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Published on 08/31/1998 All articles from this issue

All-girls school opening this week in Mtn. View

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By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer

A new school geared toward science, math, computer technology and girls' social needs opened in Mountain View this week.

The Girls' Middle School was scheduled to open its doors at 160 N. Rengstorff Ave. Tuesday after nearly a year's search for a location.

Launched by a group of local residents, the all-girls school will teach girls how to be "safe, handy and hearty," said founder Kathleen Bennett. The curriculum will include lessons in the fine arts, self-defense, hands-on science projects and "girl talk" sessions that address the social and emotional needs of young women.

Although the school only accepted girls in grade six this fall, school organizers say they plan to add grade seven next year and grade eight the following year.

Bennett, a former teacher, spearheaded the school's concept two year's ago after reading reports that girls' interest in math and science declines during the middle school years.

Bennett said many girls in this age group "hit a wall of femininity" and their self-esteem and career expectations plummet.

Bennett organized a team of Peninsula volunteers and consultants and collected half a million dollars in support, much of it from parents in the Los Altos area.

A spokeswoman at the school said about 32 students will be enrolled in two classes this year. She said each class will have a ratio of one teacher for every five students.

For more information, call 851-5227.