Going to an all-girls, Catholic, private, college prep school is not all pink glitter, A's, and six-inch skirts. Even though what I define as a normal day at school may be a complete 180 from an inner city school's definition, I would say my school days are pretty average ones.
Just like any great portrayal you have seen in every movie about schools with a uniform, the policy on what to wear is pretty strict, and three violations add up to a detention - better described as usually doing work around the school that the nuns in the office need to get done before the weekend. The knee socks, blue and green kilts, and neatly tucked in blouses is my everyday reality. In all honesty, it is not as bad as you may think, and it actually makes waking up and deciding what you're going to wear a whole lot easier. Plus, without any guy to "impress," you do not feel a need to do your hair or makeup unless you just want to for fun. This makes waking up late in the mornings no problem, since it literally takes less than five minutes to get ready anyway.
Out of any one I know at public or any co-ed schools, my school always seems to have the closest friendships. Being surrounded by people who are just like you, have similar interests and dedication to their work makes it easier to grow closer to each other. Plus, we have less than 400 students total and makes it so you know just about every face you pass in the hallway. You have nothing but friends around you, how could you not feel completely at home? Of course, there will always be tiffs here and there or that one person who just seems to always get on your nerves, but that's normal in any close quarters environment.
400 girls doesn't always equal 400 smiles, I'm afraid. There are more tears shed in the halls daily at my school than at any public school in a week. Whether it be a horrible grade, a petty fight between friends, or even laughing until you cry—seeing someone with rosy, soaked cheeks is nothing shocking. Luckily, there are plenty of girls and caring teachers to ask you if everything is okay and are willing to listen to you rant about how annoying your brother is for taking your keys and hiding them on the dog's collar this morning and how your mom then yelled at you for not knowing where they were.
Speaking of teachers, you'll probably be great friends with a lot of them. In such a small environment, you get to know even your teacher's personal lives and befriend them in the process. It is not uncommon to find yourself walking not toward the door, but to your favorite teacher's classroom after the last bell, whether it be to talk to them about weekend plans, what you did not understand in class, or the true meaning of life, you will always find something to say.
If you go to a private school and do not plan on doing any sports, clubs, or musicals, be prepared to be completely alone after school. The classes may end at 3:00, but the doors will not close until 6:30 on the average day. From basketball practice to fall musical rehearsals, the school is always buzzing with activity. If you were to pull just one random student out of my school and ask what extra curriculars she is involved in, be prepared for a list. Most everyone has done a sport at some point, at least done tech crew for the shows, and is on some club's executive board. Then we get to drive home in the dark only to begin on what is usually 3+ hours of homework - and that is on a good day.
Now, the question that has most people chomping at the bit - but what about the boys? I mean, come on, it is a ton of teenaged girls who only get to see guys their own age on the weekends at most! While this does produce a hefty number of boy-obsessed girls, most of us are just as comfortable with the male species as any other human. We are not scared of them, and we are pretty sure they are not scared of us. I personally have plenty of guy friends, and not being in school with them has never been an issue. Even when you have a boyfriend, the relationship will never be halted or burdened by not seeing each other in the halls.
So, going to a private all-girls school? Piece of cake! You just have to know how to handle it, and how to handle yourself. High school has been the best years of my life, and I would not trade my stuck up prep school or the amazing, life long friends I have made there for the world.
