I think size is crucial to school improvement. I am basing my feelings on my own personal experience. I went to a small school from kindergarten to halfway through my 8th grade year. The other half of my 8th grade year was spent in a large school (Fremont Junior High) . It was a big change that I had to adjust to. I hardly knew anybody, I had different people in each class, and my teachers did not really know me. I can't even remember any of their names today, so to me that showed they really didn't care or they did not have the time to get to know everyone in their classes. I can see how students fall through the cracks. When I compare the larger school to the smaller school setting, I appreciated the smaller school much more. I knew everyone in my class and I knew all of my teachers. This provided me with a safe and caring environment. The environment I felt in the larger school was like "outer space or a foreign country" both. I didn't feel safe and my self-esteem plummeted. When I had questions in my studies I was afraid to ask for help, but in the smaller school setting I felt confident and asked my questions. I think it is easier to speak up in class when you know your peers compared to when you don't know them. By providing the smaller class size, students will be able to learn more and get the extra help they need.