Does Class Size Matter?

When families consider a private school, they often look at curriculum, standardized testing scores, college placement, or extracurricular opportunities. But another factor, sometimes overlooked, is class size. At Waterford School, small class sizes are not just a feature of the program. They are foundational to how students learn, grow, and feel known.

THE POWER OF BEING KNOWN

Small class sizes create an environment essential to learning. In a classroom with fewer students, teachers can:

• Adapt instruction to different levels of mastery
• Create a warm and welcoming environment for students to thrive
• Provide real-time feedback

According to the National Center for Education statistics, Utah’s average elementary school class size is around 22 students, though many estimates range from 25-27 students. Utah has one of the highest student to teacher ratios in the US of over 22:1. Class sizes, especially in a rapidly growing state like Utah, are an important metric to consider when determining a list of potential schools for your child.

Decades of research, including the Project STAR study, has shown that students in smaller class sizes outperform peers in larger classes, especially in earlier grades. Students are able to thrive academically as they are recognized by their teacher, nurtured in the classroom, and able to focus on learning. This lays the foundation for learning outcomes in adulthood – a greater likelihood of pursuing higher education.

WHOLE-CHILD EDUCATION

While small class sizes also allow for academic rigor, the intention runs deeper. At Waterford, education is more than academics. Learning is deeply rooted in relationships. Small classroom environments support emotional development, confidence, self-advocacy, and a sense of belonging, all essential elements of a student’s long-term success and happiness.

BUT IS SMALL CLASS SIZE EVERYTHING? WHAT ACTUALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN STUDENT LEARNING?

While small class sizes are an important part of the equation, there are many other factors that contribute to a classroom that runs smoothly. 

Teachers at Waterford are supported with a robust professional development program, which not only benefits teachers, but students as well. Dr. Melanie Battistone, Assistant Head of School and Lower School Head shares, “It’s not the number of students in the room that matters most. It’s what the teacher does with the opportunity that smaller numbers create.” Dr. Battistone goes on to say, “When teachers are regularly learning – refining how they give feedback, studying how students think – their students experience it directly. Every student in that teacher’s classroom benefits, year after year… What matters most? A teacher who has been trained in excellent teaching practices and who teaches wholeheartedly. Right ratios, relationships, expertise.”