Why Small Class Sizes Matter in Schools

Why Small Class Sizes Matter

When parents look for a school, one of the first things they notice is class size—and for good reason. Small class sizes aren’t just a nice feature. They fundamentally shape how teachers teach and how students learn.

In many public schools, large class sizes are the norm. Teachers may have 30 to 40 students at once, all with different needs, abilities, and learning styles. Even excellent teachers can only do so much in that environment. Time is limited, attention is stretched, and both teachers and students often struggle to reach their full potential.

Small class sizes change that equation.

Teaching That Meets Students Where They Are

In a small classroom, teachers truly know their students. They notice who needs extra support, who is ready to move ahead, and who might need encouragement to speak up or take risks.

Just as important, teachers can do both of the following well:

• Fill gaps for students who are falling behind

• Push and challenge students who are excelling

In larger classrooms, teachers are often forced to prioritize one over the other. In smaller classrooms, they don’t have to choose.

This balance matters. Students who struggle need timely support before gaps grow larger. Students who excel need to be challenged so they don’t disengage or coast. Small class sizes make both possible.

A Calmer, More Focused Learning Environment

Small classes also create a calmer and more focused environment. There’s less noise, fewer distractions, and more time for discussion and reflection. Students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and making mistakes without fear of embarrassment.

That sense of safety encourages deeper thinking and stronger relationships—both with teachers and peers.

A Personal Perspective

When I first taught at a private school, I had just 13 students in my classroom. Before that, I had taught in large public school settings where class sizes often reached 30 to 40 students.

I always took pride in knowing my students—their strengths, challenges, and learning styles. But with only 13 students, I could take that understanding to an entirely different level.

I wasn’t just aware of who struggled with reading or who excelled in math—I knew why. I had the time to notice patterns, adjust instruction, and follow up consistently. I could meet with students individually without rushing, and no child felt overlooked.

That experience reshaped my understanding of what school could be.

Personalizing the School Day

Another advantage of small class sizes is the ability to personalize a student’s school day. Decisions about pacing, grouping, and instruction can be made by teachers who work with students every day—not by schedules or mandates created by people far removed from the classroom.

When the person making decisions knows the student personally, those decisions are more thoughtful, flexible, and effective.

Our Commitment to Low Ratios

At Provo Mountain Academy, maintaining a teacher-to-student ratio of 16:1 or lower is one of our top priorities. This isn’t an accident—it’s a budgeting decision.

We intentionally direct resources toward:

• Strong teaching

• Individual attention

• Meaningful feedback

• A learning environment where students are known

Small class sizes aren’t just better for students—they help teachers do their best work, too.

Why It Matters

Small class sizes don’t just benefit teachers. They give students what they need most:

• Attention

• Understanding

• Appropriate challenge

• And the confidence that someone truly sees them

When students are known well and supported intentionally, learning becomes deeper, more personal, and more effective.

Written by Scott Long, M.Ed., Co-Founder of Provo Mountain Academy