Girls work in pairs or small groups on in class assignments, such as determining what factors affects body fat. On our visit, classes were uniformly attentive and organized. Teachers stress the presentation of evidence, pulling information from readings and encourage students to help and challenge each other respectfully. Students read extensively and do one short writing assignment a marking period in each of academic subjects, including math. Girls identifying themselves as Christians and as Muslims plunged into the debate, keeping their voices down and their tempers cool. Girls in 9th grade feminist literature-–a required course said to be almost everyone’s favorite class-– discussed the pros and cons of women who are not Muslim wearing head coverings to express their support for Muslims. The school’s strength is English and history. Test scores and graduation rates exceed the city average. Faculty and other staff seems to know all the students, and extra efforts are made to support students from challenging backgrounds. The small size, along with the fact that many students remain at Urban Assembly for 7 years, gives the school a warm atmosphere. And says founding Co-principal Nathalie Jufer, “The girls actively play at recess-–even at the high school level.” Founding Co-principal Mariela Graham says girls gain self-confidence, develop a voice and are more likely to participate in class than some students at co-ed schools.
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