Much can be said for having a small class size, but what about a small school in general? Many studies have shown that within a small school setting students equal and often out-perform academically than students of larger schools. Included in the studies are indicators such as grades, test scores, honor-roll enrollment, subject-area achievement, and high-order thinking skills. Larger schools functioning more like a bureaucracy and smaller schools more like a community.
A large school is considered 1,000 students, with most of the U.S. schools exceeding 3,000 students. States and local policymakers seem to favor the large school setting as it is more fiscally responsible in administrating the operating costs on an annual per pupil basis as opposed to Al Gore’s thinking “herding all students into overcrowded, factory-style high schools”. In large schools we see isolation, poor student achievement, violence, bullying, high dropout rates, and more importantly, the severing of the role of parents and community, all impugning student achievement.
To date there is no standard size that defines “small’. It has been mentioned by small school advocates that 400 pupils for elementary and 800 for secondary may be ideal. Although a large school may be lighter on the purse strings to operate, in the end is it that fiscally responsible? Small schools may require higher levels of annual per pupil funding however the outcome is a more academically astute student. In small schools it has been noted that students are surrounded by small, supportive learning environments, giving a greater feel of connection and security. Teachers are able to work closely with students to ensure that no student will easily slip through the cracks, encouraging teachers and administrators to take the extra steps in responding to individual need of the students. Even in smaller schools, with 100-200 students, teachers can have greater control over curricula, applying innovative teaching methods, team teach, and integrate curriculum with multi-age grouping, all leading to greater achievement for the student.
But what about extracurricular activities? Actually, these extracurricular activities can improve attendance and academic performance. In a larger school there is greater competition and only the most talented will be recruited where as in the smaller school activities depend on broader participation and students have greater opportunities to partake in activities they may not have the opportunity to participate in within a larger school district. In the end, a small school can achieve greatness by focusing on the extracurricular activity that performs best and begin with notoriety there.
In a small town when a local school closes losses beyond the educational scope can be seen. The town loses a sense of identity, annual budget and payroll dollars, and a community institution.
In a small town with a small district, parents will get the last word, and the parents are the greatest advocates for the students. We need to ponder, is it better to be a small fish in a big bowl or a big fish in a small bowl.
References:
https://ilsr.org/rule/small-schools-vs-big-schools/
https://ilsr.org/jack-and-giant-school/