Why a Girls' School

Our mission is to cultivate in every girl a deep sense of worth and purpose.

At St Michael’s Collegiate, we believe that a school for girls is fundamentally different from a school with girls.

In our School girls take centre stage, occupying every role in student leadership, clubs, and athletic teams. This unique setting is tailored specifically for girls so that they can thrive both academically and personally.

Hear directly from our senior students at St Michael’s Collegiate School about why they love attending an all-girls school.

Empowerment and Leadership

St Michael’s Collegiate is a place of empowerment, leadership, and innovation. Here, girls are encouraged to envision a future where they can be who they want to be. Our mission is to prepare graduates who are brave, bold and kind — young women of character who think deeply, act with integrity, and contribute with compassion. This powerful message underpins everything we do, creating an environment where girls learn, grow, and develop into confident leaders.

Leadership Opportunities

Research-Backed Benefits

Research from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, shows that young women who attend girls’ schools are more likely to become active participants in their communities and engage with global issues. They exhibit stronger leadership skills and are often more politically aware and involved compared to their co-educated peers. Graduates of girls’ schools frequently report:

Increased participation in environmental initiatives
A commitment to social action and volunteer work
A desire to understand diverse cultures and beliefs
A readiness to engage in political discussions and advocacy

Read more research

At St Michael’s Collegiate, strong friendships aren’t just a happy outcome—they are purposefully nurtured as a cornerstone of every girl’s journey.

One of the most profound benefits of an all-girls education at St Michael’s Collegiate is the opportunity to foster strong, supportive friendships. We actively support and model the building of these lifelong friendships and collegiality across our campuses. From the moment your daughter joins us, she is guided in developing essential social and emotional skills: how to be a thoughtful and reliable friend, strategies for wellbeing and self-care, ways to advocate for herself with confidence, ways to manage conflict, and the importance of considering others’ perspectives with compassion.

Grounded in our values of Courage, Integrity, and Compassion, we create an inclusive space where girls learn bravely together, support one another, and form enduring friendships that enrich their lives for years to come.

Encouraging Voices and Opinions

At St Michael’s Collegiate, we prioritize the voices of our students. Research indicates that 87% of girls’ school students feel their opinions are respected, compared to just 58% in coeducational environments. This respect encourages girls to express themselves confidently, paving the way for their future leadership roles in various arenas, from classrooms to boardrooms.

FAQs

1. Why is a girls’ school better for my daughter?

A girls’ school provides a focused environment tailored specifically to the needs and interests of young women. This encourages girls to take leadership roles and excel in academics without the distractions often present in coeducational settings.

2. What kind of opportunities will my daughter have?

At St Michael’s Collegiate, every girl has the opportunity to participate in student leadership, clubs, sports, and academic competitions. Our programs are designed to empower girls to pursue their passions and develop their skills.

Discover more about our learning programs

3. How do girls’ schools support STEM education?

Collegiate is committed to engaging students in STEM through targeted programs and initiatives. With female role models in these fields, girls gain the confidence to pursue advanced studies and careers in science and technology.

4. How does a girls’ school prepare students for leadership?

Girls’ schools encourage self-expression and respect for diverse viewpoints. This environment fosters confidence and equips young women with the skills needed to lead in their communities and careers.

5. What questions should I ask about my child’s current school?

Consider whether girls are encouraged to take on leadership roles, participate actively in class, and whether there is equal support for girls’ athletic programs. Reflecting on these questions can help you determine if a girls’ school is a better fit for your daughter.

Choosing St Michael’s Collegiate girls school means choosing an environment where your daughter can thrive, lead, and grow into the confident adult she is meant to be. Join us in raising the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

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