At IHA, the sophomores enjoy a fun-filled sophomore spirit day.
Photo Courtesy of Immaculate Heart Academy.

When I was searching for a high school, one of the first decisions I made was to attend an all-girls school. Part of the reason I decided this was not only because none of the local co-ed high schools appealed to me, but I also knew that the quality of the education and attention I would receive at a single sex school would rival any co-ed school there was.

Nothing against boys, but I think girls learn better at a school without them. It’s nice to wake up knowing I don’t have to impress anybody or what I would do if I get paired up in lab with my crush. I don’t have to be afraid to look nerdy or unladylike.  I am also guaranteed that my classes will never be interrupted by immature comments or outbursts and that in physical education boys will not hog all the attention.

Sometimes in a co-ed school, boys and girls get grouped into certain interest groups based around the traditional gender roles. This isn’t a problem at IHA, however, because we are encouraged to pursue all our interests. I am someone who is strongly interested in STEM fields and at IHA I can pursue those passions without being inhibited by the fact that they are typically fields popular with boys. IHA wants us to explore STEM and to become the next great female scientists.

Seniors get to spend their last days bonding together at the annual senior barbecue.
Photo Courtesy of Immaculate Heart Academy

Being a single sex school, IHA is smaller than most. The average high school has about 1500 students. IHA has about 800, half of the average (but that makes sense because we have only girls, half of the typical student body). Having only 800 girls allows small classes and one-on-one opportunities with my teachers. I receive personalized attention and help, allowing me to positively progress in my studies. Because of the personal focus IHA allows, I, like many other students, have developed relationships with my teachers that will last us into the professional world.

Now, to the obvious, being an all-girls school is great because it’s only girls. The whole student body is made up of people just like me who understand why I can be crabby sometimes. Yes, girls have a tendency for drama, but we are also sweet, loving, and caring. There is always a shoulder to cry on or a person willing to help me with homework. As girls, we have a connection to each other and IHA allows us to foster that and to develop our female relationships. We get to bond over our common homework miseries on top of the typical teenage girl issues. No, if you want a boyfriend you can’t find one at IHA, but you can find someone who will bring you ice cream during a break-up.

There you have it: going to an all-girls school isn’t all bad. I am lucky I have the opportunity to attend IHA. I don’t have to worry about any boys affecting my school work and I get to explore my interests. I receive personalized attention and am not just a name in an attendance log. I also am surrounded with girls who understand my situation and who I can bond with. Like my freshman year Student Council theme says, we are truly anchored in sisterhood.

By Heather Farrell’18, Junior Editor-in-Chief