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Research has proven children learn faster and perform better in smaller classes. According to "Small Classes, Big Possibilities" published by the American Association of School Administrators, “Size matters, and small class size matters a great deal for the schooling of young children. Conclusive research has shown the benefits of class sizes of 1:15, especially in the primary grades.” The article goes on to explain, “Youngsters in small classes as compared to youngsters in larger classes obtain higher test scores, participate more in school, demonstrate improved behavior, and retain many benefits of early class-size reductions in their later years of schooling.”

While these reasons alone prove the benefit of sending your child to a school with low student to teacher ratios, there are several benefits you may not immediately think of to small class sizes.

Develop stronger relationships

Fewer students in a classroom allows teachers more time to focus on each student. Not just academically, but on students’ social and emotional wellbeing. 

According to Cathy Sneedon, Fine Arts teacher at Holy Spirit Episcopal School, where the Lower School class ratios are 9:1, “Having smaller class sizes allows teachers to care for our students emotionally, physically, socially and academically so they feel safe and confident at school.” She goes on to explain, “As their educators, we are able to make adjustments in these areas for our students when necessary, where at a larger school with bigger classes they may go under the radar.”

Greater sense of community

A school with smaller class sizes allows each child to be more than another face in a sea of students. Students become an important member of the community, and teachers, faculty, and staff learn their names, routines, abilities, and interests and can help students achieve the goals they have set for themselves both in the classroom and outside of it. This sense of community also provides encouragement for students to try new things and pursue interests they may not try otherwise.

Hands-on Learning

In school’s with smaller classes, students are able to “do” rather than simply “learn”. Smaller class sizes provide the ideal environment for hands-on assignments, field trips, play-based learning, and experiential learning, allowing students to experience firsthand subjects they are learning in class. Since many students learn better by doing rather than listening to a teacher explain a new concept, hands-on activities allow students to find a learning style that best fits their needs.

At Holy Spirit Episcopal School (HSES), a private pre-K through 8th grade preparatory school providing academic excellence, leadership, and a spiritual foundation, student’s reap all the proven benefits of smaller class sizes. With student to teacher ratios at 9:1 in Lower School, HSES students develop strong connections with their peers and teachers and experience hand-on learning opportunities in every aspect of their school day. Through an academically rigorous curriculum focused on STEAM and leadership, HSES students’ test scores are well above the national average and graduates go on to achieve stellar results at high schools across Houston. As a part of the Holy Spirit community, students are encouraged and empowered to achieve more, believe in themselves, and grow spiritually. 

To learn more about how Holy Spirit Episcopal School’s small class sizes can benefit your child, visit hses.org or schedule a tour of our campus.

Holy Spirit Episcopal School
12525 Perthshire Road
Houston, Texas 77024
713.468.5138
hses.org