Small High Schools Research Paper

Many high schools across rural America have been consolidating in order to improve the quality and cost of receiving a high school education. Many studies have been done throughout the United States to determine whether larger or smaller high schools are better for students. Great Schools defines small high schools as schools with under 500 students (GreatSchools). Although many small high schools achieve great academic and economic success, the benefits of consolidation outweigh the costs for many small high schools throughout rural America.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines diversity as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements...the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization” (“Diversity”). In larger high schools, more races and cultures are represented, which leads to a deeper cultural understanding in teenagers. Although this might cause some problems in schools located in highly populated urban areas, being exposed to people of differing backgrounds has shown to positively impact students …show more content…
William Duncombe and John Yinger reported that high schools in New York could receive up to 40 percent more money after consolidating than before consolidation takes place (Duncombe and Yinger). Receiving more money can improve a school’s facilities, which can enhance the overall quality and experience for students getting an education. With better facilities, the school will become more appealing to teachers looking for a job and they will be more likely to apply for a position. With an increase in job applications, a more rigorous competition among teachers will be established which will improve the standard of teaching. Consolidation could be the key to success many impoverished high schools need to establish a high standard for