A dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Education (MA-ED) of the Mzumbe University 2016The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of girls‟ hostels to the academic performance of girls in community secondary schools in Ikungi district, Tanzania. A case study research design was employed in order to achieve the study objectives. The study was guided by human need and motivation and social climate theory. The study was dominated by social climate theory which states that the learning outcome is affected by the environment where studies take place. The study concluded that hostels have been improving girl students‟ academic performance in community secondary schools in Ikungi District through providing security to girls, reducing the distance to school, providing extra time for private studies, discussion and assignments. There has been significant improvement of girl‟s academic performance after construction of hostels in community secondary schools in Ikungi District. Socio-cultural problems, economic problems and difficulty learning environment have been affecting academic performance of girl students in community secondary schools in Ikungi District.The study recommends that first, the government should educate parents and community on the importance of education to girls. All cultural beliefs that hamper girls‟ education should be prohibited by the government and construct girls‟ hostels in all community secondary schools so as to protect them from different risks which affect their academic performance. Also, the government should equip its schools with all facilities such as laboratory apparatuses, water and electricity supply so as to improve girls‟ academic performance. Moreover, the government should establish a scholarship scheme to support girl students from poor families and parents should make a close follow up of their children academic progression. Parents also should support education for their girls, to make sure they have enough time at home for private studies and work on home assignments. Similar studies are suggested to be conducted to explore the contribution of hostels to the academic performance of girls in all public and private secondary schools in other districts, so as to have a wider understanding of the contribution of hostels to the academic performance of girls in Tanzania.