The Benefits of a Co-educational School*

There is an ongoing debate amongst parents and educational professionals as to whether or not a single-sex or co-educational learning environment is better in the long run for the child. At the end of the day, it comes down to what parents think would be most appropriate for their own child, depending on a variety of different circumstances. I have teamed up with St Chris, a school in Letchworth Garden City, to explore the benefits of a co-educational learning environment.

Credit

In adult life men and women must communicate on a daily basis, so it’s good for children to get used to interacting with the opposite gender long before they start working. This gives them a distinct advantage, because they are able to develop some of the necessary social skills they will need to strive in their future career.

Co-educational environments help girls and boys with their self-esteem. Interacting with people of both the same and opposite gender teaches children to respect one another, appreciate opposing viewpoints and, in some ways, break down gender stereotypes.

Professionals agree that while there are many benefits to both co-ed and single-sex schooling, the decision should be made on a case by case basis. For example, if you have both sons and daughters, it might not be as necessary for them to interact with the opposite gender at school because they are doing so at home and more generally in their personal lives. It depends entirely on the child.