Why a Smaller Teacher to Student Ratio Boosts Education

Class size is a leading component in a successful education. It is a determining factor in the quality of hands-on learning, the bandwidth of teachers, and the social interaction amongst students.

At GRACE Christian we focus on keeping our class sizes small, with our lower campus having 16 students per classroom and no more than 18 students per class in our upper campus.

Smaller class sizes are important because :

• Students are valued

• Teachers are less stressed

• Learning styles can vary

Director of Admissions at GRACE Christian School, Katie Day, comments on how the school’s small class sizes pave a way for better learning:

"Our small class sizes give our teachers the opportunity to differentiate lessons so students – of all levels – are met with individualized instruction and challenged in their gifts, talents and abilities. Small class sizes also give our students the opportunity to interact with a curriculum which deepens their understanding and allows them to be active learners with hands-on opportunities to learn, create and explore."

Students Are Valued

As class sizes increase, it’s easy for students to get lost in the crowd. We see this in universities, churches, and other programs we’re involved in. If a student feels as though they’re simply one number amongst many, it’s easy to not feel valued—to feel as though their opinions don’t matter or that their voice isn’t heard. If students think they are lost within the number of kids in a classroom, they may be less likely to participate or put forth the same amount of effort as they would if all eyes were on them, so to speak.

In both lower and upper grades, it’s crucial for children to feel valued. We want to build an environment for our students where the know their voice is heard by both peers and faculty and where they feel comfortable participating, through leadership roles and by asking questions. 

Teachers Are Less Stressed

Teachers have long been advocates of smaller class sizes for a variety of different reasons, but it has become increasingly more apparent over the past couple of years how much stress teachers experience on a daily basis. As class sizes increase, teachers have to split their time more between students while also managing a larger classroom. This allows for little to no lesson differentiation per student. When elementary and high school class sizes are kept smaller, our teachers are able to provide higher levels of individualized learning to meet each student’s needs. 

Learning Styles Can Vary

With smaller class sizes, students have more opportunities to test out different methods of learning. Group projects are easier to facilitate because group sizes will be smaller and more manageable. Students can connect with peers to explore learning and think out-of-the-box with assignments. For those who focus better in quiet environments or with less distractions, smaller class sizes are also ideal because there are less disruptions.  

Smaller class sizes directly affect schoolwork, thus increasing student test scores and overall education. "Small class sizes allow for our relational approach to education to flourish. Students are known, valued and loved by their teachers and classmates," says Katie Day, GCS Director of Admissions.