ICGS Course: Foundations of Girls’ Education

Foundations of Girls’ Education is a flexible, self-paced online course that introduces newly hired teachers—whether experienced teachers or new to the profession—to what makes girls’ schools so powerfully transformative.

“If you are new to working in a girls’ school, you need to take this course. It will really help you understand the DNA of girls’ schools as well as what you will need to succeed teaching girls. Instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. The platform is easy to use and there is a wealth of resources available for exploration.”

Led by accomplished girls’ school educators, this course blends research, real-world examples, and practical strategies for supporting girls’ development across classrooms and campuses. Participants will explore how girls learn best, hear from experts and peers around the world, and apply new insights directly to their practice—with feedback from mentor facilitators.

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Understand key research on girls’ development and learning
  • Demonstrate how to apply that research in school settings
  • Gain confidence working in a girls’ school environment
  • Connect with a global cohort of girls’ school faculty

Course Format

This three-week, asynchronous course is self-paced and designed to require approximately four hours per week. New content is released at the beginning of each week and includes short videos, reflection prompts, discussion boards, and resources for deeper exploration. Educators engage in collaborative dialogue with peers and facilitators—an element many past participants say is the most valuable part of the experience.

Course Dates

ICGS is proud to offer Foundations of Girls’ Education on the following dates:

  • August 28 – October 17, 2025
  • October 5 – 24, 2025

Instructors

This course is facilitated by respected girls’ school leaders, including Laura Leathers, Head of School at The Hockaday School in Dalla, TX, Kathryn Purcell, President at St. Joseph’s Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, Natasha Isbel, Dean of Research & Practice at Wenona in Sydney, Australia, Ralpha Covino, Humanities Chair at Girls’ Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Nicole Johnston, Upper School Department Chair, History at Oak Knoll School in Summit, New Jersey.

Registration Information

Participation is open only to ICGS Members. The course fee is $325 USD per participant. Educators may select their preferred session date at registration.

Group Discounts are available:

  • $25 off per participant for groups of 10–19
  • $50 off per participant for groups of 20+

For group registration or questions, please contact Kathleen Osborne at kosborne@girlsschools.org.

Praise for Foundations of Girls’ Education

“The most valuable information this course offered me was the reasoning why girls thrive in an all-girls environment. I was incredibly excited to be entering this new world, and this course added even more to my excitement. …I found myself watching and reading everything twice because the information had so much value to me.”