Individualization
We have a lower teacher-pupil ratio than other private schools in the area. This allows for more careful assessment of the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each student. The teacher is better able to individualize the instruction to fit the student’s needs, learning style, and potential.
Flexibility
Our small school setting largely escapes the fixed schedules, pull-out programs, red tape and administrative trivialities of larger schools. This enables new teaching strategies to be implemented with a minimum of delay. Field trips, projects and use of equipment can fit into the actual flow of the classroom learning experience without having to adjust to the plans of several other classrooms.
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 sharpen social skills. Independent work habits as well as greater feelings of responsibility and self-esteem are developed. Competition between peers is reduced, as is the anxiety and pre-occupation of having to compete.
Family Atmosphere
A sense of community quickly develops. There is more interaction among a smaller group. The mix of ages and abilities is more like a family than is found in large classrooms of same-age children.
Academic Achievement
Studies have shown that students from multi-grade schools do as well or better on standardized tests as do students in single grade classrooms. However, more small school students go on to college.
Leadership
Students 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 Adventist Christian education. The family atmosphere of the small school 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 eternity. The smaller setting allows time to be spent in sharing and building a personal relationship with Christ. Smaller groups and flexible scheduling make outreach in service to the community easier to accomplish.