A Dallas middle school’s transformation into an all-girls academy has delivered remarkable academic and behavioral improvements, school officials reported. Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs switched from co-ed to single-gender education in 2016.
The change addresses a growing demand for specialized learning environments that help girls excel in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Research shows single-gender education can boost confidence and academic performance, particularly in STEM fields.
The school initially faced academic and behavioral challenges while undergoing major construction. District officials proposed following the successful model of Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School.
Lynn McBee, president and CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, supported launching an opt-in pilot program in 2014. “We were all on the third floor, and it was nothing but classes of all girls,” said Principal Bridget Ladipo, who started as a seventh-grade science teacher there.
“Parents had to opt in to the program, and most did. On the first and second floors, we were pretty much co-ed.”
The pilot’s success led to the official transformation in 2016. Since then, students have shown significant academic gains.
The academy offers engineering pathways starting in sixth grade that lead to certification. Students can pursue advanced art programs where they sell their work, as well as competitive dance training.
Extracurricular activities include Girl Scouts during school hours and UIL sports. Academic clubs develop specialized skills and talents.
“Most of these girls are going to be first-generation college girls,” Ladipo said. “We want to give them the skills, give them the knowledge, and also bring their parents in to collaborate.”
Students visit college campuses and attend women-in-STEM conferences. They complete mandatory service hours and begin college preparation in sixth grade.
Coach Keenanlan Clemmons witnessed the transformation firsthand. “I’ve been here since the school opened in 2012, and while I experienced the co-ed model, I love the single-gender environment,” he said.
“For me, it’s particularly better on the sports and participation side. We see much more participation from the girls now than we did when the school was co-ed.”
Teacher John Fore observed similar increases in academic and athletic participation. More importantly, he’s watched students develop confidence.
“We instill leadership qualities, constantly reminding them, ‘who rules the world? Girls.’ This helps them to blossom into the well-rounded scholar of the 21st century that we know they can be,” Fore said.
The academy began expanding to the high school last year, adding one grade each year.
The first graduating class will finish in 2028.
Teachers receive specialized training for the high school curriculum. “We want to slowly but surely ensure that the needs of our students are being addressed,” Ladipo said.
“We want to develop our teachers to ensure that they have the skills to teach our high schoolers.”
Graduates consistently outperform peers in mathematics and class participation. Many advance directly to varsity sports in high school.
“Even with academics, we consistently hear feedback from our feeder high schools that our girls are often far more advanced in math and use their voice more confidently,” Ladipo said. “Once they return to a co-ed setting, they are far more likely to speak up and answer questions in class.”
The school emphasizes leadership development beyond academics. “At Young Women’s, girls don’t just learn—they prepare to lead, innovate, and change the world,” Clemmons said.
“If we could tell the girls one thing, it’s this: Young Women’s STEAM Academy is your passport to the world,” he added. “When you leave us, you will be prepared for life, whether that’s through academics, athletics, or essential leadership skills. Every student who comes to this school leaves with a valuable foundation for success.”
Interested families can learn more at Discover Dallas ISD on Saturday, November 1, at Fair Park’s Automobile Building.