How to Start a Girls Group at Your School: A Step-by-Step Guide

Because creating a space for girls to grow, connect, and lead is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Starting a girls group at your school isn’t just a “nice extra.” It’s a transformational act of leadership that helps girls find their voice, build lasting confidence, and see that they are not alone.

And here’s the beautiful truth—you don’t have to have all the answers (or a perfect plan) to begin. You just need a heart for empowering girls, a little structure, and the willingness to create a space where kindness, courage, and self esteem can grow.

Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, coach, or administrator, this step-by-step guide will help you launch a girls group that’s meaningful, sustainable, and wildly empowering.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Girls groups create safe spaces for connection, leadership, and self discovery

• You don’t need a lot of experience—just heart, intention, and a simple plan

• Structure + flexibility = a thriving group that grows with your girls

• A ready-to-use curriculum can make starting a group easy and stress-free

1. Define Your Why

Start by getting clear on your purpose:

• Why do you want to start a girls group?

• What needs are you seeing among your students?

• What skills, confidence, or connections do you want them to build?

Your “why” will guide everything else.

2. Choose Your Age Group

Will you focus on:

• Elementary (grades 3–5)?

• Middle school (grades 6–8)?

• High school (grades 9–12)?

Each group will need slightly different language and activities—but the heart (connection, confidence, courage) stays the same.

3. Get Admin Support (if needed)

Prepare a quick overview for school leaders:

• Purpose: building self esteem, SEL skills, leadership

• Benefits: academic resilience, social connection, emotional wellness

• Structure: how often you’ll meet, where, and how many students

Pro tip: Offer to start with a pilot group if they’re unsure!

4. Plan the Basics

Decide:

• When will you meet? (Before school, lunch, after school?)

• How often? (Weekly? Bi-weekly?)

• How long? (30-45 minutes is a sweet spot!)

• How many girls will you start with? (6–12 girls is ideal for deep connection.)

Keep it manageable at first—you can always grow later!

5. Set a Positive, Inclusive Tone

At your first meeting, set the tone for everything:

• We lift each other up.

• We lead with kindness.

• We show up as our real selves—no judgment.
  Create a group agreement together so girls feel ownership over the space.

6. Plan Activities That Build Connection + Confidence

The best groups mix discussion, creativity, and action.
A typical session might include:

• A warm-up (affirmations, gratitude, icebreaker)

• A main activity (journaling, art, team project)

• A discussion prompt

• A closing reflection or group mantra

Girls thrive with routine and creativity!

7. Make It Girl-Led (As Much As Possible)

As trust builds, let girls help shape activities, discussions, and even future topics.
Ask:

• “What would you love to explore together?”

• “What matters to you right now?”

Empowerment is built when girls realize they have a voice and a choice.

8. Celebrate Growth Regularly

Pause often to celebrate progress:

• Bravery

• Kindness

• Leadership moments

• Creative ideas

Girls need to hear that they are seen—not just for what they achieve, but for who they are becoming.

Want a Complete Curriculum to Start Strong?

The 10 Week Girls Group Kit gives you everything you need to start, lead, and LOVE your girls group—from day one. With session guides, icebreakers, discussion prompts, activities, printable worksheets, and leadership tools, it’s designed to make launching your group easy, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Because when girls gather, believe in each other, and lift each other up—the world changes.

With Love,
Kate