4 Social and Intellectual Benefits of Co-Education for Your Child

The choice of where boys and girls go to school, learn and play is rarely a straightforward one. The establishment of both co-ed and single-sex schools gives parents and guardians a choice of where to take their children. While single-sex schools may seem ideal, they can negatively impact a child's social and intellectual skills. Co-education, on the other hand, provides a diverse and fulfilling environment for both sexes to thrive. Below are some social and academic benefits of co-education for your child.

1. Improved academic performance

Research shows that girls perform better than boys in subjects such as English, humanities, mathematics and science-related topics. Both genders have weaknesses that can only be strengthened in a diverse environment. For example, in a boys-only school, students may not recognise their weaknesses in English and humanities. However, in a mixed classroom where girls outperform boys in humanities, the latter will be challenged to do better. These challenges boost the intellectual capacities of both genders, leading to better academic performance.

2. Easy transition to university life

Universities are diverse institutions with both males and females. Kids and teenagers who have schooled in single-sex schools may have a hard time transitioning into university life. On the other hand, Co-education enables students to adapt faster to the diverse community. Exposure to both genders children a diverse perspective of the world. This, coupled with the familiarity of the mixed-gender environment, promotes an easier transition to campus life.

3. Improved interactions with the opposite sex

Once a child leaves school, they encounter different people, both male and female. A student who was never exposed to a mixed environment may have a hard time interacting with the opposite gender. This affects their relationships not only in the university but also at the workplace. Co-education results in better interactions between individuals of the opposite sex. Children learn to accept, understand and respect persons of the opposite sex. The acceptance, understanding and mutual respects translate into better relationships and social lives, even into adulthood.

4. Better self-esteem

A child who has grown and schooled around kids of the same gender may have esteem issues. Lack of exposure to the opposite sex creates a sense of unfamiliarity. Thus, when one encounters the opposite gender, they may feel shy or intimidated. The inability to interact with the opposite gender can cause a child to isolate themselves, and this can hurt their self-esteem. Kids who learn, play, and regularly interact with the opposite gender are comfortable in different social settings. This exposure can boost their confidence.

Co-education doesn't just benefit kids intellectually. Exposure to both genders can boost a child's social skills and promote better relationships both in childhood and adulthood. Contact private co-educational schools to learn whether they're right for your child.