Staten Island Academy & The Importance of Class Size
Class size is an important factor to consider when evaluating the quality of education in any school. Research has shown that smaller class sizes in independent schools can lead to better student outcomes. Studies have shown that reducing class size can lead to higher levels of student engagement, better academic performance, and improved social-emotional development. Staten Island Academy offers an Early Childhood program which is emotionally nurturing, intellectually rigorous and intentionally small in size to provide the best in experiential learning and academic and extracurricular resources. Small class sizes benefit young children for several reasons.
First, they allow for individualized attention from teachers, ensuring that each child’s personal learning needs are met. Teachers truly know their children—their strengths, their weaknesses, their needs and challenges. They are also able to identify their gifts. With fewer students in the classroom, teachers are able to spend more time with each individual student, providing more one-on-one instruction and support which can lead to better academic outcomes, as students receive more targeted feedback and guidance. Additionally, students in small classes tend to be more engaged and participate more actively in class, which can lead to a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Small classes enable teachers to see students clearly, recognize their individual learning styles and then take steps both to challenge and inspire them. Second, small classes enable genuine relationships between teachers and students, while fostering understanding, engagement and confidence. Small class sizes enhance safety and emotional well-being, as teachers can provide adequate supervision, establish meaningful partnerships with families and reinforce an approach to learning shared by listening, encouragement and motivation. The Lower School curriculum is designed for students to ask questions, think independently, enjoy the successes and learn from the mistakes—in a safe community parents can trust.
