Rethinking High School

Does Size Matter?

Chapter 2: Size

by Daniels, Bizar, Zemelman

Characteristics of Big Schools

Lack of intimacy

Less student-centered,

more administration-centered

Higher probability of

student behavior issues

Good students move on,

less performing students

get left behind

Better Sports Programs

Diverse courses

Characteristics of Small Schools

Nonexclusive admissions

400-450 diverse students

Family and community involvement

Coherent focus &

philosophy on education

& a curriculum that reflects these

Teachers who collaborate with one another

Consistent educational experience

Advantages of Smaller Schools

Decreased violence &

substance abuse

Improved test scores

Better attendance rates

& lower dropout rates

Females & nonwhite students

perform better

Special needs students

(at risk, disadvantaged, gifted)

are better served

More college credits earned

Best Practices High School

Lottery admittance

High quality education

Strong sense of community

Innovative teaching practices

Demonstrates how a "small" school works

Devoted faculty & staff

Student-centered

Holistic