Security improves and violence decreases, as does student alcohol and drug abuse. Small school size encourages teachers to innovate and students to participate, resulting in greater commitment for both groups. More positive attitudes and greater satisfaction are reflected in higher grades and test scores, improved attendance rates, and lowered dropout rates. Communication is easier when the whole staff can meet around one common table. Students and teachers get to know each other well.
Less bureaucracy makes it easier to individualize.
Strangers are easily spotted and teachers can respond quickly to rudeness or frustration. Parents are more likely to form alliances with teachers who know their child and care about his or her progress. No one needs bureaucratic data to find out how a student, a teacher, or the school is doing. Every student, not just the academic and athletic stars, is part of a community that contains adults. Kids don't just know the adults they naturally like, or the ones who naturally like them.