Differences in Male and Female Brains | Critical for Education, Mental Health and Social Development
Misconceptions Surrounding Masculinity and How They Impact Young Men and Their Development
From left to right:
CCBS Founder, Beth Black
Author, Michael Gurian
CCBS Executive Director, David LePere
CCBS Senior Director of Marketing & Admissions, Shaler Black Cooper
Michael Gurian is a social philosopher, family therapist, corporate consultant and a New York Times bestselling author of thirty-six books published in twenty-two languages. As the co-founder of the Gurian Institute, he has led groundbreaking research in neurobiology and brain development, including the differences between the male and female brain and how to apply these insights to homes, workplaces, schools and public policy.
His work with Cherokee Creek Boys School (CCBS) has been instrumental in shaping a “boy-friendly” environment that supports boys’ learning and development in academic, therapeutic and social settings.
CCBS is honored to be the first therapeutic boarding school designated as a Gurian Model School. Michael’s extensive research on the differences between boys’ and girls’ brains has informed the design of our curriculum, ensuring that it aligns with the ways boys naturally learn and grow.
In his latest book, Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development, co-authored with Sean Kullman, Gurian presents a revolutionary framework based on neurobiology to help parents, educators and caregivers better understand and meet boys’ educational and emotional needs.
Boys, A Rescue Plan | Why This Book Now?
- The growing mental health crisis affecting both boys and girls.
- Male depression as a root cause of violence and societal struggles.
- The misconceptions surrounding masculinity and how they impact young men and their development.”
The book emphasizes that brain differences between males and females are not just cultural but biological, beginning in utero. These differences influence how children should be raised, educated, socialized and supported in building resilience. The goal is to move beyond the politics of masculinity and focus on practical strategies to foster healthy male development.
How Cherokee Creek Boys School is a Model for Healthy Development for Adolescent Boys
Michael Gurian highlights Cherokee Creek Boys School in his book as a leading example of a school that effectively supports boys in ways that others can learn from.
At CCBS we incorporate key strategies based on brain science and developmental research, including:
- Staff training in male brain biology to better understand and support boys.
- Recognizing and addressing potential learning challenges or disorders in adolescent boys.
- Designing academic programs that cater to individual learning styles.
- Providing essential one-on-one support for mental health challenges.
- Emphasizing outdoor education and time in nature.
- Integrating movement and activity into daily routines.
- Fostering a close-knit community that promotes brotherhood among students.
- Incorporating a family program to strengthen communication and relationships at home.
With guidance from Michael Gurian and our dedicated CCBS team, Cherokee Creek Boys School truly is “a place where boys can be boys and discover what is real and true about themselves and the world around them.”
To Learn More
Discover more about Michael Gurian’s work
Check out Michael Gurian’s new book
Our CCBS approach to helping boys thrive