Research on Small Schools

A powerful alternative to the large comprehensive high school model which currently dominates public secondary education, small high schools can provide a safer place for students, a more positive and challenging environment, reduced dropout rates, increased graduation rates and a greater sense of community for students, teachers and parents.

What are the primary benefits of small schools?

• Small schools can provide a personalized and intimate learning environment where every student is known by the faculty and by his or her fellow students.
• Small schools are safer schools.
• Students in small schools generally have higher graduation rates and lower dropout rates than their peers in larger schools.
• Small schools create professional learning communities where teachers have the opportunity to work collaboratively to improve teaching and learning.

For more information on small schools, please visit the following websites:

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Small High Schools

Bay Area Coalition for Equitable Schools (BAYCES)

School Redesign Network at Stanford University

Smaller, Safer, Saner, Successful Schools (University of Minnesota Study)