The Archer School for Girls, an independent college preparatory school in Los Angeles, embodies the belief that leaders are made, not born. Founded in 1995 by three women who were themselves graduates of girls’ schools, the academy thrives on the principles of innovation, community, and diversity. Spread across 2.8 hectares with a student population of 500 and an exceptional academic track record, The Archer School for Girls has been led by Elizabeth English since 2008. With over 25 years of experience in both independent and public schools across the US, English is a staunch advocate for research-based education and fostering an ethical school culture. In this interview, she delves into the school’s unique approach to female empowerment, self-regulation, and what makes the Archer experience truly exceptional.
A School Embracing Innovation and Evolution
Since its inception in 1995, The Archer School for Girls has continuously evolved, embracing new ideas and adapting to the changing world. When Elizabeth English became Head of School in 2008, she recognized the school’s young age as both a challenge and an advantage. While some might associate heritage with value, English saw the school’s relative newness as a platform for innovation and the creation of a forward-thinking culture. Archer’s commitment to research-based education enabled it to become an early adopter of educational technology, research-driven pedagogy, and a cutting-edge engineering and computer science program.
Building a Supportive and Empowering Community
The Archer community is a vibrant tapestry of individuals united by a shared belief in the power of women and the urgent need for increased female representation in leadership positions. The school’s core values of empathy, integrity, and responsibility attract individuals who desire a kind and supportive environment where student well-being and character are paramount. While striving for excellence, Archer also prioritizes creating a happy and nurturing environment, proving that these two seemingly disparate goals can co-exist harmoniously.
Empowering Young Women in a Changing World
One of the significant challenges The Archer School for Girls embraces is the need to be a feminist institution at a time when women’s rights are under increasing pressure. The school’s mission of empowering young women has never been more crucial. Archer equips its students with the tools to speak up, pursue positions of leadership, and challenge the gender bias they are likely to encounter.
Developing Leadership and Self-Regulation Skills
At Archer, students learn to lead by taking on leadership roles. The school provides an abundance of opportunities for students to hone their leadership skills, from choreographing large-scale dance shows to coaching younger students in engineering and robotics. Recognizing the influence of social media, reality TV, and extreme politics on young people, Archer has developed a human development curriculum that focuses on self-esteem and mindfulness. This curriculum empowers students to understand the source of their emotions and develop the capacity to regulate them appropriately.
A Future-Ready Education System
The Archer School for Girls understands the need for its education system to adapt to the rapidly changing world. To address this, they launched Archer Anywhere, a personalized online program that provides access to the school’s exceptional education to students around the globe. This program caters to a diverse range of students, including actors, athletes, entrepreneurs, military students, and advanced learners. All instructors are highly skilled Archer teachers who receive additional training to ensure the quality of the Archer Anywhere program meets the highest standards. They also invest in getting to know their students online as deeply as they would in a physical classroom. Students enrolled in Archer Anywhere also have access to the school’s college and career counseling services, which help them identify universities that align with their individual needs and future aspirations.
Lessons Learned from Inspiring Students
The Archer School for Girls strives to instill in its students the values of bravery, standing up for their beliefs, and taking risks. The school’s graduates are living testaments to the success of this approach. Archer alumni are nominated for Oscars and Grammys, engineering spaceships, starting businesses, and assuming leadership roles in the corporate world. When faced with challenges as Head of School, Elizabeth English draws inspiration from these young women who are embodying Archer’s mission in their own lives.
To learn more about The Archer School for Girls and Archer Anywhere, visit archer.org and archer.org/archeranywhere.
