Co-ed with brother or own single sex Prep for DD?

[tjandpootle]

My DS has his name down to start in Reception at a Co-Ed Prep next September. (All the Preps near us are Co-Ed or just girls but we chose it because we really liked it.)

I assumed that my DD would go to the same school and we're in the process of putting her name down for the Nursery. However, we've just seen a Girls only Prep that we like just as much. It is literally on the way to my DS's Prep so the travelling is not an issue. DS's Prep only went Co-Ed a few year ago so the boy:girl ratio is still only 65:35. Do you think we would get better 'girl-tailored' education at the Girl's only Prep rather than at a school that is still getting used to having girls?

A concern of them being in two different schools would be trying to participate in all the PTA type stuff for 2 schools! Also, I think it would be nice for them to see each other in the playground and share stories about the school they have in common?

Any experience or opinions of this - all comments gratefully received :)

I don't think you need 'girl-tailored' education at this level. A good education is a good education. And presumably you liked the ethos of the place as you are sending DS there. Also, the ratio will have changed again by the time DD joins.

IME having the kids at the same school definitely helps them to be friends at home. They talk about the same people/teachers etc.

Time enough to do the 2 school thing at senior level. by which time they may need completely different things.

I tried single sex prep for DS but I didn't really feel separating boys at this stage had any real benefits and DS did miss 'something' by not having girls around, so DS and DD are now in co-ed prep.

Don't under estimate the nightmare of co-inciding dates for sports days, Christmas play speech days etc, and also the palaver of drop offs and/or pickups at the same time.

In my opinion, unless you feel strongly that the single-sex school is 'right' for you DD, then you will make life so much easier by keeping them together. Mixed schools are very good at addressing both boys and girls learning styles.

Thanks for your comments - really helpful. Definitely leaning towards keeping them both at the same place now. :)

Our DS and DD go to the same prep and although there are many single sex options in the area, they get so much out of being at school together. Our DD is still in nursery and it's lovely picking her up at lunchtime if we see our DS's class heading somewhere as all his friends know her name and vice versa. Also on a practical note it does make life a lot easier with just one set of fairs / concerts etc to keep up with!

DS and DD go to single sex schools. DS2 is at another one so I have three in three different schools. It is tricky but do-able.

DS 1 went to a boys prep then a co-ed. After a few years at the co-ed he begged us to let him go to a boys secondary.
Based on that I have no qualms about single sex schools. I much prefer it. I also have the confidence of knowing that they mix massively with the oppsoite sex outside school so they don't miss out.

I am finding with younger ds is very aware of which school he will go to and which teacher he will have...all becuase he has seen ds go through it all.

This seems to me to be such a bonus for him, being so familiar already....

I would keep them at the same school for this reason and also the problem of clashing concerts/sports days down the line.

My ds and dd are at the same prep school and although I might consider single sex senior for my dd at 13 (there are no single sex boys senior schools in my area at all) I will probably keep them together.

Another bonus of this (as well has having speech day, sports day, carol service etc all at same time) is that my school offers a 10% reduction on the 2nd sibling!!!!

I went to a single sex school as did my brother, loved the fact I was me and was at a single sex school. Both my dss go to a co-ed prep school which was single sexed when they started. Would prefer it still to be single sexed. But I think ds2 is in the "shadow" of ds1 but that has nothing to do with being same sex school rather, him being the younger. HTMS

My dc (dd and ds) go to single-sex schools. The reason being that their schools are right for them. My dd is at an academic single-sex school which suits her. My ds' school is more laid-back which again suits him.
It works for us and I don't mind going to 2 schools.