Student Achievement

1) Student achievement is higher in small schools

2) Student achievement is higher in small districts

3) Family income level is the single largest predictor of student achievement, but smaller schools narrow the achievement gap between wealthier and poorer students

Curriculum

4) There is no reliable relationship between school size and curriculum breadth and quality

5) Where available, the expanded curriculum in larger schools does not always mean an expanded opportunity for student learning

6) Access to advanced courses and comprehensive curriculums can be just as high in small schools

School Costs

7) Small schools do not necessarily cost more to operate

8) Administrator costs in small schools do not necessarily absorb a larger portion of overall costs than in large schools

Student Engagement

9) Small schools contribute to greater involvement of students

10) Dropouts rates are lower and graduation rates are higher in small schools

11) Students in small schools exhibit less disruptive behavior

Parental Involvement

12) Greater parental involvement generally exists in small schools

School Safety

13) Small schools are more likely to be safe, nurturing environments

School Funding

14) Small rural districts and large non-rural districts have the highest average tax levies in Missouri

15) There are serious inequities in the Missouri school foundation formula

16) The amount of local tax dollars spent on education in Missouri has little relationship to district residents’ ability to pay

Economic Impact on the Community

17) Communities in which schools are located—especially small communities—have a distinct economic advantage over communities in which no school remains