One reason girl-centred environments work best for girls is that they act as spaces that challenge the stereotypes and assumptions that continue to hold women back. Historically, girls’ schools were started to balance educational opportunities, a role they still play in a world that continues to be unequal. 

As Dr. Kevin Stannard discusses in his research - Why (and how) girls thrive in a girl-centred learning environment - girls in single-gender schools are less likely to conform to gender stereotypes, are less constrained in their choice of subjects, show a greater propensity to take risks and innovate, perform better in exams, have more opportunities to show leadership and are more successful in the job market. The benefits that come from a girl-centred environment stay with girls for life, for example, higher reported levels of confidence throughout post-secondary education and beyond. 

The International Coalition of Girls’ Schools lists the top ten reasons to attend a girls’ school, all supported by extensive research; each reason shows a different aspect of how girl-centred environments lead to better student outcomes. 

1. ALLOWING GIRLS TO BE THEMSELVES - Girls’ schools provide an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and engage in an open and safe exchange of ideas.
2. PREPARING GIRLS FOR THE REAL WORLD - Girls’ schools engage students in activities that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
3. PROVIDING EXCELLENT MENTORING - Girls’ school students are mentored by a community of peers, teachers, and school administrators. The overwhelming majority of girls’ school students indicate they feel supported at their schools: 95% feel supported by their teachers, 90% feel supported by other students, and 83% feel supported by their school administrators.
4. NURTURING HIGHER ASPIRATIONS - Girls’ school students strive for greatness.
5. DEDICATION TO HOW GIRLS LEARN - Girls’ schools know how girls learn best.
6. FOCUS ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH - Girls’ schools champion the educational needs of girls as a group that is underrepresented in STEM majors and careers.
7. DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS - Girls’ schools empower students to become bold leaders.
8. BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE - At girls’ schools, girls occupy every role.
9. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT - Girls’ schools create a culture of achievement.
10. INSPIRATIONAL ENVIRONMENT - Girls’ schools champion the educational needs of girls.

See the latest research from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) showing the long-term benefits to girls graduating from all-girls schools when compared to girls graduating from co-ed schools. 

You can see all of the elements of a girl-centred environment in action at CHS. Our school is built on a set of principles that allows girls to feel nurtured, challenged and empowered throughout their school journey. This approach is reflected in our physical spaces, our pedagogical approaches and our whole school culture.

Our beautiful, nature-filled 10-acre campus has been intentionally designed to create shared spaces for connection, as well as for both formal and informal learning to suit girls’ preferences. Circular spaces abound, and students can be found in them every day playing, sharing their learning, and developing a sense of belonging that is crucial for their flourishing.

Lessons are structured around collaboration, discussion and inquiry. The value of continuous growth is built into our assessment models: this approach helps girls develop a genuine love of learning, and with it, the willingness to take intellectual risks. Curiosity at CHS is a form of joy: you can see it in the enthusiasm our students bring every day to their learning, in the liveliness of the Harkness discussions in the Senior School or the energy during the discovery sessions in the Junior School. 

Agency underpins our approach to school culture: we aim to give students the chance to develop a sense of purpose and the confidence to make their own choices, knowing that there is no script written for them. You see this in our approach to career education, the many opportunities for leadership and mentoring, and the value we place on student voice at every level of the school. The many accomplishments of our alumnae are a testament to the long-term impact of a CHS education as the foundation for a life of purpose.