All boy schools or classrooms (Edina, St. Louis Park: home, elementary schools, moving) - Minneapolis - St. Paul - Minnesota (MN) -Twin Cities - City-Data Forum

peterson4 · 10-30-2010, 08:04 AM

Are there any elementary schools in the twin cities that are either all boys schools, or have all boy classrooms?

It is very clear that teachers these days think that all kids are alike and I believe that boys and girls are very different. They act differently, they learn differently and I am looking for a place where the teachers "get" boys. Does anyone know of any schools in the cities to take a look at?

stan4 · 10-30-2010, 08:10 AM

How is saying all boys learn different from all girls any different from saying all kids learn alike?

Splitting up the boys and girls may do a disservice to those kids who don't learn like their gender is 'supposed to.'

Parents should be picking up the slack at home for all kids who have learning differences. Or just hire a one-on-one private tutor to teach your kid everything...forget public school.

Kebinminn · 10-30-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stan4

How is saying all boys learn different from all girls any different from saying all kids learn alike?

Starting in the womb a female brain develops differently from a male brain. It's really a fascinating subject to spend some time on and can provide a lot of insight into the differences of men and women.

The only one I'm aware of is St Thomas in St Paul, it's a private school for grades 7-12.

I do get your concerns having experienced both a teacher who gets boys and one who didn't. I'd do a lot of visits to the schools you are considering, look for a more active school and a school that has learned to move away from worksheets. Montessori may be an option worth considering.

stan4 · 10-30-2010, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kebinminn

Starting in the womb a female brain develops differently from a male brain. It's really a fascinating subject to spend some time on and can provide a lot of insight into the differences of men and women.

.

I am aware of these studies and they truly are fascinating.

But that doesn't mean that all boys learn the same way or that all girls do. Or that all or even many of them would benefit from a different teaching style.

peterson4 · 10-30-2010, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stan4

I am aware of these studies and they truly are fascinating.

But that doesn't mean that all boys learn the same way or that all girls do. Or that all or even many of them would benefit from a different teaching style.

But MINE would, which is why I am asking the question. It is clear to me (and several other moms of boys), that in his current school, the teachers have a preference for girls and tend to pick on the boys who don't behave like girls.

stan4 · 10-30-2010, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterson4

But MINE would, which is why I am asking the question. It is clear to me (and several other moms of boys), that in his current school, the teachers have a preference for girls and tend to pick on the boys who don't behave like girls.

Well, that ain't right.
Good luck finding a new school.

golfgal · 10-30-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kebinminn

Starting in the womb a female brain develops differently from a male brain. It's really a fascinating subject to spend some time on and can provide a lot of insight into the differences of men and women.

The only one I'm aware of is St Thomas in St Paul, it's a private school for grades 7-12.

I do get your concerns having experienced both a teacher who gets boys and one who didn't. I'd do a lot of visits to the schools you are considering, look for a more active school and a school that has learned to move away from worksheets. Montessori may be an option worth considering.

St. Thomas Academy is in Mendota Heights, sister school Visitation is right next door. I am not aware of any elementary schools that are all boys schools or classes in the metro area either.

StilltheSame · 10-30-2010, 02:17 PM

OP - I completely agree. We moved here from Florida after being in a frustrating private school which did not get that younger boys are very different than girls when learning and in a school setting- usually. Moving here we lucked out - Fortunately my son is in the St. Louis Park school system and for the past 2 years has gotten a female and then a male teacher both of whom really get boys. The principal allegedly takes a great deal of time in placing the students. Thus far, he's gotten it right.

srsmn · 10-30-2010, 07:26 PM

I work with kids (in a youth development program). I agree that the boys tend to learn differently, and both boys and girls tend to follow the 'gender rules' that we expect from them. However, I don't really think that there is anything biological about it; I think the boys are picking up on the social cues that we've been giving them and figuring out that they are "supposed" to be more competitive/agressive/hands-on/kinetic/insert stereotype here.

In my capacity, it's not really something to rail against. If the boys want to go outside and play football with us after homework/reading/etc., let them. Football teaches them some valuable lessons. The girls express no interest in it, but the boys do, and that's not a problem for me...

Kebinminn · 10-31-2010, 07:59 AM

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday is a while ago Edina schools were considered boy friendly. Here's some info on the Gurian Institute page. Michael Gurian has done a lot of writing/research/training on boys and education. The info posted here is dated 2002 and they have a different superintendent now so I don't know if it still holds true but they may be worth looking into.

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