St. Mary’s Academy offers the advantage of an all-female environment.
We are a member of:
- Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) Network of Schools in North America
- National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS)
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Studies identify several areas in which single-gender education produces favourable outcomes for girls, especially in terms of their confidence, engagement and aspirations.
An all-girls setting has been shown to provide a certain comfort level that helps girls to develop greater self-confidence and broader interests. At SMA, young women are surrounded by positive role models and mentors. Our students see that girls are capable of aspiring to every role — in school productions, on sports teams and in leadership.
Research confirms that girls who attend all-girls’ schools have an edge in post-secondary education and in the professional world.
At SMA, we’re proud to witness the benefits an all-girls environment has for our students.
Visit the NCGS website to learn more about the all-girls advantage.
High School Survey of Student Engagement
In 2013, NCGS participated in the High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE) from the Centre for Evaluation and Education Policy at Indiana University. Those surveyed included 2,013 students from all-girls schools, 5,210 girls from coeducational private schools, and 5,741 girls from coeducational public schools.
Comparing the results with girls at coeducational institutions, the data concluded that girls attending all-girls schools:
- have higher aspirations and greater motivation.
- are challenged to achieve more.
- are more actively engaged in the learning process.
- are engaged in activities preparing them for the world outside of school.
- feel more comfortable being themselves and expressing their ideas.
- report greater gains on core academic and life skills.