HOW FAIRFIELD ACADEMY INC. DIFFERS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS:  Fairfield Academy differs from other schools in 2 fundamental areas: (a) teachers, and (b) class size.

(a) TEACHERS: The teachers at Fairfield Academy meet or exceed the Pennsylvania Department of Education degree and certification requirements. They are selected based on competence, motivation, enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a strong desire to work with children. In addition, Academy staff are retained in subsequent years according to the same criteria. This means that our teachers earn their positions every year based on their performance. There are such things as untalented, unmotivated teachers in the world of education - but not at Fairfield Academy!

(b) CLASS SIZE: Next to the quality of the teaching staff, class size may be considered to be one of the most important factors affecting a youngster’s education. "Virtually all studies show that when classes are smaller - students achieve better in nearly all skills and subjects, but especially in language, reading, mathematics, physical and mechanical skills, science, social studies, spatial relationships and reasoning ... and the effects of smaller elementary classes can be seen for the rest of a child’s school years." (WEA, Wmpt. Sun-Gazette, 4/97).

According to the largest experimental study ever conducted about class size and its effect on achievement, size does matter. In a report of the study in the learning section of Parents’ Magazine (March 1998) it is reported that "Class size is especially important in kindergarten through eighth grade" (P.72).

Additionally, the report states that the advantages of smaller classes continue even after class sizes begin to increase - that is, the benefits continue into later school years. According to the report, the performance gain was common to boys and girls, all races and income levels, and occurred in urban, suburban and rural schools.

Small classes in the study consisted of 13 to 17 students while those classes which were classified as large had between 22 and 25 students. The report concludes: "Small classes (13 to 17 students) are significantly better than large classes (22 to 25 students)." (P.72).

Since its opening day in 1984, Fairfield Academy has provided small classes (average size 14). The benefits include:

1. more teacher time for the development of student assignments,
2. more teacher time for the in-depth correction of student assignments,
3. increased attention to students,
4. a very low incidence of behavioral problems, and
5. increased student achievement.