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No Boys Allowed

Jessica Mills' new public school seems to have everything: speedy computers, a sparkling science lab and thick, homey carpets in the classrooms. What's missing? The boys!

Mills, 12, is one of 50 seventhgraders at the brand-new Young Women's Leadership School in Harlem, a New York City neighborhood. It is one of just three all-girls public schools in the U.S. But not everyone likes the experiment.

Learning To Be Leaders
Why did New York want a public all-girls school? Many studies show that in junior-high girls lose interest in subjects like math and science as boys take over the classroom. "Boys are so aggressive and a distraction!" says Kara Benson, 11.

These troubling reports led Ann Rubenstein Tisch, a former TV reporter, and her husband Andrew to design an all-girls school with a focus on math and science. Principal Celenia Chevere hopes that when they go on to college and jobs, "the girls will have the skills to challenge anyone."

But the girls don't just fill test tubes or solve math problems. In one recent class they were listening to African drumming. At lunch, some talked about sports and computer classes. "I've learned so much already!" says Glory Feliciano, 11.

Many girls decided on their own to try the school. They don't miss the boys. Says Mills: "Now, I don't get so nervous during presentations!" The main complaint so far: the navy-blue uniforms are too itchy.

But Is It Fair?
Right now the school is seventh grade only. But next year it will add eighth and ninth grades--that is, if opponents of the school don't shut it down.

Civil rights groups have filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. They say the new school breaks the law by excluding boys. They argue that schools paid for by taxpayers must be open to all children. Instead of locking out boys, says civil rights lawyer Norman Siegel, "teachers should be trained to treat boys and girls equally."

Do you think it's fair to have a school just for girls or for boys? Would you like to go to one?

Next: Homeward Bound