Single-Sex Classes, Programs Authorized Under Final Education Dept. Regulation

Public schools will now be able to educate boys and girls separately, if they choose, without fear of violating federal laws and regulations prohibiting sex discrimination.

In a much-anticipated release, the U.S. Department of Education today announced final regulations on single-sex education that permit public schools to group students by gender, as long as the education for students of both sexes is “substantially equal.” The single-sex education program must be related to improving the achievement of students, providing diverse educational opportunities, or meeting the needs of particular students.

The final regulations are scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Oct. 25 and will...