How Smaller Class Sizes Lead to Better Outcomes

Catholic schools boast about their small class sizes as a leading benefit. That’s not just because a low student-to-teacher ratio sounds good on paper. Smaller classes allow students to play a more active role in their education. Children receive individualized attention from teachers who have the chance to learn about their specific needs and learning styles. Here are some of the benefits students in Catholic schools reap from small class sizes.

Sense of Community

Children often become overwhelmed when they spend time around potentially hundreds of people every weekday. It can be difficult to figure out who to reach out to when they need a friend. In schools with small class sizes, children form close relationships with fellow students and teachers, as well as fellow members of clubs and teams they participate in after school. Having fewer people around, especially if everyone shares core beliefs and interests, can make life easier for a child looking to find his or her place. 

Individualized Instruction

Teachers who see hundreds of students on any given day may find it challenging to learn the names of students, nonetheless their individual needs. It can also be difficult for students to speak up if they’re afraid of not being heard. In smaller classes, each student has the same opportunities to thrive. Orlando Catholic schools offer preschool through 8th grade classes, which gives teachers and staff a unique opportunity to get to know their students and watch them grow. Students are known and loved as a child of God in Orlando Catholic schools.

Easier on Teachers

When teachers have to act as teachers, babysitters, nurses and more in the classroom, it’s difficult to focus on the task at hand. With fewer students to attend to, teachers in smaller classrooms can do what they love: teach. They’re able to be more productive in a peaceful environment, and they can pass that productivity on to their students. The less stress teachers are under, the more they can help each student grow.

Focus on Learning

Just like teachers, students benefit from being in a less distracting environment. When they’re not focused on what all the other students in class are doing, they can focus on their education. This leads to better outcomes. Private school students often do better on standardized tests, and Catholic school students in particular have high graduation rates and chances of moving on to higher education. 

For more than 50 years, the Diocese of Orlando, which includes the top Orlando Catholic schools, has been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.