Why Small Schools Work
Have you wondered if children in a small school would receive the quality of education that they could get in a larger school? If you have, then this information is for you.
Individualization - In our small school, there is a lower teacher-pupil ratio. This allows us as educators to more carefully assess the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each student. We are then better able to individualize the instruction to fit the student's needs and learning style.
Flexibility - Our small school setting largely escapes the fixed schedules, pull-out-programs, red tape, and administrative trivialities found in larger schools. Field trips, projects, and use of equipment can fit into the actual flow of the classroom learning experience without us having to adjust to the plans of several other classrooms.
Curriculum - The North American Division Office of Education has developed quality curriculum materials for multi-grade classrooms like ours. Integration of learning levels and subjects allows our students to apply skills across the curriculum in real-life situations.
Social Skills - Several studies have found that multi-grade classrooms improve personal and social development. Students learn to work with a wide age span. Cooperative learning and peer tutoring helps shape social skills. Independent work habits, as well as a greater feeling of responsibility and self-esteem, are things we encourage and strive to develop.
Family Atmosphere - Our school has a real sense of community and a family feel. There is more interaction among the students themselves and with the teachers than found in bigger schools. The mix of ages and abilities is more like a family than is found in larger classrooms of same-age children.
Parental Involvement - A major factor for student success in school is for the parents to be actively involved in their child's education. We pride ourselves on being very approachable and strive to have good communication with parents. Our small school setting provides many opportunities for involvement from helping with projects, chaperoning for field trips, to serving on the local school board.
Academic Achievement - Studies have shown that students from multi-grade schools do as well or better on standardized tests than students in single grade classrooms. Also, more small school students go on to college.
Leadership - Students at ZAS have the opportunity to develop leadership skills from an early age. Every student is called upon to lead out in some aspect of the school program - a true training ground for the future.
Character Building - Character building is the center piece of our school. The family atmosphere and Christian values provides an environment that supports and extends this important work begun in the home.
Spiritual Growth - Seventh-day Adventist Christian education focuses on preparing students for, not just this life, but for eternity. Our smaller school setting allows time to be spent in sharing and building a personal relationship with Christ. Our smaller student numbers and our ability to have a more flexible schedule, make outreach in service to the community easier to accomplish.
Our children are the future. Salvation is our goal.
