We just went to meet the teacher last night and it turns out there are 21 kids in my sons kindergarten class! Should I worry? Doesn't that sound like a lot?!?!?! We just moved to Keller ISD and I thought their big thing was low student-teacher ratios. The teacher did say that 22 students was the "magic number" in order to get a new classroom--but then that would mean he would possibly have to switch classrooms & teachers sometime during the year!
Am I overeacting???
First, thank you to everyone who responded to my question. It was my first time and I've got to be honest, I was a little worried at the kind of feedback I'd get. I've seen other posts and people can just be plain mean!!!!
It's halfway through the first week and I've got to say that I'm really happy with the teacher- (save for a small hiccup the first day of school)- things have been going great. She communicates with us daily and has gotten back to my questions immediately over email. That was one thing I was worried about as well--if there were so many students, how would she have time to talk to every parent? But so far, she has put my mind at ease and things are going smoothly. Thanks again mamapedia moms!!
My son's class had 21 K last year and everything went fine. He did have a very experienced K teacher with 20 years experience though.
That isn't too many. Don't worry a bit. I moved to TX from Louisiana-- I had between 30-35 kids in my elementary school classrooms, so I thought the 20(ish) to 1 ratio was great!
That is a typical class size anyway. My daughter had 22 in her class at the beginning of the year and they ended up with 18 because people moved throughout the year. Also, unless you are going to pay for private school, you will more than likely not have a lower class ratio because the max size is mandated by the government. My daughter was fine in her class and all the other kids seemed to do well also.
We're in HEBISD and every class last year at 20-22 kids. (My son was in Kindergarten) They actually had to turn kids away to an "overflow" school. They did not open another classroom. Kids leave through the year and most of the classes ended up with 18-20 kids. My son was coming from no preschool, he did great. Talking to the teachers, the numbers of kids in the room is not a problem - what they hate is having to stress teaching around these stupid testing programs and trying to test each child. That takes a LOT more from their teaching time.
We're in KISD and my daughter had 22 in her class last year. It worked out fine, I was amazed at how well the teacher kept up and she had a student teacher most of the time as well.
Sadly, that's the average amount for public schools in Tx. It's WAY too many imo and one of the reasons I am considering private school for my boys. I have my B.A. and a M.Ed. and I do firmly believe that children learn better with a MUCH lower ratio. If you read studies on class ratio most agree that it does make a difference. BUT with that said, one of the biggest factors is the actual teacher. A good teacher will do wonders and a bad teacher won't do much so even with a big class size, there's still a chance the teacher will be awesome and your child will come out of k great! So I would, in your shoes, focus more on the teacher than anything if switching to private is not an option. Good luck with K!!
That sounds like a normal sized class for Texas. Sorry! It could be a lot worse...other states have 30-35 as average. Private schools aren't that much better. My kid just started private and has 18 in class.
My son is in the Carroll district in southlake and his kinder class had 21 kids last year. We are from california and their average is 35!!! When we got here we were so happy with the 21. Even though its still a lot its SO much better than CA right now. My son did really well in that environment so I'm sure yours will too!
To reiterate what others have said- 21 is a pretty typical size for a Kindergarten class. 22 is the max that can be in a class without the school applying for a waiver (which they don't like to do).
As a former teacher, it was nice to start with a "full class." That way we are able to build a close knit class from the beginning without having the constant inflow of new kids changing the dynamic. I used to work in Keller and if a new class is opened they used to ask for volunteers to move. That way parents have the option to either stay with the current teacher or move to a new class. There are always takers on the new class (a lot of parent move their kids so they can be in the same class with a friend or if they don't feel like their child has "bonded" with the assigned teacher. )
Also, until all the classes have 22 kids they likely will not hire another teacher, so they could go all year depending on how much moving/growth happens at your school.
In other words, I think it is way too early to worry! Best wishes!
I used to teach and from my experience, yes, chances are that there will be a new class opening up. That will lower the ratio of kids:teacher. You shouldn't worry though. Kids are resilient and as moms, we often worry much more than we have to. Your son will be just fine!
I know this won't be a popular answer, but I think that is too many kids in a kindergarten class.
I could get started on my soapbox, but I won't.
I just suggest that you, as the parent, stay as involved as possible. Catching any "problems" early is key.
Just my two cents,
R.
