Small Is Beautiful

In a world teeming with diversity, people find themselves at various economic levels—some wealthy, some less fortunate. Happiness, too, varies widely. This diversity extends to education, where some students attend large schools while others thrive in smaller, more intimate settings.

In large schools, classrooms can swell to over 500 students. Imagine the sheer number of students across the entire school! It’s challenging for every student to grasp the lessons fully in such an environment.

Conversely, small schools offer a nurturing environment where individual care is paramount. These schools foster strong relationships and connections. In smaller groups, students feel more at ease and develop a robust sense of belonging. For parents, small schools provide an easier way to stay involved in their children’s education, facilitating direct communication with teachers. Teachers, in turn, can manage and support their students more effectively.

Take Spiny Babbler Evolution, for instance—a small school with just twenty-five students. As a proud alumna, I cherish the myriad extracurricular activities we were engaged in, from hiking and camping to cooking, baking, and creative writing. The close-knit community and personalised attention made all the difference.

Pallav Ranjan, the founder of Spiny Babbler, was more than just a teacher; he was a mentor who guided us through various adventures. We had a science experiment every week and earned thousands planting vegetables and rearing chickens for our school’s economic classes.

Bhagwati Ma’am, our principal, imparted valuable lessons in Nepali. Terry Miller, from Maryland, USA, taught us math, English, and mythology, enriching our learning experience for nearly seven years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we began French classes with Randy Grodman from Switzerland, who brought a new dimension to our education.

We also explored art with Dr. Charles, a remarkable teacher and published artist, and learnt Dutch words from Tineke Moerman, a dedicated member of Spiny Babbler.

Even during the pandemic, our school community thrived. Dr. Jonathan, a double MD from Johns Hopkins, intrigued by our creative but technical activities, created YouTube videos for us, which we discussed in class, keeping our learning dynamic and engaging.

Small schools are not just about students and teachers; parents also appreciate the high level of partnership and involvement they experience. The sense of community and personalised attention in small schools truly makes them special.

(Anita researches technology and presents her ideas through her writings and presentations.)