Students preparing for the Harvest Festival of Courage, 2023.

For as long as I can remember, the words small school seemed to have a negative connotation. Combo classes, mixed aged groups, and the frequent comments of how small schools cannot possibly prepare a child for the “real world.” But decades later, the research is proving that small schools are the true hidden gems of our society and students in these environments are absolutely thriving! More and more families are flocking to small schools as their top choice. Small schools have the highest marks when it comes to student safety, attendance, and academic achievement. The model in which people thought could not possibly be beneficial is now the one that research suggests is the most successful!

Below is a link to a wonderful article titled Small School, Thriving Students by Tracie Saucier that I feel everyone should read. https://summerfieldwaldorf.org/small-school-thriving-students/

We have seen it first hand at FAITH, especially since going tech-free for K-8th grade and introducing more Humanities classes in 2023. Students are learning more and developing deeper relationships with the world around them, their studies, and other students. A large reason being that we are a small school. Students feel seen, are encouraged to explore, and are surrounded by nature, loving teachers, and friends. These are just a few of the many benefits that are made possible when you belong to a small school. Parent involvement is high as families have joined us in our efforts to fill the atmosphere with wonder and tradition. Again, another amazing product of a…small school.

It is time that we throw away the old notion that bigger is always better because quite frankly, when it comes to school size, that is just not the case.

Written by Rebecca Buckner, Principal.