The Research on Smaller Classes and Outcomes
Decades of educational research have consistently concluded that students in smaller classes perform better academically, develop stronger social skills, and are more engaged in their learning. Understanding the evidence behind this can help parents make a more informed decision when choosing a school for their family.
Academic Achievement and Student Performance
One of the most well-known studies on class size is the Tennessee STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio) project, a large-scale experiment conducted in the late 1980s that followed more than 11,000 students across 79 schools. The study found that students in smaller classes of 13 to 17 students significantly outperformed their peers in larger classes on standardized reading and math assessments (Tennessee STAR Project, Mosteller, 1995). The benefits were especially pronounced for students from low-income backgrounds, suggesting that small class sizes can help close achievement gaps.
More recent analysis has confirmed these findings. The National Education Association reports that reducing class size is one of the most studied educational reforms, and the evidence supports that students in smaller classes consistently achieve at higher levels, particularly in the early grades (National Education Association, 2024). A study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that the effects of smaller classes in early elementary years continued to benefit students well into middle school and even high school (Nye et al., 2004).
Stronger Teacher-Student Relationships
Beyond test scores, small class sizes create the conditions for something that can't easily be measured on a standardized assessment: meaningful relationships between teachers and students. When a teacher has 12 to 18 students instead of 25 to 30, they can learn each child's strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning style on a much deeper level.
Research from the Brookings Institution emphasizes that reducing class sizes allows teachers to provide more individualized feedback and to identify learning difficulties earlier, which is particularly critical during the foundational years of elementary education (Brookings Institution, 2011). Teachers in smaller classrooms report spending less time on behavioral management and more time on actual instruction and one-on-one interaction with students.
How Small Class Sizes Shape the UBCA Experience
At UBCA, the advantages of small class sizes are woven into the daily experience of every student. With a current enrollment of 116 students across preschool through eighth grade, the school maintains an intimate learning community that stands in sharp contrast to many of the larger public and charter school options in the Uintah Basin area.
Individualized Attention in Every Subject
Because UBCA's class sizes typically range from 12 to 18 students, teachers have the capacity to tailor their instruction to meet the needs of individual learners. This means a student who is struggling with a particular math concept doesn't get lost in the shuffle, and a student who is ready to be challenged further isn't held back by a one-size-fits-all pace.
Here are some of the specific ways individualized attention plays out at UBCA:
- Teachers can identify learning gaps early and address them before they compound over time
- Students receive more frequent and detailed feedback on their work
- Quiet or introverted students are more likely to participate and ask questions in a smaller setting
- Teachers can incorporate each student's interests and learning preferences into their instruction
- Parents receive more personalized communication about their child's progress
A Comparison That Speaks Volumes
To put UBCA's approach in perspective, consider the student-teacher ratios at other local educational options. Terra Academy, the local charter school in the Vernal area, operates with class ratios of 22 to 25 students per teacher. That is nearly double the lower end of UBCA's typical class size. The difference in daily attention, teacher availability, and instructional flexibility between those two environments is substantial.
The national average student-teacher ratio for public elementary schools in the United States is approximately 15.4 to 1, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2023). However, it's important to note that the student-teacher ratio and actual class size are different metrics. Many public school classrooms still have 25 or more students, because the ratio includes specialists and support staff who aren't always in the primary classroom. At UBCA, the class size number reflects the actual number of students a teacher works with throughout the day.
The Teacher's Perspective: What It Means to Know Every Student
Small class sizes don't just benefit students — they fundamentally change the teaching experience as well. Educators consistently report that working with smaller groups of students allows them to be more effective, more creative, and more fulfilled in their work.
More Time for Teaching, Less Time for Management
One of the most practical advantages of smaller classes from a teacher's perspective is the reduction in classroom management challenges. A 2014 study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that teachers in larger classes spend significantly more time on discipline and administrative tasks and less time on actual instruction (OECD, 2014). In smaller classrooms, the environment is naturally calmer and more focused because:
- Teachers can set clear expectations and consistently follow through with each student
- Behavioral issues can be addressed privately and immediately rather than escalating
- Students feel more accountable because they know their teacher is paying attention
- There are fewer distractions and less noise, which benefits students who are easily overstimulated
- Teachers can build proactive relationships that prevent many behavioral issues from arising in the first place
Differentiated Instruction Becomes Realistic
In educational theory, differentiated instruction — the practice of adjusting teaching methods and materials to meet the needs of diverse learners — is widely regarded as best practice. In reality, it is extremely difficult to implement effectively in a classroom of 25 or more students. With 12 to 18 students, however, differentiation becomes not just possible but natural.
