Why Small Schools

Why Small Schools?

Overview

Research shows that some of the benefits of small schools include:

  • Higher student achievement
    • In two short years, Carver has experienced a 200-point gain in API, and has attained a score of 801 for general education students.
  • Students are more visible
    • At current total enrollment, the student:teacher ratio at Carver is 1:23, at maximum enrollment the ratio will still be as low as 1:30.
  • Reduce violence and disruptive behavior
    • At Carver, students want to be here, every day! We have achieved a 97% attendance rate.
  • Improved attendance and graduation rates
    • Carver has a 100% graduation rate!
  • Increased teacher satisfaction
    • Carver has a 100% teacher retention rate!

George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science: a small, safe, successful school.

About Small Schools

  • Small schools are about much more than size. In contrast to large, factory-model schools, small schools can create a more intimate learning environment that is better able to address the needs of each student. Students, teachers, and parents may all be better served when a school is small enough to allow for effective communication amongst educators, students and the school community.
  • In small schools, meaningful relationships are fostered and opportunities for collaboration are cultivated. As a small school, Carver provides a close teacher student mentor-ship that fosters academic success and self-discovery. Carver is a place where students’ gifts are recognized.
  • A small school offers an environment in which students are more visible. When students are better known, teachers can more easily identify the unique talents and needs of each student, offering a more personalized educational experience.
  • A small school staff size allows more opportunity for teachers to know each other well, more easily share information about their students, and collaborate to solve problems, and generally support one another.
  • Small schools are a way of restructuring schools and the human relationships inside them.