According to the Hun School of Princeton, “The student-teacher ratio has been found to be one of the strongest indicators of student success and engagement.” In Texas, the student-teacher ratio for grades Pre-K3 to 4th is 22 students to 1 teacher. If you have ever been in a room with 22 young children, you realize how overwhelming this is. At the International School of San Antonio, we have some of the lowest student-teacher ratios in the state (and in the country). This year, our average student-teacher ratio is 6:1 with a classroom minimum of 5:1 and a maximum of 12:2. Anytime an ISSA classroom exceeds 8 students, a teacher or teacher’s assistant is added. There are many ways in which student-teacher ratios can impact a student’s educational journey. At ISSA, we believe that a small class size allows for personalized learning which allows teachers to build on their strengths and improve on their weaknesses.
Personalized education allows our teachers to adapt the curricular plan to the needs of each student to enhance learning. In short, it is learning that is personally tailored to each student. In the same class, one student might learn better by being shown pictures, another by concrete manipulation of the material, and another through reading. In a classroom of 22 students, a teacher would only have the time and resources to implement one of these methods, meaning other students might have a difficult time learning the material. In a less crowded classroom, the teacher can teach in whichever way is most beneficial for each student.
Small class sizes also allow students to build on their strengths and improve on their weaknesses. Ample one-on-one attention means students can advance at their own pace. If a student has mastered a topic ahead of others, they do not need to wait for the rest of the class to catch up in order to move forward. The teacher will know they are ready to learn the next material and begin instruction. On the other hand, if a student needs more time on a specific topic or working through a problem, they are also able to do so without feeling rushed or left behind.
Lower student-teacher ratios are valuable at every grade level. In Early Learning, students are supervised closely, allowing them to play and explore independently. They also get a solid foundation on which to build their education, without the possibility of falling behind. In Primary School, students will be able to advance at their own pace, learning new material and reviewing topics when needed. It has been proven that students are more likely to actively participate in small class sizes. This participation is hugely beneficial to their understanding of the subject matter, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
At ISSA, we believe in giving our students a one-of-a-kind education experience. Our low student-teacher ratio provides a collaborative, innovative, and challenging environment in which students receive personalized attention from their teachers.
If you have any questions about ISSA, please email us at info@issatx.org.
