Why Smaller Works

Is Wisconsin the only state where smaller, more rural schools are at risk?  No. 

Smaller schools are struggling all across the country.  Why is that?  Some people have the impression that attending a small school is in some way a lesser educational experience.  The reality is that the trend in large schools is to try to act more like small schools.  This trend is being pursued for very good reasons.

In a publication entitled The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Education, the author identifies 10 reasons why smaller schools are better – including greater participation in extra-curricular activities, which is linked to academic success.  Other reasons included kids actually being safer and feeling like they belong.  What the author points out that is most ironic is that while small, rural schools are being pushed to consolidate or dissolve, larger urban schools are trying to re-form into smaller learning communities.  We’ve read about the “neighborhood” concept being implemented in Madison public schools.   These are attempts to give larger schools the advantages that smaller schools already have.
So what does this mean for us?  Perhaps when looking for greener grass, we need to look in our own backyard.  The Wisconsin Heights school district has advantages that we need to sell and promote—higher than average test scores, great teachers, and the ability to actually participate in extra-curricular activities.  Perhaps if word got out that our district and our community should be the first choice for families in south central Wisconsin, our empty homes and lots would be filled.  Pass it on.  No need to keep this great news a secret!