Class Size Limits

Paul Olson

18 June 2002

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Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 17:22:02 +0000

Sender: Headmasters List at International Schools <HEAD-NET@TC.UMN.EDU>

From: Paul Olson <paulmargieolson@HOTMAIL.COM>

To: HEAD-NET@TC.UMN.EDU

Collegues,

Thank you so much for your feedback on my question regarding class size limits. The information was really useful for the moment in question, and for future reference. I received responses for 38 schools ( as well as several past tables of data from Jim Ambrose!).

Of all the schools that replied, there were 2 that actually mandated a limit of 15 throughout elementary school.

Size limits: PreK KG Ele MS HS Actual Average

Limit average 16.7 19.3 21.3 22.6 23.2 17.6

Highest limit: 27 30 30 36 36 28

Lowest limit: 12 14 15 15 15 10

Not all schools answered all the questions, so the averages are a bit off. I did ask for limits, which may also present a somewhat unrealistic picture. The "actual average" figure may best represent enrollments in most schools.

In addition to figures, several schools use additional measures when looking at classes growing oversize: add a teacher aide at some threshold; allow for more stretch room second semester when it is difficult to turn students away (for those who don't have the luxury of waitlisting). Few like to entertain splits midyear as this is disruptive to all. The best is to be able to forecast a split well in advance. A point presented by several is the need to allow some flexibility and leeway for the director, so as to avoid expensive forced choices that could be dealt with in other ways (such as adding an aide).

Thanks again Head-Net for such great responsiveness!

Have nice summer, Paul Olson

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