The desire to modernize and update is understandable. These schools, for instance, were designed before computers came into use. However, the renovations committee wants to expand our elementary school from 300 to 600, and the High School from 1800 to 2200. All residents where similar proposals are in front of school committees should think long and hard before agreeing to enlarge these schools. To do so at this time would be the opposite of what most experts advise and what common sense tells us.
Children are unique special human beings, who have individual needs.
There are academic reasons to maintain small schools as well. While it doesn't ensure success, it allows a school much greater ability to achieve success. Small schools, when effective, resemble communities rather than bureaucracies. Galleti argues that school size is a factor not only in achievement and a positive school climate, but in encouraging co-curricular participation and maintaining an environment of equity for all children in opportunity and programs. The bigger the school, the greater the chance some kids may become alienated.