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Experiences and thoughts on all boys schools
Main Post:
I went to an all boys high school. An all boys military high school, to be specific, and I am interested in hearing other people's thoughts or opinions on all boys schools in particular.
I do want to preface by saying all boys schools are not a fit for every male. I think some boys would not do well, and others would greatly benefit. I fall in the later category. While many might disagree with me, I do think in some ways boys learn differently than girls. Not for better or for worse, just different. A lot more of our day consisted of physical activity. Punishments were usually push ups, wall sits, running, etc. Lunch time was rowdy and loud. Together I think this allowed a lot of us to get out excess energy. In short, I find it strange that in many schools kids are forced to sit and be quiet all day and then we scratch our heads as to why they act out. That's not to say the classroom was disorganized. My teachers knew our tricks and knew how to deal with us, and we respected them for it. Most of my teachers treated us like human beings and on many occasions students trusted them with problems even outside of school. Our student leadership was given true power. Nothing major, but we were truly given a voice, which I think many schools lack.
Now onto the meat of an all boys school: the lack of girls. I think for many boys, girls are distracting. Not in the sexist "girls need to cover up more" sense. Not at all. I mean it in the sense that the girls could wear parkas all day and it wouldnt make a damn bit of difference because hormones. That and we werent afraid to be ourselves because we were trying to impress the opposite sex. I can think of multiple bonding experiences that I do not believe would have happened with girls around out of fear of looking stupid in front of them. Even better, we had an all girls school down the street so we still got to interact with girls which is very important.
Anyway, what are everyone's thoughts and experiences. Like I said above, these are just my experiences, your mileage will vary.
Edit: I do want to say again: All boys schools are NOT one size fits all. Some would do amazing, some would do worse. It is a case by case basis for sure.
Top Comment:
Interesting point of view and I'm glad you had a good experience! I'm not sure I fully agree, though. I definitely think a lot of the things you mentioned -- teachers treating you like people, getting plenty of physical activity -- are excellent policies that would work well in any school, coed as much as single-sex.
I think your post starts to break down when you talk about boys being distracted by girls. That raised an obvious question for me right away that I'm curious of your opinion on: don't gay and bisexual boys have to deal with the same hormones, and wouldn't they be just as distracted by other boys? If so, would you suggest that those boys are better off in a mixed school? (Personally, I think segregating by sexual orientation would be detrimental to both groups.) If not, what's the difference between their hormones and straight boys' hormones? To be honest, I went to a public school which was mixed gender and I never felt particularly distracted by girls, at least not enough to hurt my performance in class. I'd be happy to hear other people's experiences on this topic though.
Also, the other commenter mentioned the army and social fraternities as having similar atmospheres. That brings me to another concern I've heard with regard to all-boys' schools which it shares with those institutions: hazing. I'm in a fraternity, and while most nationals/internationals officially frown on and ban hazing, it's still alive and well in some chapters. My chapter is coed, and also strongly opposed to hazing; I don't think that's a total coincidence. The executive director of my fraternity often talks about being hazed at the boys' school he went to, and I'm led to believe this isn't uncommon. It's obviously not something universal, and again, I'm glad you had a good experience, but hazing is most engrained in those places that are full of toxic masculinity.
What happened to your school “bad boy/girl”?
Main Post: What happened to your school “bad boy/girl”?
Top Comment: My biggest bully in middle/high school ended up going to prison. Funny thing though, my mom worked in that prison, and they got to know each other. When he got out, he found me and apologized. He later got a job at a local Taco Bell, and whenever I came in he would always add a bunch of free stuff to my order. I haven’t seen him in almost 2 decades, but I know he became a dad. I actually hope he’s doing well. Edit: Just looked him up. Had 3 kids, a wife, and is a contractor now. I’m glad he turned it around. Edit 2: wow. Just checked in on this a day later, and my comment blew up. Glad this made some days.
School Has Become Too Hostile to Boys - Boys are nearly five times more likely to be expelled from preschool…
Main Post: School Has Become Too Hostile to Boys - Boys are nearly five times more likely to be expelled from preschool...
Top Comment:
It also helps that in almost all schools (US only opinion as this is my knowledge base), there are no male teachers until at least middle school. The lack of educational positive male role models does have an effect.
edit: Let's have some data, shall we?
Opinions of some teachers:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/men-teach-elementary-school/story?id=18784172
http://news.yahoo.com/op-ed-desperate-more-male-elementary-school-teachers-191700198.html
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/mar/23/advocates-say-schools-need-more-male/
How common are all-boys/all-girls schools in your country?
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I went to a boys school between the ages of 11 and 18. Most single-sex schools are either private or grammar schools here. Personally, I found it alright although I have to admit it did kind of impact my social skills in a negative way. Are boys/girls schools common in your country?
Top Comment: Doesn't exist.
Any do schools I shoul refrain from applying to?
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Are there any DO schools with really bad rep that I should stay away from? Likewise, are there any DO schools that are top - notch and I should absolutely apply to?
Top Comment: Goro's naughty list (Goro is an adcom at a DO school and knows what he's talking about) includes LUCOM, Nova, WCUCOM, ICOM, BCOM, CHSU-COM and LMU-DCOM for varying reasons. I would also advise against attending a DO school that hasn't graduated a class yet, if you can get better options.
What is it with Sydney private boys schools
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Over the years there’s been scandals of boys behaving badly, bullying, humiliation & degradation of other students, SA of students by other students ( Trinity grammar). A new scandal with St Paul’s reported today. Is it entitlement, looking down on others or the weak. Is it no parental guidance, discipline or consequences. All that money in fees with atrocious behaviour by their kid. Below are the schools I remember had student scandals. Be interesting to know other people’s thoughts, views & experiences on private boys schools.
St Paul’s college Trinity Grammar St Doms Penrith Sydney Cranbrook Knox Grammar
Top Comment: They're in a bubble and there's no real interest in bursting it.