In many high schools, one thing that is essential is health class. At an all-girls school like Montrose, it would make sense that there would be a health class to teach girls about their growing bodies. In the typical health class, students learn about health and nutrition, mental health issues and resources, how to exercise properly without overworking themselves, and much more. Health class would help young girls in Montrose know how to deal with their changing bodies. A concern many girls at Montrose have is that without health class, many middle schoolers might not know what is going on with their changing body and might think something is seriously wrong with them, especially if they do not have an older sister who could tell them or help prepare them. Although many believe that it should be offered, there are some who believe that it should not. 

At the moment, health class is not being offered. In the student handbook, it explains why the class is not currently a part of the schedule. On page 17 it states: “While the School is a natural setting for our students to grow and thrive socially, we respect the primary role parents play in the social and emotional development of their daughters. As their first and most important educators, parents must take up and own what they will always do better than schools – giving their children healthy input on social interactions, relationships, dating, intimacy and sexuality education.” The school believes that parents are the people who know their daughter best, so they should be the ones who teach their daughters the normal things taught in health class. Director of Student Learning & Leadership Mrs. Whitlock added: “Parents are in the best position to know their  daughter and to frame health issues in the context of each family’s values .”

Many students believe that health classes should be offered because it could help teach them about their bodies. Health class could provide helpful and accurate information for kids  who would not be able to find it anywhere else, or for those who could find out wrong information from the internet. Kathyrn Greene ‘25 said: “There is important information that some kids won’t find out at home, so they need health class to provide that information. Health class provides important information about the human body and how it functions.” Others also think that health class would be a good addition because it could provide helpful mental health resources. Many people experience anxiety when they perceive so much pressure on them. Having guidance could help students know how to deal with it. 

Another reason why people think health class would be beneficial if offered is because it can teach students about what food growing kids need to eat to stay healthy. Sarah Ohaegbulam ‘23 said: “What healthy nutrition looks like is something that is EXTREMELY important to impressionable teen girls, especially ones who are rushed with school and sports and might not be focusing on fueling themselves.” All of these reasons argue the point that many think health class would benefit all of the girls at Montrose, especially because middle and high school is when the most changes in our body happen. 

Although many people think the class should be offered, there are still many people who believe that it should not because it is up to the child’s parents to teach them about. Carolina Florez ‘26 said: “Parents can teach their kids the things taught in health class, and also it’s better to dedicate time to other school subjects.” A good number of people think this as well, saying that health class would be a waste of time, and it should be up to the parents to teach their child about things taught in health class. Some people worry that the things taught in a traditional health class do not align with Montrose’s teachings or beliefs. Others would also be uncomfortable learning about the things taught in a health class in a school setting, especially around their peers. 

While teaching health class in a way that was compatible with each family’s values would be a challenge, there are objective lessons guided by science that could help inform students about their changing bodies and their physical and mental health needs. All in all, Montrose is an all-girls school and should think about offering a health class because it would help girls to better understand their bodies — especially as they change and grow. A health class would better help teach kids about how to better take care of their bodies and what foods they can eat that will make them feel more energized and ready for the day. It could also provide help with mental health problems and provide helpful resources. 

By Elyse Preston ‘25 Staff Writer

25epreston@montroseschool.org