What are the benefits of coed schools?
Coed enthusiasts explain that their environment better reflects the real world and, if done right, can offer a balance. Sarah McMahon, admissions director at Lakefield College School, about one hour northeast of Toronto, Ontario, stresses that, while "it's an individual decision," she's a fan of the co-ed approach.
"This is the reality of the world. You're going to be in an environment that's both male and female, and I think it's a healthy environment to grow up in," she explains.
"The camaraderie that develops between the boys and girls is very special. In a single-gender school, you miss out on that."
Until 12 years ago, Lakefield was boys-only, but is now coed. Grade 11 student Kelly Bignell has been there since Grade 7, and some of her best friends are boys. "I can talk to my guy friends about anything," she says. "I cherish the friendships I've made here."
David Robertson, headmaster at Shawnigan Lake School, a coed boarding high school in Shawnigan Lake, BC, says boys and girls ultimately have a more enriching educational experience when they get to learn together. "There's a cross-pollination that goes on in the academic environment," Robertson says. "The diligence and attentiveness of girls positively affect boys, while the liveliness of boys inspires girls. They learn from and are inspired by each other."
Coed schools better prepare girls and boys for post-secondary school and employment by providing ongoing opportunities to work together. "They learn to work together productively, which is what they will be expected to do throughout their life. So there is good preparation happening for university and beyond."
Since co-education is the norm in North American public schools, most of the research in the field has focused on the efficacy of single-gender education. Single-Sex Education: What Does Research Tell Us?, a 2010 review of several studies on single-sex education in English-speaking countries, found little consensus on whether the option is actually advantageous to girls' and boys' academic achievement.
What are the advantages of single-gender schools?
Research shows that boys and girls have unique learning needs. Advocates of the single-gender model argue that schools can design customized programs that optimize learning for each gender. Supporters point to studies showing girls tend to thrive in cooperative learning environments, while boys often benefit from structured, competitive approaches.
"Girls and boys really do learn differently," says Dona Matthews, an author and education psychologist. "Girls are more likely than boys to want to learn co-operatively and collaboratively. Boys tend to be more competitive and get something good from being competitive."
"In coed schools, boys tend to populate the lower end of the academic spectrum," says Brad Adams, executive director of the International Boys' Schools Coalition. "Boys' schools specialize in designing curriculum that hooks boys into learning."
Single-gender schools give students more room to grow without the distraction or pressure of conforming to gender stereotypes. At all-boys and all-girls schools, students are often more willing to take academic risks and explore interests beyond traditional norms, such as arts for boys or STEM for girls.
According to a 2008 study on Single-Sex Schooling and Academic Attainment, students in gender-specific schools often perform better in subjects not traditionally associated with their gender.
Girls' schools, for example, support leadership development and empower girls to challenge traditional norms. "In girls' schools, there is no social consequence for speaking out or being yourself," says Burch Ford, president of the National Coalition of Girls' Schools (NCGS).
What are the key differences in coed vs. single-gender schools?
To help compare co-ed vs. single-sex education environments, the table below outlines common arguments for both types of schools. These include pedagogical and developmental benefits.
Are coed schools better for boys or girls?
Until recently, much of the research focused on challenges faced by girls. But newer studies suggest coed classrooms may now underserve boys, who can struggle with traditional learning structures. Boys are often labelled as having behaviour issues when they are simply high-energy and learn differently.
Saint John's School of Alberta, a boys-only school, structures its schedule around boys' needs with smaller classes, more movement, and an Outdoor Adventure Program that integrates experiential learning.
Meanwhile, schools like The Linden School take a women-centred approach, emphasizing relationships, dialogue, and personal growth. Girls are encouraged to lead and explore academics without the pressure to "be cool."
Should you choose a single-gender or mixed-gender school?
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the debate between single-gender schools vs. mixed-gender schools. According to experts like Dona Matthews, the right choice depends on your child’s personality, learning style, and social needs.
Some children thrive in coed environments, where they benefit from diverse perspectives and social dynamics. Others do better in a focused single-gender setting where they can avoid distractions and stereotypes.
Parents can assess fit by considering how their child learns best, responds to social situations, and whether they’re more collaborative or competitive. For some, a single-gender setting can nurture self-confidence; for others, coed classrooms provide valuable preparation for real-world interactions.
Resources on coed vs. single-gender schools
Explore further with these recommended books and websites on coed vs single gender schools:
Books
ALL GIRLS: Single-Sex Education and Why It Matters by Karen Stabiner
BOYS AND GIRLS LEARN DIFFERENTLY by Michael Gurian
BOYS THEMSELVES by Michael Ruhlman
FAILING AT FAIRNESS by Myra Sadker and David Sadker
SEPARATE SEXES, SEPARATE SCHOOLS by Barbara C. Cruz
Websites
