Balmoral
Hall
School
Founded 1901
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Founded 1901 |
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Balmoral Hall Advantages
Back to About Balmoral Hall page Are educators letting girls down?There is much debate about how girls fare in co-educational settings. Studies have pointed to the fact that, historically, girls have been short-changed by classroom settings in which boys, by virtue of their assertiveness, receive more attention from teachers. Researchers have noted that girls actually score higher in aptitude, achievement and self-esteem when they enter school than when they leave it, with the greatest dip in confidence occurring during the turbulent years of adolescence. They point to the fact that girls are dramatically under-represented in engineering, the physical sciences, computer sciences and other technical fields. Public schools can be large and impersonal, with student-to-teacher ratios that don't allow for attention to the needs and learning styles of individual girls. The pressures to be popular can often affect academic achievement. Steps have been taken to address these issues in many educational systems and institutions, but there is no doubt that there are and will always be some girls who do better in the supportive setting of a smaller, single-gender school, particularly during the esteem-challenging middle school and high school years. What are the benefits of a girls' school like Balmoral Hall?At Balmoral Hall, our goal is not simply to teach an enriched curriculum. Our programs are designed to build confidence, competence and what experts call "connectedness", which refers to being a meaningful part of something other than self. Our mission is to help girls build well-balanced foundations for personal and professional success in a changing world. Our teachers understand how girls learn. They are dedicated to bringing out the best in each girl, by encouraging her strengths and providing support in areas that are more difficult for her. While our programs are demanding and our expectations high, the atmosphere is co-operative and supportive. It is an environment in which every girl feels free to believe in herself, to speak out and take academic risks. The success of the BH approach is evident. On average, 98% of our graduates attend the university or college of their choice, and over 50% benefit from scholarships. In addition, our students are more likely to pursue careers in math, science and technology than girls in co-ed public schools. Doesn't isolating girls from socializing and competing with boys insulate them from reality?The way girls learn and interact is different from boys, and an environment that offers teaching strategies to support this process provides skills that will give young women an advantage in any situation they face. Balmoral Hall believes that an academic program focused on the way girls learn will open more doors for our students. Indeed, since our programs are focused on building confidence and competence, they will provide girls with the resources to pursue more opportunities for themselves and compete as equals. At the same time, we recognize that it is important for girls to have the opportunity to interact with boys in a variety of settings. We provide many forums for them to do so, through school activities such as dances and special events. Our students are encouraged to take part in community service projects as well as many academic competitions and extra-curricular activities that often bring girls and boys together. How does Balmoral Hall differ from all-girl classes in a public school?Balmoral Hall's motto, Meliora Petens, means "seeking better things". That means we strive to do more than teach. We strive to instill a curiosity and love of learning that will last a lifetime. Each girl is encouraged to try a range of extra-curricular activities from athletics to art, debating to dancing. We endeavour to reinforce community values, so that in seeking better things, she is also doing better things. Girls are encouraged to hone their learning and study skills as well as their interpersonal and leadership abilities, including dealing with issues such as conflict resolution and ethics. In the area of career enhancement, students have opportunities to connect with mentors through our partnerships with business and post-secondary institutions. BH girls wear uniforms. Uniforms not only eliminate the fashion competition, but also foster a sense of belonging and team spirit. They encourage girls to express their individuality from within, in more creative and productive ways. They also teach girls to look beyond the superficial in others, and appreciate others for their unique personal qualities rather than their appearance. Balmoral Hall's size and sense of community results in one of the most enduring non-academic benefits of the girls' school experience - lifelong friendships. The importance of these friendships is a constant theme among students and alumnae. This inclusive environment, coupled with the benefits of a small school with small classes, helps to create what we frequently refer to as "the BH Family". That family is comprised of students, teaching staff, parents, grandparents and alumnae, all of whom are encouraged to get involved in the life of the school. Our school is an extension of your family, providing what one of our recent valedictorians called "a sanctuary of kindness and wisdom that many of us call our second home". Is Balmoral Hall for my daughter?We would be pleased to talk to you and your daughter about how she can benefit from the enriched learning environment provided by Balmoral Hall. To make an appointment for a tour or to learn more about the program and fees, please contact the school. Back to About Balmoral Hall page
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Balmoral Hall School
Page last modified on January 28, 2008 Website policy |
630
Westminster Avenue