What are the advantages of educating boys?

Answer 1

What are the advantages of educating boys? One word comes to mind: Leadership. I'm single mom, a "boy mom" concerned with the plight of education for boys and what it means for future leadership. We will always need strong leadership and whether or not we like to admit it, we will need strong military leadership -- from men and women. But if we don't pay closer attention, the male leadership will be lacking. There is a school system that actually encourages boys to be boys. It's military school. Some parents might say "I don't believe in military school" or "I don't want my son to go to war" or "my son's a good kid, he doesn't need boot camp". But you'd be missing the true value of a military school education: it's multi-dimensional; it's an even playing field for boys and girls. It's well-rounded, grounded, gender-neutral schooling. It's about learning in school, not just going to school. And the best part: boys can be boys! It's boy heaven. My son just completed his first year in military school, 8th grade - his choice. I'll use the New York Military Academy (NYMA) to make my point, as it is the only military school I am familiar with. They receive a fine education at NYMA with typically no more than 10 kids to a class; they're taught to be respectful (yes, M'am; yes, Sir and hats off indoors); and there's a big emphasis on physical fitness and competitive sports -- daily. What better way for boys to work out aggression and let off steam? Military school has an abundance of strong male role models, camaraderie and positive discipline. Their school day is regimented; internet is strictly controlled (no My Space, etc.); their uniforms give them a sense of pride and oneness with classmates. NYMA has been educating boys for 108 years, and they do it well. Donald Trump is only one of their many shining examples. My son is a good kid. His biggest flaw is that he is, or was, a bit of a slacker with schoolwork. Now his grades are way up. There's mandatory study hall daily and mandatory tutoring when needed. He enters high school at NYMA this Fall and has been invited to attend their leadership development program. A leadership development program! And he will most likely graduate with rank - hopefully, captain - and has already started that ascent. Where else can a student, boy or girl, do that?! Thanks to military school's emphasis on athletics and physical fitness, this year my middle-schooler earned a spot on the high school swim team and although new to Lacrosse this past spring, he was a starting player. He had no such motivation nor opportunities in NYC public school. With just one school year under his belt he is already slimmer, stronger, more physically developed and standing proud and tall. He's on a great path towards manhood and leadership. I willingly, gladly make the financial sacrifices towards this end. If it takes a village to raise a child, military school is my village. Claudette

New York City

July 2008