State of the Georgia Girl Report

School Climate

The roots of engagement begin in elementary school. According to the 2024 Georgia Student Health Survey, 30% of elementary-age girls report they “always” like school, compared to 26% of elementary-age boys. The pattern is consistent through the middle of the scale, but the most striking gap appears at the “Never” end: nearly twice as many elementary boys as girls report they never like school (8% versus 4%). The early divergence in school affinity – present as early as 3rd grade – sets the stage for the engagement and academic gaps observed in later grades. Elementary-age girls are more likely than boys to consistently like school. Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Student Health Survey – Elementary School, 2023-2024.

I like school, according to elementary school students.

38%

38%

30%

29%

28%

26%

8%

4%

Always

Often

Sometimes

Never

Female

Male

Girls in Georgia’s upper grades also report a more positive perception of their school’s academic expectations than their male peers. According to the 2024 Georgia Student Health Survey, 84% of female upper-school students agree that their school has high standards for achievement, compared to 78% of male students. The variance mirrors research showing that girls often feel a more profound amount of pressure to perform well academically while boys experience negative social consequences by pursuing academic achievement (Workman & Heyder, 2020).

“My school has high standards for achievement.”

83% Middle & High School Girls Agree

Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Student Health Survey – Middle and High School, 2023-2024.

POWERED BY THE GIRL SCOUT COUNCILS SERVING THE STATE OF GEORGIA 57