Going to a small, private high school is one of the best things that has happened to me and my opportunity for education. I have learned more than I ever could at another school, but despite everyone’s expectations of us being rich, stuck up kids with everything we want, we all have wanted to go to a different type of school at one time or another. Here are the pros and cons that I think of when I think of my school. None of these are to say that other schools do not have these aspects as well, they are merely an opinion of mine.
Pros:
1. Very close relationships with teachers
Due to the fact that the most people I have in a class is eighteen, every teacher I have ever had took the time to get to know me, as a professor would do at a small liberal arts college. Some of the teachers also live on campus, giving us the opportunity to see them outside of class at meals and on the weekends. They all come support our teams and performances making us feel so loved.
2. You make friends easily
Fewer people, which means fewer people to meet, which means you don't really have a choice but to be friends with most of the people in your grade and in other grades. I personally am friends with the majority of my grade (which is only 44 people) and also with so many people from other grades. Therefore, I am experiencing different friendships and friend groups, which gives me that many more memories here.
3. The work is something you want to do
When there are fewer people in a class, the teacher will be flexible with your wants and needs when it comes to learning the material. If you are a visual learning, there will be videos, writing, and pictures. No matter how you learn and what you like to learn, there will always be someone and something here to help you accomplish your goals.
Cons:
1. No Friday Night Lights
My school is a very outdoorsy school so the administration does not want to put lights up on our football and soccer field. Because of this, the football games start at 4:30, and if the soccer game gets delayed because of thunder, it has to be cancelled before 7 pm. Along with the football game starting early, our student section (although very enthusiastic when present) is small due to the small student body. I have never fully experienced that Friday Night Lights feeling that larger high schools get to.
2. Rumors travel faster than light
There are definitely good things about not a lot of people in my grade. Yet when it comes to rumors and drama, if a couple breaks up, the headmaster will know within half an hour. People also tend to believe every piece of juicy gossip they here, but that is probably true at all high schools. You have to be extra careful who you trust, though. If you tell one person your secret, and they tell just one more person because they trust them so much, the whole school will know within a day. If someone is suspended o expelled, you might as well put in the newspaper because your tiny town will know within a day as well.
3. Leaving is so much harder
Throughout the years at my small high school, I have met the most amazing peers and teachers that I know will stay in my heart for the rest of my life. I would not be the person I am today if I had not attended this school with these people, no matter how many or few there are here. I know leaving in May will be so much harder because of the relationships I have formed with everyone I met here.
