellness, and civic engagement, empowering students to become changemakers ready to take on complex global issues." —From the school

  • Gr. SK to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $28,300 to $30,550
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The Linden School 28300 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls

St Catharines, Ontario
Ontario St./Welland Ave.
 
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"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

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed/Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $57 to $10,000
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Agate Private School 57 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Homestay eSchool Coed Girls

Montreal, Quebec
Atwater/Docteur-Penfield
 
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"Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • English certificate req
  • $21,790 to $47,559
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The Sacred Heart School of Montreal 21790 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Boarding Girls

Westmount, Quebec
Mount Pleasant Avenue/Cedar Avenue
 
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"Located in Montreal, QC, Miss Edgar’s & Miss Cramp’s School offers a bilingual education for girls from K-11. From entrepreneurship to STEM, our unique learning environment empowers girls to lead the way." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 11 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • English certificate req
  • $24,000 to $29,300
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Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School 24000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls

Westmount, Quebec
The Boulevard/Place Braeside
 
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"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

  • Gr. K to 11 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $27,780 to $31,150
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The Study 27780 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
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Calgary, Alberta
17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW
 
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"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

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed/Girls/Boys)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $14,500 to $16,500
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North Point School 14500 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Day Coed Girls Boys

Toronto, Ontario
York Mills/Leslie
 
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"Hawthorn is the only independent, Catholic-inspired, all girls school in Toronto that provides character education, personal mentorship, and a classical liberal arts education that is university preparatory." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed/Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $1,200 to $21,650
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Hawthorn School 1200 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Day Coed Girls
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Victoria, British Columbia
 
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"SMS has been leading the way in girls' education since 1908. Our 22-acre Victoria campus attracts leaders from around the world. We are the sole girl-centred school on Vancouver Island." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $21,192 to $78,446
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St. Margaret's School 21192 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls

London, Ontario
Richmond Street/King Street
 
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"A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed/Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $16,000 to $32,000
  • Boarding
  • 345 students
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London International Academy 16000 HighSchools Boarding Boarding Coed Girls

Calgary, Alberta
Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW
 
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"Clear Water Academy is the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous academic program from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12 for students of all faiths. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Boys/Coed/Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $15,700 to $17,400
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Clear Water Academy 15700 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Day Day Boys Coed Girls

“When I go to school, I am surrounded by people I want to be with and we’re all learning,” says Juliet Caragianis, a Grade 11 student at Elmwood School in Ottawa, Ontario. With a focus on digital learning, including a one-to-one laptop program and the use of interactive SMART Boards in classrooms, this all-girls’ independent school encourages students to feel comfortable and confident with technology. For Juliet, who writes a weekly blog about student life, technology use is just one way that her school defies many of the stereotypes associated with an all-girls’ environment. “Elmwood also strongly promotes its math and science programs,” she says.

Girls Schools Expert Advice
Bishops College School - Photograph by Christinne Muschi

Math, science and technology targeted for girl

Generally, the belief is that as girls mature faster than boys, they have the advantage when it comes to language and vocabulary skills, whereas boys’ learning styles give them an edge in the sciences. Traditionally, this is accepted as the reason why the scientific and mathematic fields are overwhelmingly male-dominated. The truth is that girls are just as capable of enjoying, excelling at and pursuing careers in these fields – with the right approach. Many girls’ schools offer math, science and technology programs tailored specifically for their students – not to mention the freedom from gender stereotypes associated with these subjects.

According to Elmwood’s Head of School, Cheryl Boughton, at least 50 percent of the school’s graduates go on to study math and science in university. “Ours is a very enabling environment,” Boughton says. “We provide opportunities for educational risk-taking and we establish supportive learning communities.”

Increased confidence for girls

According to a study released by the University of California, Los Angeles in March 2009, female graduates of single-sex high schools in the United States showed higher levels of academic engagement, SAT scores and confidence in mathematical ability and computer skills than their counterparts at coeducation schools.

The study also showed higher levels of self-confidence among students in girls’ schools, says Meg Milne Moulton, Executive Director of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. “Most girls’ schools offer against-the-grain learning experiences where students take on challenges that they may not have done on their own—and are encouraged to learn from their mistakes,” Moulton says.

Improved concentration and the freedom to be themselves

Not only are single sex schools praised for their tailored approach to learning, they also eliminate distractions and allow students to be their best. Girls’ schools provide an environment where girls can truly be themselves and grow into self-reliant, confident young women.

In the classroom, students are encouraged to express opinions and ask questions, Juliet says. “When you’re in a coed environment, the boys often try to say funny things and the girls try to sound smart,” she says. “Here, our classes are much more relaxed.”

The concentration in the classroom is also improved at an all-girls school, as students are more able to sit still and focus than boys, a result of more serotonin and oxytocin hormones.

Without boys around, Elmwood students are able to focus on doing well in school and making friends—with much less social drama, says Ella Mar, who has one daughter in Grade 12 at the school and another who recently graduated. But the girls aren’t without male friends, because that’s an important part of being a teenager.

“During the school day the focus is on academics and not on boys, it’s nice not to have that distraction.”

—Hailey Eisen and Sonja Schweiger

Series: Girls Schools

Sub-types

Articles

  • Benefits of an all-girls education
  • How single-sex schools let kids flourish
  • Bright girls, big futures at all-girls schools
  • Girls' schools encourage girls to be themselves
  • Testimonials: What it's like at an all-girls school
  • Private schools for girls

    • In the spotlight

    Start here: Five steps to finding the perfect school.

    Latest Articles

    Benefits of an all-girls education  
    Elizabeth Falco shares how girls are celebrated and empowered (September 25, 2019)

    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)

    List of all-girls' schools

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