Countless studies have shown the benefits smaller schools, and smaller class sizes can provide students with. However, budget cuts in recent years have led to public schools becoming more overcrowded than ever before. In such times of overcrowding in public schools, small private schools can prove to be a great alternative for many families looking for a more intimate learning environment for their children. If you have not previously considered a small private school for your child(ren), here are a few of the advantages this learning environment can provide more than large public schools.
More One-on-One Time
The primary benefit of small schools is that they generally have a better teacher-to-student ratio, which ensures that students get the individualized attention that they need. Since teachers have fewer students, they can spend time working with students on an individual basis and ensure that they understand the material. In larger schools, where teachers’ attentions are spread thin, it is easy for students to get left behind; however, small schools provide the opportunity for teachers to spend one-on-one time with their students, which can be crucial in helping students to succeed. This one-on-one time means students get more feedback from their teachers on their work, which can help to ensure that each student’s needs are met and that they are provided with the best opportunities to grow as students and individuals.
Individualized Curriculum
In larger schools, teachers have to develop a generalized curriculum that meets the needs of a wide range of students. However, this has been shown to cause problems, as this standardized curriculum may be too fast, or too slow, for some students. When teachers have smaller class sizes, they can dedicate time to the needs of each student and can customize their curriculum to ensure each student is learning at a speed that is comfortable for them, and matches their learning style. Students will no longer feel stifled, or left behind, by the speed of the class.
Better Results
Unsurprisingly, research has shown that schools with smaller class sizes, individualized curriculums, and ample one-on-one time consistently perform better than larger schools. The individualized education these students receive means that students in small schools tend to have better grades, perform better on university entrance exams, and more of these students go on to attend prestigious universities than their large school counterparts as a result of the unique education that they receive.
A Sense of Community
Small schools also tend to have a better sense of community than larger schools do. On these intimate campuses, faculty, staff, and students all know one another and develop strong relationships. This sense of family and community these schools foster helps students to feel more confident in the classroom, which allows them to grow comfortable sharing their ideas with their peers. Not only do students learn to speak up in class, but also, the strong bonds students develop with their teachers and peers at small schools can help them to develop strong relationship skills that will benefit them later in life.
More parents than ever are rediscovering the benefits of sending their children to small schools. Small schools provide a unique, intimate learning environment that allows students to flourish, and that helps them to develop foundations that will give them the best chances of succeeding later in life. In fact, we have only touched upon a few of the advantaged here that small schools provide. If you have a child who is about to start school and are unsure where to send them, contact us to learn more about the benefits an intimate, private education could provide your child with.