Does School Size Affect Dropout Rate?
Two major issues facing school boards are school consolidation and drop out rates. Both are much discussed, although they are not perceived to be linked in any way. At one point, “bigger is better” was the motto when determining school size. The expectation was that bigger schools would expand academic offerings and make schools economical. Later, researchers found that it takes a large expansion to add a little variety: a 100% increase in enrollment yields only a 17% increase in variety of offerings. Additionally, larger schools are not always more cost effective. Research has established that there is, indeed, an influence of school size on drop out rate. It is an indirect influence, manifested through the schools social environment. Larger student bodies contribute to a less positive social environment, less social integration, and less identity with the school. From the available data, it can be estimated that for a 400-student increase in the school student population, there would
