I suspect those scores have more to do with the nature of the schools, their location and demographics more than the size of the school.

 

 

I'm sure that's true. The success of most schools is due to demographics more than size. It's fashionable nowadays to say big schools are bad, as if brain cells die when you enter large buildings.

I think there are schools that are too big, and there are schools that are too small. From what I've read on the issue, the prevailing wisdom is now that the ideal size for high schools for optimum academic achievement and student involvement in extracurricular activities is in the 600-1000 range for the top four grades.

Those are reasonable numbers. I've had people tell me though that no schools should have more 300 students.

 

Some of the best schools in the state have over 1,000 students and some have below 300. There was a story about a school in Illinois that had something like 5,000 students and was one of the best in the nation.

The school you're referring to is probably New Trier, which is in the ritzy North Shore suburbs of Chicago. The New Trier system is absolutely loaded with money and might be the richest area in the state. Believe me, their academic achievement is more reflective of their demographics than anything else.

The school you're referring to is probably New Trier, which is in the ritzy North Shore suburbs of Chicago. The New Trier system is absolutely loaded with money and might be the richest area in the state. Believe me, their academic achievement is more reflective of their demographics than anything else.

 

I'll to defer to your Illinois knowledge. I've been there once.

 

I'm sure you're right about that situation, but if it was a small school, a lot of people would say it's because it's small. Actually, though, the story I read talked about all the different courses they had there and the competition among the students.

 

If a big school is struggling, it's because it's big. If it does well, it's because of demographics.

Well, it's my belief that demographics and the economic status of its students have much more to do with a school's academic success than the size of the school. That's true for communities with big and small schools.

 

I think the reason the mid-size schools are best is because of the combination of academic and extra-curricular opportunities. I think that in large public schools, some kids become "lost" amidst the masses.