Blog

When prospective parents come to Columbia Independent School for a tour, they often have a similar reaction – especially if they already have kids in another school and know the difference.

Our classrooms are calm.
They’re focused.
And yes… they’re genuinely fun.

That environment isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. One of the biggest reasons? Class size.

At CIS, we’ve made a commitment to keeping classes small so every student is seen, heard, and supported.
• Junior Kindergarten 3 & 4: 10 students per class
• Kindergarten: 16 students per class
• Grades 1–5: 18 students per class
• Middle & Upper School: 15 – 20 students per class

Compare that to typical classrooms, where public school classes often average 25 students or more, depending on grade level. It’s not hard to imagine how quickly a classroom can feel crowded or chaotic when numbers climb.

Smaller class sizes meaningfully impact how students learn and grow. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

1. More individualized attention
With fewer students, teachers can truly know each child – how they learn, where they struggle, and how to challenge and motivate them. That personalization is much harder to achieve in larger classes.

2. Greater engagement and participation
In smaller, calmer classrooms, students are more likely to ask questions, contribute ideas, and stay actively involved in learning. Stronger engagement can lead to improved academic outcomes and the development of a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

3. Stronger relationships and classroom culture
When classrooms aren’t crowded, teachers can build meaningful relationships with students, and students with each other. That leads to a more respectful, supportive, and focused learning environment.

The result? Classrooms where students can concentrate, collaborate, and enjoy the process of learning—without the noise and distraction that often comes with overcrowding.

At CIS, we believe that when you create the right environment, students don’t just learn more – they truly thrive. Schedule a tour today while classes are still in session this school year so you can see our calm, focused classrooms for yourself.