Why an All-Girls Education at Penguin Hall?
“Why an all-girls education?” For those considering a single-sex education, this is a natural question and one our students and faculty often answer at admissions information sessions.
Mary Burch Ford, who served as the head of Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut from 1993 to 2008, answered this question with particular insight, saying “the function of a girl’s school is not protection, it’s freedom.” At Penguin Hall, this freedom is rooted in valuing each girl’s character, intellect, and individuality. Walk through the halls to a daily morning meeting, and you’ll immediately sense the camaraderie, kindness, and commitment to academics that is fundamental to our school’s culture.
In classrooms designed for discussion and inquiry, girls feel empowered to ask questions, express their ideas, and take intellectual risks—without fear of being overshadowed. Research supports this: A survey of all-girls alumnae found that 93% were offered more leadership opportunities than their co-ed peers, and 80% have held leadership positions since high school. Additionally, half of the respondents felt better prepared in science, math, and computer fields compared to their co-ed counterparts.
Lise Eliot, a neuroscientist at the University of Chicago and author of the 2009 book “Pink Brain, Blue Brain”, acknowledges that while some cognitive differences exist between boys and girls, they do not dictate ability. For instance, while boys may show an advantage in certain types of spatial reasoning, this does not mean they are inherently better at math. The issue arises when these differences are treated as absolutes—limiting girls’ confidence and aspirations in certain fields. At Penguin Hall, we dismantle these stereotypes, fostering an environment where girls excel across disciplines, including STEM.
Beyond academics, an all-girls environment provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. Girls build navigate friendships, leadership, and collaboration in a setting where their voices are not just heard, but expected. This dynamic builds confidence and resilience, preparing them for college and beyond. As Emma F. ’19 shared, “I think Penguin Hall prepares you extremely well for college… The routine of being introduced to a topic, reading, discussing, and writing is what I’ve experienced in college. And I’m used to speaking in a classroom—something that not everyone is prepared for.”
At Penguin Hall, girls learn to advocate for themselves and others, whether by spearheading a community project, launching an affinity group, or proposing a new course. They are encouraged to embrace challenges in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, all while forming lifelong friendships.
Building relationships with other girls is empowering, especially in an environment where strong values, an inclusive culture, and a diversity of backgrounds and ideas are respected and celebrated. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and in an all-girls setting—without the social pressures that can arise in co-ed environments—students often feel more comfortable exploring their identities and being their true selves. That doesn’t mean competition doesn’t exist; it does. But here, competition serves as a catalyst for growth, helping girls navigate relationships and develop emotional intelligence in a supportive space.
An all-girls education isn’t about exclusion; it’s about opportunity. It’s about creating a space where girls discover their voices, develop their strengths, and prepare to lead. At Penguin Hall, we don’t just educate girls—we equip them with the confidence, skills, and independence to shape the world.
If you’ve never considered an all-girls education, we invite you to experience Penguin Hall’s unique learning environment first-hand by scheduling your own Shadow Day.