Teachers at UBCA can more easily group students by skill level for specific lessons, provide enrichment activities for advanced learners, and offer additional support for those who need it. This flexibility is one of the reasons that UBCA's traditional college preparatory academics are able to equip students with a strong foundation for future academic success, whether they go on to local public high schools, private Christian high schools, or homeschool programs after eighth grade.
Explore UBCA’s Homeschool Flex Program
The Social and Emotional Benefits for Students
The academic advantages of small class sizes receive the most attention, but the social and emotional benefits are equally important — and in some cases, even more impactful for a child's long-term development.
A Stronger Sense of Belonging
In a smaller classroom, every student is visible. There is no back row where a child can hide and disengage. Children in small classes are more likely to feel that they belong, that they matter, and that their contributions are valued. Research from the Journal of Educational Psychology demonstrates that students in smaller classes report higher levels of engagement and a stronger sense of school belonging (Finn et al., 2003).
Reduced Anxiety and Increased Participation
For students who struggle with anxiety, shyness, or social challenges, a smaller classroom can be genuinely transformative. The pressure of speaking up in front of 30 peers is very different from sharing a thought with a group of 14. Children in smaller classes are more likely to:
- Raise their hand and participate in discussions
- Ask questions when they don't understand something
- Take healthy academic risks, such as attempting challenging problems
- Develop meaningful friendships with classmates
- Build confidence in their abilities over time
Read our blog about the top benefits of Christian preschool here.
Addressing the Affordability Question
Many families assume that a school with small class sizes and personalized attention must come with a price tag that puts it out of reach. At UBCA, that is not the case. Through the Utah Fits All Scholarship, families can have their child's entire UBCA tuition covered. The scholarship is awarded in the amount of $8,000 per private school student, which covers 100% of UBCA tuition at the time of this publication.
For families who do not qualify for the Utah Fits All Scholarship, UBCA also offers tuition assistance on a case-by-case basis. The school is committed to making Christ-centered education accessible to every family who desires it, so finances should never be the barrier that keeps your child from the kind of education they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average class size at UBCA?
Class sizes at UBCA typically range from 12 to 18 students, which allows teachers to provide personalized attention and instruction to every child. This is significantly smaller than many public and charter school classrooms in the Uintah Basin area.
How do small class sizes benefit my child academically?
Research consistently shows that students in smaller classes achieve higher scores in reading and math, receive more individualized feedback, and have learning difficulties identified earlier. At UBCA, teachers use these advantages to deliver a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum that integrates biblical principles across all subjects.
Does UBCA use standardized testing to measure student progress?
Yes. UBCA students in 3rd-8th grades take the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) standardized assessment three times during the school year (Fall, Winter, Spring). This assessment measures each students’ academic achievement as well as growth from one assessment period to the next. The data derived from the MAP assessment helps teachers make informed instructional decisions about their class and each student. UBCA students as a whole far exceed national standards in Reading, Math, and Language Usage (Grammar).
How does UBCA's student-teacher ratio compare to other schools in the area?
UBCA maintains class sizes of 12 to 18 students, while the local charter school option operates with ratios of 22 to 25 students per teacher. The national average public school student-teacher ratio is approximately 15.4 to 1, though actual classroom sizes are often much larger.
Can my family afford to send our child to UBCA?
Many families are pleasantly surprised by how affordable UBCA is. The Utah Fits All Scholarship covers 100% of tuition for qualifying students, and additional tuition assistance is available. Contact the UBCA office to learn more about your family's options.
What grade levels does UBCA serve?
UBCA serves students from Preschool 3 through 8th grade, providing a consistent small-class environment throughout a child's foundational educational years.
Give Your Child the Advantage of Being Known
At Uintah Basin Christian Academy, small class sizes are at the heart of everything we do. Combined with a Christ-centered curriculum, a warm and community-oriented educational environment, and the academic rigor of a traditional college preparatory program, UBCA offers an educational experience that is designed to nurture the whole child — intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially.
If you're ready to see the difference for yourself, we invite you to contact us and schedule a tour to experience our classrooms firsthand. Come meet our teachers, talk with our families, and see what education looks like when every student is known by name.