Each morning, in a quiet moment, a classroom of boys takes time to share their thoughts and gratitude. One reflects on a friend. Another expresses thanks for his family.
It’s a daily occurrence at Hardey Preparatory for Boys, part of Sacred Heart Schools Chicago. And, shares Associate Head of School Dan Gargano, it builds a sense of trust and vulnerability.
“They get to hear what the other boys are feeling, and it’s just remarkable,” Gargano says. “When one student does it, it opens the door for the next young man to do it, too.”
This practice of sharing and connection is among several key benefits that boys in grades pre-K-8 can gain from a single-gender education experience, Gargano says.
Snapshot: 4 key benefits of an all-boys education
Single-gender education for boys can help in several key areas.
- Supporting emotional intelligence: Sharing rituals encourages connection
- Active, hands-on learning: Flexible classrooms keep boys engaged
- Responsibility and character development: Role models teach respect
- Encouraging leadership and individuality: Recognition helps build confidence
How each benefit helps boys thrive
1. Supporting emotional intelligence
Boys-only classes create a safe space for emotional expression and connection.
- Daily sharing rituals: Practices like Hardey Prep’s “morning intentions” allow boys to share personal thoughts and build empathy. “They’re able to show a softer side and not worry about being stereotyped,” Gargano says. “They see that that softer side exists in all of the young men around them.”
- Social-emotional learning classes: Dedicated classes also encourage boys to be more open about what’s on their minds, creating a sense of camaraderie.
2. A focus on active learning and expression
Boys often thrive in active, hands-on environments that allow for motion and energy.
- Movement-friendly classrooms: Flexible seating and space for motion keep boys engaged and help channel energy productively. “We know that some of our young men have, at times, a bit more energy,” Gargano says. “So their classrooms are conducive to that.”
- Interactive projects: Hands-on projects help build teamwork, too. “There’s a sense of energy you can capitalize on in an all-boys classroom to instill a sense of brotherhood and morale — and get a positive work ethic,”
- Strengthening communication: In single-gender classes, boys can express ideas freely, such as exploring a novel they’ve read for English class. “They have a voice,” Gargano says, “and share how they’re interpreting material.”
- Building broader perspectives: At some single-gender schools, like Hardey Prep, daily coed time (30-90 minutes) also allows boys to hear from female peers, expanding their understanding and preparing them to interact in mixed settings. “They’ll be able to hear how a female student is reading that same novel,” for instance.
3. Space for responsibility and character-building
Single-gender settings allow for focused conversations around character and accountability.
- Character lessons: Dedicated discussions with male teachers and role models center on respect, integrity and responsible interactions, especially with female peers. “How we interact with our male peers as well as girls and women is a very focused conversation,” Gargano explains. “This includes how we show respect to our Academy (Sacred Heart’s girls’ division) counterparts, sisters, mothers and teachers.”
- “Safe mind, safe voice, safe body”: These lessons teach boys to respect shared spaces like hallways and playgrounds, managing physical behavior. “How we play on the playground is different than how we play with our brothers at home,” for instance.
- Owning mistakes: Boys also learn to take responsibility for their actions and make amends. “When we make a mistake, we go up to that person, take accountability, and figure out how to make it right,” Gargano adds.
4. Encouraging leadership and individuality
Single-gender settings help boys discover unique strengths and build leadership skills in nontraditional ways.
- Gender-specific awards: At Sacred Heart’s annual Prize Day, for instance, boys are awarded in categories like performing arts alongside sports, academics and strength in character. This nurtures all talents without possible gender stereotypes.
- Building confidence: By celebrating achievements individually, boys are encouraged to explore new roles. “We’re often able to instill confidence, break down stereotypes, expand leadership roles, and take off a level of competitiveness,” says Gargano.
Sacred Heart Schools Chicago is an independent Catholic pre-K-8 school that welcomes all faiths and offers single-gender education for girls and boys on one co-educational campus.
