Does Size Matter?
When it Comes to Private School, Does Size Matter?
You’ve probably heard the sayings “go big or go home” and “the bigger the better,” but when it comes to education, the reverse is often true. Studies have shown that smaller schools with more intimate classroom sizes actually produce students who outperform their peers.
Smaller classroom sizes offer the obvious benefits, including more one-on-one instruction time with teachers who are better equipped to focus a greater amount of attention on each student in their classroom. However, research in this area has found other advantages of smaller classes, including:
- Allowing a more creative and dynamic learning environment
- Requiring less classroom management and discipline, thus reducing interruptions to learning
- Giving teachers more leeway to use a variety of strategies and better accommodate different learning styles
Studies on classroom size have even found direct impacts on student outcomes, like:
- Higher scores on standardized tests
- Increased graduation rates
- Increased college attendance
- Higher salary attainment in future careers
Students who attend smaller schools also participate in more extracurricular activities, are absent fewer days each year, face less bullying, and have a generally more positive outlook towards learning. And small school faculty members are better able to identify and respond to issues and are more flexible in their responses.
Parents looking to take advantage of these great benefits often explore the possibility of private school education for their children. Although private schools in general offer specialized learning you can’t receive in public schools, the size question is an important one to tackle when figuring out what will work best for your student.
How Do You Choose?
When choosing the best private school for your student, consider both the total enrollment of a school and the student-to-teacher ratio in the individual classrooms. While most private schools offer more tailored instruction and opportunities for specialization, smaller schools are less likely to have exclusive cliques, and are less intimidating for shy students who may struggle to speak up in class. Most importantly, they are able to foster a sense of community and belonging for students.
If you would like more information on what private schools can offer, we have a variety of resources to assist you. Click HERE to download our guide to choosing a private high school.