Apparently, size does matter--at least class size does.

We've been noticing a developing phenomenon: the large class sizes in public schools--the tumult in public school in general--is forcing people to begin to think about sending their children to private school. It remains to be seen whether concern that your seventh grader's English class is 41 people will get you to consider spending tens of thousands of dollars for something that you thought you were getting for free. Of course, you never really were getting what you get at Kadima for free; not only does Kadima offer its students a rigorous intellectual study of Judaism (something that you simply cannot get except in a Jewish private school), but Kadima also provides a level of differentiated attention, critical thinking, and spiritual education that no longer exists at most public schools, and probably never did.

The fact that large classes--larger than ever existed historically--is impacting the effectiveness of public education in most schools is hardly surprising. It is well established that smaller classes have the best chance of positive educational outcomes. For a good discussion about the importance of class size, look here. What is interesting is that parents are now getting this; the class sizes have gotten so large at public school that the teachers simply cannot handle them. As a result, parents are now looking at an option that they never previously would have considered: spending lots of money to send their kids to private school.

So the decline in public schools presents an opportunity for private schools, including Kadima. This is unfortunate, since our society suffers with poor public schools; and, strong public schools only force private schools to be stronger. Indeed, notwithstanding the struggle of public schools, our challenge remains to demonstrate to those who would have never looked at Jewish private school that we are worth the considerable expense it costs to send your kids there.

And we are meeting this challenge. I urge anyone reading this that, if you haven't done so, take a tour of Kadima and talk with our administration, teachers, and parents, and you'll see what I mean.

The kids are learning and developing and achieving. In small classes, of course.