At Our Redeemer Lutheran School, our pre-k program has a student teacher ratio of 6 to 1 or 8 to 1, well below what you would find in a public school. Our elementary program
Smaller class sizes mean that students receive more one-on-one interaction with their teacher, and this translates to a positive impact in several areas. Studies have shown:
- Students in smaller classes excel in all subjects and on assessment tests as compared to students in larger classes. In smaller classes, students can be as much as two or three months ahead in content knowledge.
- Class size can have an impact on writing performance at all levels. Smaller classes mean students have the opportunity to receive feedback on multiple drafts of their work, improving their writing skills and abilities.
- Smaller class sizes also have an emotional impact on students, showing a marked increase in student engagement. Students participate more in smaller classes and tend to have a better relationship with their teachers and peers. They evaluate their teachers and classes more positively than students in larger classes.
- Students in smaller classes display less disruptive behavior, so teachers spend less time on discipline, and more time on quality instruction.
- Smaller classes afford teachers the opportunity to better diagnose and track student learning and differentiate instruction based on student needs.
- Students spend less time off task or disengaged from their studies in smaller classes and they are better able to adapt to intellectual and educational challenges.