When is a class size too small?

[eeyoresgrumpierfriend]

I've just learnt that DD's class will have just 13 children in it next year. This is unusual for her school - it's independent but class size is usually nearer to 20.

Is that too small?

It is too small if it is co-ed. Also if the school expects around 40
children in each year group, only
26 might present financial problems if the trend continues. What size are the lower year groups - if they exist. Small children are probably OK in smaller groups but once they get older, friendships, sport and music are important at prep schools and low numbers make these elements challenging . It depends what you want to pay for but l preferred my children to have the full prep experience , not just being taught in a smaller class.

I think it would be nice. Far better than too big.

My dd goes to a private single sex where there are just 12-ish girls in her class and 24 in her year. It has been fantastic. She gets much more attention and they all come together for sports, art etc.

MoonDoll, if I were you, I would be looking at other options as quickly as possible. If your daughter's best friend leaves, she is going to be very alone and the description you are giving of the school seems to imply that they are in a lot of trouble, so other parents might be secretly evaluating their options. You cannot bury your head in the sand when the evidence is so clear

Can you afford an independent tutor to give you an honest indication of whether she is really behind? My son was a bit behind on maths at one point, after spending 2 years at an independent school with a truly terrible maths teacher. During year 6, he started with a tutor once a week and now (year 8) he is slightly above the level he should be. I wish we had not ignored the bad teacher and had complained loudly at the prep school. All the parents knew what was going on, but we stupidly said nothing.

If your daughter fails the entrance exam, have you got a decent state school nearby? Would that be an option with additional support at home?