From the 1940’s to the 1970’s, the trend was to consolidate schools and educators felt that larger was better.  Now, however, educators in America seem to have once again recognized the value of small schools.  Research has shown that small schools have many advantages over large schools, a few of which are listed below.

·        Small schools with low student- teacher ratios typically place a strong emphasis on individual and small group instruction.  Many large schools rely on lecture and objective testing which reduces the number of opportunities for each student to participate.  

·        When learning activities are more individualized, students tend to take more responsibility for their own learning.  This results in higher academic achievement, a better attitude towards school and a sense of self-identity that is stronger both personally and academically.

·        In small schools, it has been found that teachers are more likely to employ a variety of teaching strategies, such as:  integrating subject matters, forming teams, exercising alternative assessment methods, and emphasizing how topics relate to the real world.

·        Teachers in small schools are able to get know their students as individuals as well as their family backgrounds so they can make special provisions for the individual talents and needs.

·        All participants (students, teachers, staff and parents) in small schools come to know and care about one another to a much greater degree than in large, impersonal schools.    Because of this emphasis on personal interaction, students typically develop better interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

·        Students from small schools demonstrate a greater feeling of belonging and a stronger sense of community which translates into more pride and involvement.  As a result, small schools usually have higher attendance rates, greater participation in extracurricular activities and more parent involvement.

·        Often, the informal relationships developed in small schools result in greater cooperation between teachers, administrators and parents.