Small and big high schools can be different and similar in some ways; maybe people think that bigger schools are better, and some may think that smaller schools are nicer and more fun. At the end of the day, school is where you get your social and educational skills, and small and big high schools can offer these things on different levels
Being in a small high school is a unique experience. Although big high schools can be fun and a completely different experience, small high schools can also have a lot to offer. Some of the good things about being in a small high school are that everyone knows each other, and this kind of space offers a sense of community and a different connection between the students, staff, and teachers that big high schools may not have. Meagan Medrano, a Sophomore at Cresskill High School who moved from a big populated high school in NYC, said: “I prefer a smaller high school because it is easier to contact and get support from my teachers when I need help with my work.”
It can also bring a stronger sense of belonging since everyone knows everyone, and it makes it easier to communicate; there are not many strangers in the school, which can make it less overwhelming for students.
A big problem that I hear a lot in Cresskill high school is the bathrooms. so many complaints about how small and cramped the bathrooms are, including only two bathrooms for high school students., A junior from Cresskill High School says: “The bathrooms here are a big problem. I just want to have some peace and quiet when I go to the bathroom, but I can’t.” I know many people need to go to the bathroom, and there will always be people in the bathroom anywhere you go, but in big high schools, there are many more bathrooms, and they are more spacious. Although this is a big reason, there are other reasons. For example, the hallways are always packed, and it can sometimes be hard to move. Amit Magid, a Sophomore from Cresskill High School, says: “The hallways are always so crowded, and it’s sometimes hard to get to class on time.” The main problem of a small school is probably the size itself.
The pros and cons of attending a small high school vary from person to person and depend on individual preferences and needs. Small schools can provide a close-knit environment, but they can also affect your overall high school experience. As someone who has experienced both big and small schools, they can both offer an array of pros and issues, so, at the end of the day, it is up to the preference of a student.
