Class Sizes In Private Schools: What To Expect & Why It Matters
For many families, class size is one of the most important factors when choosing a school. In both public and private school settings, smaller classes can lead to stronger teacher-student connections, more personalized instruction and better academic results.
At Xceed Preparatory Academy, small classes are central to how we teach and how our students learn. They are not just a statistic but a reflection of our philosophy that every child deserves the attention and support needed to succeed.
Defining Class Size and Student-Teacher Ratios
Class size refers to the number of students assigned to one teacher in a single classroom. On the other hand, student-teacher ratio measures the total number of students divided by all teaching staff in the school. While this ratio may appear impressive, it can be misleading if it includes specialists, aides or administrators who are not responsible for daily instruction.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average class sizes in private schools are around 14 students compared to around 20 in public schools, although that average can climb to 30 in urban districts. Understanding this difference helps parents make informed decisions about the kind of attention their child will receive.
At Xceed, our class sizes typically range from 10 to 15 students. This allows teachers to give personalized feedback, guide learning plans and support students in setting academic and personal goals. Every class is designed to encourage open dialogue, active participation and close relationships between teachers and students. Smaller learning groups also make it easier for instructors to adapt lessons to each student’s pace, helping learners stay engaged and confident throughout their educational journey.
The Impact of Small Class Size in Private Schools
As many private schools keep classes small, it helps maintain personalized attention and encourages collaboration. Independent and faith-based schools often set their own limits depending on their mission and available resources.
That said, class sizes can vary depending on the grade level as well the institute. Early education programs tend to have fewer students to support reading, writing and foundational skills. In middle and high school, class size may increase slightly for specialized subjects, though private schools typically remain well below national averages.
At Xceed, we intentionally cap our classes to preserve the flexibility and focus that lead to strong results. We believe our students benefit from smaller groups that promote curiosity and confidence in every subject. Families researching the benefits of a private school often find that individualized environments like ours create meaningful connections and measurable progress in both academics and personal development.
Impact on Teacher-Student Relationships
Smaller classes help teachers understand students as individuals, not just learners. With fewer students, teachers have more time to recognize individual strengths, address challenges and guide personal growth. This connection builds trust and accountability as students feel typically feel more comfortable asking questions, seeking feedback and taking risks in their work.
For teachers, smaller classes allow more time for one-on-one instruction and less time spent on managing distractions. Our instructors act as mentors who not only teach but also coach students on organization, study habits and college readiness. This partnership builds confidence and motivation that lasts long after graduation.
In contrast, public school teachers often face much larger classrooms. The structure of private education allows private school teachers to give each learner the attention needed to grow academically and emotionally.
Building Community and Engagement
Class size influences more than academics. It shapes how students connect with their classmates and how they experience school life. In smaller classrooms, everyone participates. Students know each other well, discussions are lively and collaboration happens naturally.
Research from Maclean’s Education Report shows that participation rates increase with smaller class sizes. In these environments, students often feel more comfortable sharing opinions and engaging with material, which improves learning outcomes.
At Xceed, this sense of belonging is intentional. Clubs, leadership opportunities and social activities are built into each student’s schedule, creating a balanced mix of academics and community engagement. These experiences help students develop teamwork and communication skills that prepare them for college and future careers.
Compared to a public school, where students can sometimes feel lost in the crowd, smaller classes offer a supportive environment where every child is seen, heard and valued.
Tailored Instruction and Academic Outcomes
When a class includes fewer students, teachers can personalize lessons to meet different learning styles and skill levels. They can identify gaps in understanding and provide targeted instruction before small issues grow into bigger challenges.
Evidence from Tennessee’s Project STAR study, conducted from 1985 to 1989, showed that students in small classes of 13 to 17 scored significantly higher than peers in larger groups of 22 to 25. The follow-up Lasting Benefits Study confirmed that these gains continued through fifth grade.
Smaller classes also support stronger critical thinking and deeper comprehension. Xceed’s mastery-based learning approach applies these findings in real time. Our students progress only after demonstrating full understanding of a concept, which leads to long-term academic success.
To learn more about how focused environments improve performance, visit our resource on small class sizes to see how these benefits take shape in our classrooms.
Considerations and Trade-Offs
Small classes are not a one-size-fits-all solution and parents should consider certain factors into their school choice. For example, some students enjoy the energy and diversity of larger classes, where they can interact with many classmates. Others prefer a quieter atmosphere that allows for more direct interaction with teachers.
The strongest academic effects of small classes are usually seen in early grade levels, where students are still developing foundational skills. For older students, the benefits often lie in engagement and motivation rather than test scores alone.
Because small classes require more staff and resources, tuition may be higher in private schools. However, many families find that the investment pays off through greater confidence, improved performance and smoother preparation for college.
Parents should visit classrooms, speak with teachers and observe how students interact before deciding which environment suits their child best. For insights into comparing environments, our post on public vs. private schools provides useful guidance for families exploring options.
Xceed’s Approach to Class Size
On our campuses, the average class size is between 10 and 15 students. This balance gives teachers the time and space to guide learning while maintaining strong peer connections. Students work closely with their instructors, participate in collaborative discussions and receive regular feedback that helps them grow.
Teachers also help students design schedules that balance academics, extracurriculars and long-term goals. This level of attention makes learning purposeful and connected to real-world outcomes.
Over the years, we’ve seen students who have improved their academic performance and self-confidence after moving from larger classes in traditional schools. Many have gone on to attend respected college programs, crediting our small, supportive environment for their success.
Smaller classes also allow better support for ESE and international students who benefit from customized instruction. With fewer students in each class, teachers can adapt lessons, provide guidance and celebrate each milestone along the way.
Families searching for a private school that values flexibility, mentorship and authentic learning will find that we offer the ideal combination of academic rigor and personalized support.
Schedule a tour today to see firsthand how our small classes help students thrive.