Why Small Class Sizes Matter

The Importance of Small Class Sizes in Elementary School

 

When it comes to choosing the best elementary school for your child, parents often ask: Does class size really matter? 

The answer is a resounding yes. Decades of educational research show that small class sizes in the elementary years have lasting benefits for academic achievement, self-confidence, and character development. At The Woods Academy, small classes are a cornerstone of our approach to nurturing every child—ensuring each student is known, valued, and well-prepared for future success.

Research-Backed Benefits of Small Classes

Educational research has consistently shown that small class sizes create stronger learning outcomes across academic and developmental areas.

• Higher Academic Achievement: The landmark Tennessee STAR Project found that students in small classes (13–17 students) performed significantly better in reading and math throughout their school years, with the benefits continuing into high school and beyond. Students from small classes were also more likely to graduate and attend college.
• More Individualized Attention: When teachers can focus on 15–18 students instead of 25 or more, they’re able to tailor lessons to each child’s learning style, provide targeted feedback, and support both enrichment and intervention.
• Engaged Learners: Smaller groups naturally invite participation. Children are more likely to raise their hands, ask questions, and take intellectual risks—key habits of lifelong learners. A Brookings Institution study also found that this kind of active engagement directly builds academic confidence and communication skills.

Confidence and Character Building

Elementary school is not only about mastering reading and math; it’s also about developing the confidence to learn and the character to grow as individuals.

• Confidence in Participation & Taking Risks: Research shows that students in small classes are more likely to participate actively, ask questions, and take academic and creative risks. A Brookings Institution study (2011) found that children in smaller classes receive more encouragement to speak up—helping them develop communication skills, resilience, and the confidence to try new things without fear of failure. At The Woods Academy, this confidence comes to life through lively class discussions, collaborative projects, and hands-on presentations where students learn that their ideas matter. In a supportive, close-knit environment, children are empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and grow—an essential part of building curiosity and self-assurance that lasts well beyond the classroom.
• Social-Emotional Growth: According to the American Psychological Association (APA), small classes foster stronger teacher-student relationships—one of the most important predictors of social and emotional well-being. Teachers notice when a student is struggling and can offer early, personalized support. At The Woods, this is part of daily life: teachers know every child, not just by name, but by personality, interests, and learning style.
• Values and Leadership: The National Education Association (NEA) and the Learning Policy Institute both highlight that small classes create more opportunities for collaboration and leadership. In these environments, students learn to respect others’ viewpoints, work as a team, and take responsibility for their actions—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Together, this research shows that small class sizes do more than improve academics—they build confidence, empathy, and leadership. At The Woods Academy, those qualities are woven into everything we do, from student-led projects to faith-based service and mentoring programs like Prayer Partners that connect younger and older students.
 

Long-Term Trajectory: High School and Beyond

The impact of small class sizes doesn’t stop after elementary school. Long-term studies show that students who benefit from individualized attention early on are more likely to:

• Transition smoothly into middle and high school.
• Develop the resilience and study skills necessary for advanced coursework.
• Excel in competitive high school placements.
• Carry confidence and character into the college admissions process and beyond.
   

At The Woods Academy, we see these outcomes in action each year. Our graduates move on to their top-choice high schools, well-prepared academically and socially, with the confidence to succeed in new environments.

So, based on research, what is the ideal “small” classroom size? And what does “small” mean?

For families evaluating schools, “small” doesn’t just mean fewer children in a room—it means more individual attention, stronger relationships, and richer opportunities for participation.

In traditional classrooms, research indicates that when class sizes remain below 20 students, the benefits are especially pronounced in the elementary years, influencing both academic and social-emotional growth.

In Montessori classrooms, which often have 20–25 students, the ratio still remains low because of multiple adults—usually a lead teacher and one or two assistants. This creates a student-to-teacher ratio of about 8:1, ensuring every child receives personalized guidance while enjoying the collaborative, multi-age benefits of the Montessori model.

At The Woods Academy, this balance is intentional. Montessori classrooms nurture independence and self-direction, while our Lower and Middle School classrooms emphasize individualized instruction and mentorship—all within settings that maintain small class sizes and foster strong relationships.

What Community Members are Saying

Lower School Parent: “I considered the following strengths of The Woods Academy: small school size, students feeling part of a community, and feeling seen/known.”

Middle School Student: “I love prayer partners because it lets me get to know the younger kids better and makes our community smaller, feeling like a big family.”

Montessori Teacher: “The Owl afternoons are by far my favorite part of the day! It's nice to pare down into the smaller groups where we focus more on hands-on learning. The kids absolutely love Cooking, Science, and Monart!”

The Woods Academy: Where Every Child is Known

At The Woods Academy in Bethesda, Maryland, small class sizes aren’t just a number—they’re part of our mission to nurture each child’s academic growth, confidence, and character.

By keeping our classrooms intentionally small and our relationships intentionally strong, we create a learning environment where every student is seen, supported, and set up for success—in school and in life.