Boys’ Latin is the oldest independent college preparatory school for boys in Maryland, and we understand that, in the words of the International Boys' School Coalition, "there is a difference between being a boys' school and being a school for boys".
We believe that no matter the extrinsic interventions provided to advance a boy’s intellectual development, it is the intrinsic motivation that makes the difference. It is within a nurturing environment where each boy is uniquely cherished and loved that this is best achieved.
We understand that boys need to know why something is important and what significance it has for them. In addition to providing our students with boy-friendly resources, authentic assessments and hands-on projects, we strive to ensure that every aspect of our program is meaningful for our boys.
For further reading about boys and learning, we recommend the following:
The Essential Difference, Simon Baron-Cohen
Teaching the Male Brain, Abigail Norfleet James
Boys of Few Words, Adam Cox
Why Gender Matters - Leonard Sax
The Minds of Boys - Michael Gurian
Raising Cain, Michael Thompson
Boys Adrift, Leonard Sachs
Some ask, Why a Boys’ School in the 21st Century?
The International Boys' School Coalition (IBSC) website notes:
In brief, boys’ schools provide:
A stimulating and safe learning environment that
- encourages full participation by boys in all activities (arts, athletics, community service).
-promotes self-expression and a respect for the many different paths to manhood.
- provides an atmosphere in which to explore sensitive gender and sex-related issues.
Educational programs tailored to meet the developmental needs of boys where
- boys can gain confidence in their ability to learn without being compared to girls who mature more quickly and tend to enjoy more success in school.
-books and curricular materials that excite boys can be integrated into all aspects of the school’s program.
-boys have opportunities to be taught and coached by faculty (including a significant number of males) who have been hired because they want to work with boys.
-boys can grow at their own pace and can “be boys” for as long as they need, protected from society’s pressure to get involved with girls before they are ready.
An environment free of cross-gender distractions in which
- boys need not waste energy posturing or trying to live up to the gender stereotypes so prevalent in the media and society at large.
- focus on academic tasks and achievement in extra-curricular activities can be paramount.
-frank and direct communication foster development and growth.
A setting in which boys develop strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie with peers and teachers so that
- the impact of positive male role models can have its fullest effect.
- a distinctive esprit de corps enriches the lives of boys.