Which statement accurately describes the average puberty ages for girls?

• A. 7 and 9 years
• B. 9 and 12 years
• C. 9.5 and 14.5 years for girls, peaking at 12
• D. 11 and 13 years

Answer: (C)

Puberty in girls generally begins in late childhood, around 9 to 10 years old, with the fastest growth (the pubertal growth spurt) occurring a bit later, usually around 11 to 12 years. Development then continues through adolescence, typically completing a few years after the growth spurt, by the mid-teens. The statement describing onset near 9.5 years and completion around 14.5 years, with the peak around age 12, matches this typical timeline: a start in the 9s, a peak growth period around 12, and progression toward completion by around 14–15. The other options either suggest puberty starts too early, or they imply a shorter overall span, or place the peak growth at a less accurate age.