Average Class Size
What does this measure?
This indicator measures the average class size for 8th-grade students in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies across public schools in Orange County, New York. The data spans from the 2005–2006 school year through the most recent year, 2023-2024, with class size reported by subject and school district. Tracking average class size helps provide insight into student-to-teacher ratios, which can influence the quality of education, individual attention students receive, and overall classroom dynamics.
Summary Statement
Overall, the data reveals a general trend toward smaller class sizes in most districts, particularly in more recent years. For instance, the average class size in Orange County decreased across all subjects, with English dropping from 23 students in the earliest years (2005-2006) to 18 students in the most recent years (2023-2024). Similarly, Math decreased from 23 students in 2005-2006 to 17 in 2023-2024, and Science decreased from 23 to 18. While data for social studies in 2023-2024 was unavailable, the analysis is based on trends observed in previous years. In the closest year available (2012-2013), Social Studies showed a decrease from 24 students in 2005-2006 to 22 students in 2012-2013. Regarding individual districts, Tuxedo Union experienced one of the most significant decreases between 2005-2006 and 2012-2013. The class size in English decreased from 25 students to as few as 14 students, Math went from 22 to 14, and Science saw a decrease from 19 to 10. Other districts also exhibited similar downward trends in class sizes in recent years.
Sources
Statistical Profiles of Public School Districts of the NYS Education Department
NYS Department of Education School District Report Card
https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/County.do?year=2010&county=Orange
NYS Department of Education School District Report Card
https://reportcards.nysed.gov/view.php?schdist=district&county=44&year=2012