class size with 35 kids and a teacher and an aide or class size 27 with one teacher

Wow, I think 27 kids in a first-grade is big even if there is an aide. The first grade classes at my kids elementary school tries to keep class sizes below 20.

sure, fine, whatever

Edu-Prize and Bright Beginnings Charter schools in Chandler and Gilbert both have class sizes of 20 with a full time parent helper. I think more than 20 is too many, for that shy child to get their question answered in a timely manner. Most researchers agree that the smaller the class the better because every less child, increases the moments of individual instruction, which can sometimes be that crucial few seconds where the teacher or the mom helper catches a puzzled look on a child's face. That still happens of course, in a larger classroom, but it happens for each child more frequently with less kids competing for that attention. Some kids do okay in a large classroom, but most kids really need that increased frequency.

"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein

I have subbed in a third grade with 29 students without an aide, and the class was so well behaved, its unbelievable. The kids know the rules and usually the class runs so smooth. If one causes trouble, its nipped in the bud quickly. I wouldn't have a problem with my child being in a large classroom. I had a kindergarten class with 27 students for a half day without an aide, so I know it can work with 35 students having an aide. The kids are trained so well, the class can run on its own. It is magic to see.

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

I'm with the majority here--35 is too big. I'd take your chances on a great public school and see how it goes; hey, you might even be able to pay for gas with your saved tuition!

Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.

As a former teacher, 35 is WAY to large even with an aide.
Most states have passed laws limiting 3rd grade and under to
20 or add a certified teacher to the class not an aide.
Remember anyway who has a high school degree and can pass a background check can be an aide. There responsibilities usually include paperwork, grading, reading to the children, helping with assignments, etc. They are not trained to teach a child.
With 7 hours in a school day and at least 2 hours out of that
lost to lunch, recess, PE, art, etc you only have 5 hours (if you are lucky of education time). I just do not see how a teacher will be able to get to every child in a day. The teacher will teach to the middle and those on the high or low end will be left behind.
We have never had more than 22 in our public school classes in Kindergarten we had 18 with an aide, first grade 19 and second grade 22.
I actually have my children in two different schools because their needs are different.

Janet

All four of my children went to Catholic School. Graduated from Catholic Elementary Schools. My two oldest graduated from Catholic High School. My third child, God love her, couldn't stand Catholic High School and begged us to take her out to attend our local public school. It broke my heart. BUT it was right for her. My point is this...I know how scary it is, but if it's right, it's right. Your daughter and your heart will tell you within the first few weeks. Good luck to you!

Paz

My daughter will be goining a charter school that has most of 20 for K and 26 for 1-8 grade. Look around, you have options.

Mother of 2 beautiful girls!

Good luck finding a decent public school here in Arizona! I would look at other private or public charter schools. I have taught here in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Arizona does have some of the biggest classroom sizes I have seen. I taught K at a public charter and had 25 students with an aide that was split between a total of 4 classroom. Last year I was lucky to have 22 4th graders(teach in an inner city public school). But many of my peers had 30 or 31. They were very stressed out. The students who do the best are the middle of the road students and the students who can learn quickly. Our son will be going to a private school or public charter when the time comes.
Good luck finding a school for your son.

I've tried both charter and public schools over the years for my three children, and although the class sizes were sometimes a little larger than the charter schools, we've been really happy in the Chandler district. I have two in a public jr. high and one in elementary. And I thought I'd never be satisfied with Arizona schools, being the product of a private education and Ivy League college. There are lot of great things, as well as negative, about public schools, but you actually can find really good schools here with fantastic teachers. You just have to do your homework.

DesertMom
http://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com

In Tempe Distirct 3 we voted to continue our bonds this past election. This means our k, 1,2 and 3 grades have no more than 25 as an average. My oldest going into 4th has always had 22 or less. She started 3rd grade off with 17 and ended up with 22. I have a girlfriend whose children are in a private catholic school and I was horrified to find out her children had about 37 kids. Why have a private education with that many children. I don't get it.

I think that you can have children that get a great education regardless of where they go because of parents who connect and help with their children. You can pour all the money in the world into a child's education but unless there is a connection with the parents and teachers it may not make a bit of difference.

Your child just might surprise you and do just fine with 35 in her class. Give it a shot and see what you think. Just keep an open mind and really see it with clear eyes.

KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.

In my opinion, 35 is certainly too large for a kindergarten class even with a highly qualified aid. Also know that your children might thrive in different environments, although I do totally understand feeling comfortable with the school your son has attended.
Most of all, I think you should trust your gut instinct. If you have concerns, go in and talk with the school you are comfortable with about those concerns. Ask them how they meet the individual needs of the students in such a large class environment. Ask them how they deal differently with this situation at different grade levels. Also go visit the public school you are considering. Both should be more than willing to answer your questions, and then you will get a better feel with what to do.
I worked in a private independent school for 15 years where the class sizes were 20 at their highest, so I am a big believer in the benefits of small class size.

JuneSlager is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com, raising three children (ages 15, 14, & 11) in Northeast Phoenix.

My girls go to a private catholic school and the classroom sizes are less than 20. Have you talked with the principal? I would let them know that you are contemplating moving your children based on the classroom size. Or maybe they are in the process of hiring another teacher for that grade. I know at my daughter's school, they were hiring another teacher due to the classroom size. Please check it out before moving them. I am so for catholic education. I'd give up some luxuries if I could no longer afford it. Please check into it or check other catholic schools. The religious education they receive is so worth it.

There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one!

Hey everyone. We at 12 News want to talk to moms who are worried about large class sizes this fall. If you can help us out concerns, please call the newsroom at 602-257-6630.
Thanks!
Brandon Kline
12 News

I have not checked it out but thanks so much for this. I do remember my son playing the St Gregory team for basketball and they were quite a polite group of kids.

Thanks...I will do some research!

South Mountain Village SAHM of 3 kids ages 13,6, and 1.