These schools are also introducing many reforms and implementing measures in pace with modern educational trends. These reforms include introduction of mixed-sex education in elementary schools, something that is aimed at creating an ideal educational environment for both boys and girls.

There is no doubt that women teachers know more about the educational and psychological needs of children than their male counterparts. A large number of private schools in various regions of the Kingdom started introducing this system in the new academic year. This was after an experiment, implemented by a limited number of schools, was found to be successful over the last few years.

Many parents are now eager to get their children enrolled in such schools. However, this new trend has sparked controversies and heated debates with many questioning the move and opposing it, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported.

Teacher Hanan Al-Anzi said that although the move is unique there is a need to properly understand its positive impact. “There are many people who oppose this experiment. Their main argument is that it is contrary to our religion and nature, and that it would lead to moral degeneration,” she said.

Al-Anzi criticized these people saying that they are unmindful of the fact that they are living in a country where the governing system is based on Shariah, adding that the new move is fully in line with the principles of Islamic law.

“There is nothing contrary to the Shariah in the system. There is separation among boys and girls in the classroom. Under the system, male students will be educated along with girls by female teachers up to the third standard. It is unfair that those opposing the reform suspect the innocence of children,” she said.

Asma Ajeem, a teacher at a private school, is of the view that there are pros and cons in the new system. The most important advantage is that young students will see kindness and affection coming from their female teachers similar to what they get from their mothers.

“This will be an encouragement for them to adapt to the learning environment. Female teachers are also more systematic in creating a better learning environment than their male counterparts,” she said.

Thurayya Musharraf, another private school teacher, favors the system. “A female teacher can understand the problems of young students and is more patient than a male teacher. Students in the lower classes are passing through the first phase of character building and personality development. In this phase, they need extreme care and attention. Teachers have to clear several doubts and answer even irrelevant questions raised by them. This needs utmost patience and forbearance on the part of teachers,” she said, adding that women teachers are in a better position to tackle this than their male counterparts.

Abeer, another teacher, strongly backs the system, as it will create job opportunities for qualified young Saudi women. “Female teachers are highly suited to interact with children of both genders in the first few days of their schooling. Children need affection and teachers should behave with them more gently and with utmost patience,” she said.

Wafa Abu Mazen, director of a private school in Tabuk, said many people are supportive of the idea, adding that it will help change people’s attitudes for the better. “My school is receiving lots of applications from parents who want their children to be enrolled in schools with women teachers,” she said.

Noura Salim, a mother of four boys, expressed happiness over the introduction of the new system. “I have completed procedures to get my son enrolled at a private school for girls. I also feel great relief when I see both my son and daughter in the same school,” she said, adding that it gives mothers the opportunity to meet the teachers and discuss about their children.

“Many mothers find it awkward having to contact their boys’ male teachers,” she added.

Mother of five boys, Fatima Al-Ogaili, said all boys under nine should be taught by women teachers. “Some male teachers are very strict and rough in their behavior with boys in the lower elementary classes. They scold and shout at them for simple reasons. These teachers are unaware that this type of behavior instills fear and hatred of school in children,” she said, adding that this is one of the major reasons why children drop out of schools.

On the other hand, Abu Abdullah, a parent, is against the new system, as this would leave a negative impact on children’s development. “Young children have a tendency to emulate teachers. This would affect them adversely. This would also harm male teachers by creating a feeling in them that they are not capable of dealing with boys in the beginning of their schooling,” he said.

Ayesha Al-Hakami, a faculty member at Tabuk University, is of the view that the new system should be reviewed. “The best way is to continue the current system of separate schools for boys and girls,” she said.

On the other hand, Ahmad Al-Hariri, a researcher in social affairs and psychologist, said that co-education in lower elementary classes is a step in the right direction in developing a bright generation. “This will also curb other negative effects of segregated education, such as improper sexual behavior,” he added.