Twenty years ago, all-girl schools seemed headed for extinction, a minor footnote in the broad story of American education. Today they are experiencing a dramatic revival. In this book, Ilana DeBare interweaves the first complete history of girls' schools in America with her own personal story of cofounding an all-girl school in Oakland, California, in 1999. A rich chronicle of daily life at girls' schools over the past two hundred years, Where Girls Come First also illuminates the strong convictions of parents and educators that have fueled the rise of new all-girl schools throughout the country. It is an important contribution to the current debate over single-sex education in America. DeBare brings to life the pioneering founders of girls' schools -- from Emma Willard, who faced ridicule for daring to teach geometry to girls, to Prudence Crandall, who was jailed for opening a school for African-American girls in the 1830s. With vivid portraits of these brave women, as well as profiles of schools today, this book dismantles many of the lingering myths and misunderstandings about the girls' school experience.

Still, the issue of girls' schools remains controversial. Can girls get a real education when they don't have to compete with boys in the classroom? Have muddy soccer cleats and beakers of chemical compounds truly replaced the prim uniforms and silver tea services of old -- to what extent have these old traditions survived in today's girls' schools? Drawing on extensive research and interviews with teachers, school administrators, alumnae, and parents, DeBare explores these and other subjects. Where Girls Come First is vital reading for anyone committed to helping the girls of today develop into the strong women of tomorrow.