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By Liam Bellamy
Collegiate’s Middle School is the only gender-segregated division of Collegiate, but the reasons behind the divide, according to Head of Middle School Charlie Blair, is to “encourage healthy development for both genders during crucial developmental stages of their lives, as well as encouraging healthy learning spaces for both genders.”
While much research exists regarding which learning environment is superior, single gender or co-ed, there is no clear consensus that one approach is more effective than the other. Blair stated, “if one were better than the other, every school across the country would be using it. There is data that supports both strategies.” However, having separated genders during Middle School does have plenty of advantages that support both students and teachers.
Separated by gender. Image credit: Niche.com
Collegiate’s Middle School runs from 5th to 8th grade, meaning the general age of students ranges from 10 to about 15 years old. Between these ages, kids begin to see significant development, both physically and mentally. However, the timeline on which these changes take place is different for boys and girls. Girls generally begin to mature and develop earlier than boys, so separating the two genders allows both groups to mature and develop on their individual timelines. Teachers and parents also can see a difference in the way that boys and girls develop, so separating classes by gender allows teachers to cater specifically to each gender’s needs. Blair elaborated on this theory: “These children are going through crucial developmental stages of their lives, so separating classrooms allows students to leverage their strengths. It also allows teachers to address students’ weaknesses in a safe environment.”
During this part of a student’s life, it is very important that they feel comfortable in their learning environment. Research shows that “boys are more likely to act impulsively in co-ed learning environments at this age, as well as be less confident.” This is also a part of life where most children are beginning to search for their own identity. Blair explained, “it’s easier for a student to find their identity when he or she is surrounded by a group of people that are all experiencing the same changes.”
Middle School girls at the Middle School Market. Photo credit: Collegiate School.
The division also makes life easier for teachers by allowing them to instruct specifically for the way each gender learns. Middle School humanities teacher Matthew Richardson (‘07) explained that he is, “definitely in favor of the divide, as it gives students a voice, as well as helps with attention and focus within the classroom.” Richardson went on to share that, “it allows students to actually be themselves.”
While the divide is only present in the Middle School, its effects may still be felt in the Upper School. Students and teachers often observe that, in some classes, girls sit on one side of the room, and boys on the opposite side. Thomas Lucy (‘20) explained, “The Middle School shifted the mindset of students, as girls and guys never really changed from the separate classes as they grew up in high school. There is still a divide.” However, Blair was quick to question that theory, saying, “you will see that divide in almost any high school you go to.”
Both teaching strategies are effective and have their own advantages, and Collegiate seems to employ both strategies, as drama and math classes in the Middle School are co-ed, while the rest of the classes are single-sex.
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