St. Joseph's Academy

Why Single-Sex Education for Girls? Why St. Joseph’s Academy?

During the past two decades much has been written on the advantages of single-sex education, especially for girls of high school age. Without the benefits of this recent research, when the Sisters of St. Joseph established St. Joseph’s Academy in 1840, three significant factors prompted the sisters to establish this school for young women.

Upon their arrival in St. Louis, the first Sisters of St. Joseph in America quickly observed that educational opportunities for women were sadly lacking in the area. The founding mission of the Sisters impelled them to do whatever a woman was capable of doing to meet the needs of society. Instinct, as well as their own experience and courage in revolutionary France, had demonstrated that the contributions of women leaders would make a significant difference in the world.

The 165 year tradition of educating young women at St. Joseph’s Academy has proven
the instincts of the pioneer CSJs to be right; recent scholarly research supports their decision.

Experience supports the fact that most coeducational high school environments are not always conducive to calling forth the best efforts of high school-aged girls. Although these young women want to be successful, they receive mixed messages in a coeducational setting. If they excel in their studies they are often perceived as too bookish to get a date. If they pursue leadership roles they are perceived as being too aggressive. If they demonstrate athletic prowess, they risk being recognized as "jocks".

Think about some of the advantages of a single-sex high school education when considering St. Joseph’s Academy as the best environment for your high school-aged daughter.

At St. Joseph’s Academy:

• an all female environment fosters a strong self identity.
• every scholar, leader, and star athlete is female.
• academic life is separate from interaction with boys.
• social pressure does not enter the picture until the school day is over.
• liturgies and other religious celebrations are planned by the girls and emphasize women’s role in the Church.
• leadership skills are nurtured in all of the school clubs and organizations.
• administration, faculty and staff are skilled educators who are committed to providing the best learning environment for your daughter.
• friendships developed during these high school years provide a life-long community of support.

Research suggests that even a short amount of time in an all-female environment can have a very positive effect on the development of young women. At St. Joseph’s Academy we believe that we offer the optimum environment where your daughter can mature into the woman "who will make a profound impact on the world."

A valuable resource in making the high school decision for your daughter is "Educating Our Daughters: 15 Considerations in Selecting the Best High School Environment". Copies are available through St. Teresa’s Academy at (816) 501-0011, ext. 143 or by e-mail at stars@stteresasacademy.org.