Now and Then: Class Sizes in Arizona

Learn how class sizes today compare to the national average and sizes in past years.

Calling all high school teachers: Have you wondered if classes these days are more crowded than they were when you sat in senior English class? Or even compared to your first year teaching? You’re not imagining it!

Research from the National Center for Education Statistics found Arizona high schools averaged about 23.5 students per class, compared to just under 18 for the national average in 2012. In 1995, on the other hand, there were about 17 students per teacher.

Arizona numbers for primary schools are similarly stacked — and not in our favor. The U.S. average class size is 21.6, compared to 24.5 for the Grand Canyon State.

According to NES (and countless studies) smaller class sizes — especially for early grade levels — have big benefits, whether it’s student engagement, better behavior or academic progress. As a result, the organization advocates a class size of 15 students, and smaller in special needs programs.

What do you think the magic number is?

Want to make better use of all those students? We have 5 great strategies for group work for you.