In Hesse, the educational landscape still includes several single-sex schools primarily for girls. Last year, approximately 4,000 pupils attended these girls-only institutions. These schools, popularly known as mono-educational, have been in operation in Bensheim, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Fulda, Hanau-Großauheim, Königstein im Taunus, and Offenbach, with a single boys' school in Sinntal.
From an educational perspective, the benefit of girls' schools is debated. Developmental psychologists argue that girls generally surpass boys at the lower and middle school levels, rendering single-sex classrooms useful for tailoring teaching methods for females, thus improving ease of access to learning content.
Research confirms that girls gain an advantage in STEM subjects from girls-only education. The elimination of gender bias in these subjects encourages girls' enthusiasm for physics, chemistry, and computer science. The statistics reflect that women with STEM backgrounds usually graduate from girls' schools in higher numbers.
Unsurprisingly, society's gender-based stereotypes still impact individual choices, including educational ones, even at a young age. Girls often shy away from joint physics lessons due to societal perceptions of physics being a 'male-dominated' subject. In this context, single-sex classes provide an opportunity for girls to fully engage in these subjects without distractions.
Some argue that these distinctions emphasize gender roles and reinforce stereotypes. However, Wiebke Waburg from Koblenz points out that the single-sex environment does not restrict individual identities. Rather, it provides girls with the freedom to explore their interests without the pressure of conforming to traditional gender roles.
A notable exception to this rule is the Fulda Marienschule, a 290-year-old girls' school that has now opened its doors to boys in its upper school. The school rationalizes this change by claiming that after middle school, gender differences in development and psychology tend to diminish.
Single-sex schools have a significant role to play in encouraging girls to pursue STEM fields and in shaping inclusive educational environments. While specific data on the impact of these schools on female university graduation rates is not available, studies suggest that inclusive educational environments, challenging gender stereotypes, and providing financial support can foster a more equitable educational landscape for girls.
