Who We Are

The International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) grew from a shared belief that girls’ schools are stronger when they work together. Although the Coalition formally began with the founding of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) in the United States, its roots reach back many decades to earlier associations that brought together leaders of girls’ schools for professional exchange and mutual support. As educational landscapes shifted and questions arose about the relevance of single-sex education, these networks evolved from collegial gatherings into an organization dedicated to research, advocacy, and public understanding of the distinctive value of girls’ schools. Early collaborative studies documenting the research-based outcomes of girls’ school graduates helped shape the broader conversation about girls’ education. In 1991, 56 schools united to form NCGS, launching a coordinated effort to elevate the visibility and impact of girls’ schools.

Over the next two decades, the Coalition grew steadily in influence and reach through advocacy, research, professional development, and convenings that positioned it as a leading voice on girls’ education. Conferences, publications, and programming highlighted girls’ leadership and expanded opportunities for students in fields such as science, technology, and financial literacy. In 1996, the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia (AGSA) was established, creating a powerful regional network of schools primarily in Australia and New Zealand while also connecting girls’ schools across the Pacific Rim. Together, these parallel efforts reflected a shared commitment: ensuring that girls’ schools remained strong, visible, and forward-looking institutions educating girls and young women to be informed global citizens who lead with courage, competence and empathy.

As membership, programming, and collaboration increasingly reflected a global community, the Board of Directors repositioned as the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools in 2022. The Coalition’s reach expanded further through the thoughtful integration of like-minded organizations. The Association of State Girls’ Schools, the leading advocate for state girls’ schools in the United Kingdom, and the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia both merged into ICGS in 2023, bringing a legacy of leadership and more than 200 additional member schools. Today, ICGS serves more than 570 schools across all educational sectors in 26 countries, advancing research, professional learning, advocacy, and collaboration across a global girls’ school community.