Why all-girls education?

An all-girls education offers something vital for today's young women. We know the middle school years are pivotal because of the rapid development of girls academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Villa Duchesne’s program for grades 6-12 was created with girls at the forefront. Our students are taught by 21st century educators well-versed in the philosophy of how girls learn best and with the passion to bring that to the girls.

We teach girls that there is enormous potential and power in being a girl. 

“In a girls’ school, a girl can comprehend her value and capabilities in ways that have nothing to do with her gender. She can follow her ambitions without wasting a second thought or a backward glance on the roles society has tried to define for her.” International Coalition of Girls’ Schools

At Villa Duchesne, we are intentional about creating the characteristics that girls will need to be leaders in a world that doubts the value of female leadership: courage, confidence, grit, and humor.

As a result, every student in the school sees role models of female leadership every day. Our students graduate with the expectation that they will be leaders. They are fully aware of the reality and the predominance of male leadership, but they are readied with the tools needed to move into leadership roles once out of school.

At Villa Duchesne, our students move into a myriad of leadership roles: in the classroom, on the stage, on the athletic field, in STEAM programs, and in areas like student government. The girls are both leaders and participants giving our students opportunities to lead, to communicate, and to grow. We have partnered with the International Coalition of Girls' Schools and The Gurian Institute to apply the growing research on brain development in boys and girls. 

Girls’ schools create a culture of achievement in which academic progress is of great importance, and the discovery and development of a girl’s individual potential is paramount. 

“In a girls’ school, every conversation, every decision, and every opportunity puts girls at the center. Girls grow up knowing their voices carry weight in the classroom and beyond.” International Coalition of Girls' Schools

The International Coalition of Girls' Schools (ICGS) offers these 10 reasons to choose an all-girls school:

• Inspirational Environment. Girls' schools champion the educational needs of girls.
• Academic Achievement. Girls' schools create a culture of achievement.
• Developing Leadership Skills. Girls' schools empower students to become bold leaders.
• Building Self-Confidence. At girls' schools, girls occupy every role.
• Focus on STEM. Girls' schools champion the educational needs of girls as a group that is underrepresented in STEM majors and careers.
• Dedication to How Girls Learn. Girls' schools know how girls learn best.
• Nurturing Higher Aspirations. Girls' school students strive for greatness.
• Providing Excellent Mentoring. Girls' school students are mentored by a community of peers, teachers, and school administrators.
• Preparing Girls for the Real World. Girls' schools engage students in activities that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
• 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.