NCGS Membership

The Benefits of Belonging 

 

"I have never been involved in a more creative and forward-thinking group, one with a remarkable record of turning ideas into action. Through a combination of leadership and listening, NCGS has helped elevate girls' schools to new heights of prominence and respect."

                                    ― Former Head of School & NCGS Trustee

 

In 1991, a group of girls' day and boarding school leaders, seeking new ways to share the exciting  story of all-girl education, came together to form The National Coalition of Girls' Schools. Since that time, as the message has spread, girls' schools have experienced a renaissance and today are widely viewed as educational leaders, as incubators of innovation where tomorrow's leaders are being trained.

 

All this has been achieved because we have united our voices. Under the NCGS banner, girls' schools have taken their place as a valuable educational option for today's families.

 

Visibility & Credibility

• Our primary goal is to create visibility and credibility for our members. For example, NCGS:
• Builds a common vocabulary that clearly and forcefully conveys the distinctive value of girls' schools
• Provides one-on-one public relations support
• Makes regional, national, and international media appearances
• Refers journalists to member schools for quotes, sound bites and feature stories
• Supplies press release templates, media talking points and advance news alerts
• Fosters collaboration and networking through regional member gatherings
• Builds strategic national/international alliances with a network of individuals and agencies in education, government, business, research, and other girl-oriented groups

 

Research

NCGS recognizes the value of facts - facts that document the value of girls' schools, and quantify trends within and beyond the boundaries of girls' schools. To that end, NCGS:

• Funds research on graduates of NCGS member schools (4,200 surveyed in 2000)
• Analyzes trends on admissions, enrollment, financial aid, development and testing
• Furnishes research results both in the aggregate as well as by size of school, type of school and region of the country

 

Conferences & Symposia

NCGS sponsors conferences and workshops for faculty and staff of member schools, as well as public events where families can  learn more about girls' issues and member schools' leadership on these topics. For example, NCGS:

• Hosts an Annual Conference featuring prominent authors, researchers and leaders in the education of girls and women; workshops tailored to job responsibilities; and an international student forum
• Sponsors conferences  on topics such as math and science, physical sciences, technology, financial literacy and leadership
• Provides professional training opportunities
• Represents girls' schools at national and international conferences

 

A Powerful Online Presence

The internet has become a prime research tool for parents, educators and the media. The NCGS website consistently ranks at the top on Google and other web search engines. The site:

• Serves as an information portal for parents, students, educators and policy-makers
• Provides members-only access to resources, archives, current initiatives
• Offers links to other girl-centered resources

 

Publications

A significant benefit of membership is NCGS' library of publications. With substantive content and attractive design, our titles are persuasive and affordable material for sharing with the school community and inquiring families. NCGS:

• Provides members with free advance copies of all new publications, as well as members-only discounts on all orders
• Produces educational resources for use by members, minimizing time and development costs schools would otherwise incur
• Offers strategic advice on members' use of NCGS literature in marketing and communication campaigns
• Issues an electronic newsletter that identifies emerging trends, resources and news of note

 

Additional Member Services

As an organization, we take pride in our responsiveness to members' ideas and concerns, as well as the ready access to our expertise that members enjoy. Additional services include:

• Speakers bureau
• Job listing service
• International student/faculty exchanges
• Support to new girls' schools

 

Statement of Purpose

The National Coalition of Girls' Schools is an association of girls' independent and public, day and boarding schools across the United States, with affiliate partners in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

NCGS members share a commitment to the values and benefits of girls' schools and a belief that all girls, regardless of educational setting, deserve the opportunity to realize their potential, to be active and equal, confident and competent leaders, participants and contributors.

As an advocate for girls and girls' schools, NCGS:

• Enhances the visibility and promotes the value of all-girl schools
• Creates publications designed to advance the girls' school message
• Conducts research to document the benefits of girls' schools and collects data to monitor trends within the membership
  Strategizes with member schools in their marketing, public relations and planning efforts
• Sponsors conferences on topics relating to girls and their learning
• Collaborates with like-minded girls' and women's organizations
• Promotes and supports diversity
  

 

Membership

NCGS membership is open to schools (not individuals) in five categories: Full Member, Associate Member (public schools), Provisional Member (not yet accredited) and Affiliate Members (International) and Individual International Membership. Please view the membership guidelines to see if your school is eligble to become an NCGS Member. The application form can be downloaded here.

 

Please contact us online with any questions. Or write to us at the following address:

The National Coalition of Girls' Schools
50 Leonard Street, #2C
Belmont, MA  02478