July 16, 2025

For nearly nine months of the year, Texas schoolchildren spend eight hours a day Monday through Friday — roughly half of their daily waking hours — at school. Shouldn’t they be in a place where people not only know their name but also know their personalities, their capabilities and their challenges? That in-depth knowledge of your child and what strategies will bring out their best is just one advantage of a small school district. Let’s look at others:

Smaller Class Sizes

Smaller school districts typically mean smaller class sizes, with one teacher devoting their time to a smaller group of students. Fewer students allow for more customized instruction for all students. Those struggling with the course material can get the help they need while students excelling at the task can be given more challenging assignments. Teachers also have more flexibility to tailor their subject matter to what might spark interest for their particular group of students. For example, a topic for an upcoming writing assignment might be on the evolution of dinosaurs for a group of students who favor the Jurassic Park films.

More Chances to Get Involved

Just like their larger counterparts, small school districts also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. Expect to find most if not all the sports you would at a larger district — football, softball, baseball, track, soccer, volleyball and basketball. Because there are fewer students in a smaller district, however, students have more opportunities to be selected for a team and to play during games. It’s not unusual for student athletes to play in multiple sports throughout the school year.

Beyond sports, smaller school districts also offer fine arts programs, special-interest organizations and clubs such as National Honor Society and student council that are found at larger school districts. Because the field of participants is smaller, however, students have a greater opportunity to take on leadership roles and develop valuable skills.

Benefits for Parents

Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from a smaller school district. Parents might notice a difference, too. With a smaller student body, administrators and teachers can be more agile in their responsiveness, returning calls more quickly and being able to meet face-to-face more frequently. Parents can build relationships with teachers and staff outside of the classroom, as well, when they join to cheer on students at games and other events. 

Stronger Teacher-Student Relationships

Because it’s so important, we have to again emphasize the benefit of a close-knit school community where your child is more than a name on a roll call roster. Teachers develop real bonds with students that extend beyond a semester. These rewarding relationships can be especially helpful as children navigate junior high and high school, giving them another trusted adult for advice.

Florence ISD

Nolina is served by a small but proud school district that strives to help each student achieve their highest potential. Students enjoy a challenging curriculum, advanced academics, a wide range of sports, hands-on experience running one of the state’s only high school meat markets, and community vibe cultivated by long-tenured educators and staff. Learn more about Florence ISD and hear what students, teachers, staff and administrators have to say about the district. Future phases of Nolina will be served by Georgetown ISD schools, well known for their dedication to preparing students for future success.