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All boys' schools- good decision?
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Anonymous
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Though not directly pertinent to your question, you might consider the following book:
The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Boys-Surprising-Problems-Educators/dp/0307381285 I have two boys who are not yet ready for K. The book came highly recommended to me by another mother of two boys who was told by educators at their public school that one of her sons had attention deficit disorder (increasingly common issue). I recently started it. So far, it is very informative. |
Anonymous
| Hmm. I know a guy who teaches at one of the all-male schools here in DC. He says that his students are in general very sexist. That said, many of the boys at this particular school come from VERY traditional families, i.e. mother doesn't work, so no professional female as a role model in the home. |
Anonymous
| This is just from my experience but my husband has several friends who went to all boy schools. These particular people seem to have a more traditional view on women and have a tough time expressing themselves emotionally in their relationships as opposed to those who went to mixed schools. Probably just coincidence but just thought I would put it out there. |
Anonymous
| My son attends an all-boys school in D.C. It doesn't appear that he's being groomed to become a future sexist. Many of his classmates mom's including myself are working professionals. I'm a single mom and so are several of his friends' moms. He gets that women are intelligent and capable. He has lots of exposure to girls on a daily basis so I'm unclear as to why he would have social and emotional problems by the time he graduates in 5 years. |
Anonymous
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No personal experience, but I just read a book called Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men by Leonard Sax, M.D. He advocates for same-sex schools for boys. According to the book, there is a web-site with more info -- BoysAdrift.com His theory is that many schools today are not conducive to the way that young boys learn -- he thinks that schools should be encouraging physical activities, on-hands learning, and competition to keep boys interested.
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Anonymous
I would think this has more to do with upbringing than anything else. My DH went to Gonzaga and he totally supports me working outside of the home (encourages it in fact). However, sometimes I do tease him about not understanding women very well, but I think that has more to do with the fact that he is one of seven boys in his family (no girls). I think that has a lot to do with how he just doesn't seem to "get" women sometimes, not the fact that he went to an all boys high school. |
Anonymous
My son is at STA, hadn't read any books on single sex ed. prior to enrolling him. My goal was to keep him interested in school, period. However, did read a few studies that state boys interest in school start to wane by 3rd grade and by 5th grade their reading scores drop significantly. Makes you cringe. His days are balanced with rigorous physical activity and academics and many classes are indeed hands-on. He has many opportunities to compete throughout the school year, the camaraderie of the guys is great. He finds that school is fun, not a drag. |
Anonymous
| My husband went to an all-male high school and feels stronly that it was a good fit. We are thinking of a similar school for our sons. However, no experience with a K-8 or similar all-boys school. I think I'll look into it, though, as there does seem to be some research out there in favor of single-sex classrooms for that age group (no, I don't have any links at the moment, but I had heard of the Boys Adrift book). |
Anonymous
| OP here. Just finished reading Boys Adrift and The Trouble with Boys. Both gave me food for thought. I am looking for a good fit for my active son and sadly the public school isn't it. I really don't have the money for private school but I feel like I don't have a choice. I know lots of boys who went to HS at all boys' schools and most had good experiences there. Lots of balance between academics, athletics, the arts and spirituality. I feel like the public school only cares about academics and test scores. Like my son is just a walking brain or something. I think I will know the right fit when I see it so I will plan on observing the schools that interest me. Has any every observed in classes at schools they wanted to apply to? Is that something schools are open to? Or do they just want to see you on an organized tour or Open House? |
Anonymous
As far as observing a classroom, I have found that schools vary on this. Some just want you there at open houses; some allow observation. I def. think that it would be very useful if you could observe, though. Just contact the schools to get their thoughts on it. |
Anonymous
| I am the 14:59 poster whose DH went to Gonzaga. I told him this was a topic on DC Urban Moms last night and asked him what he thought about his experience there. He said the education was excellent and that he appreciates now that he didn't have to worry about impressing girls and that he felt he was more free to be himself in school. He also said there was a real emphasis there on being physically active which he sort of thought was a pain at the time, but now sees as a benefit as well. However, he did say that when he went away to college he felt he was about a year behind his male peers socially in interacting with girls. So that was interesting to hear and something I wouldn't have expected since my DH is very outgoing and confident. So, just one perspective from someone who went to an all boys high school 20 years (yikes!) ago and interesting for me to hear since we are thinking of sending our sons to Gonzaga one day. |