5-minute read · For families in Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and across Arizona
Quick answer
There is no single perfect number, but smaller is better in kindergarten. Research on early grades shows the biggest benefits when classes stay well under 25. At EDUPRIZE, kindergarten classes average about 20 students, so teachers can work with every child daily.
Picture 30 five-year-olds who all need their shoes tied at the same time. Now picture one teacher.
That is why kindergarten class size comes up on almost every tour we give. Parents can feel the difference between a room where their child is known and a room where their child is managed. Here is what the research says, what the numbers look like, and what to ask.
Why Kindergarten Class Size Matters More Than Any Other Grade
Kindergartners are learning two things at once: early reading and math, and how to be a student. Both need a lot of one-on-one moments.
- Reading takes off one child at a time. Letter sounds and early phonics click at different moments for different kids. A teacher needs time to catch each one.
- Behavior and routines are brand new. Fewer students means fewer interruptions and more teaching.
- Early gaps grow. A child who falls behind in kindergarten can carry that into 1st and 2nd grade. Small classes catch it early.
What Research Says About Kindergarten Class Size
The best-known study is Tennessee’s Project STAR, which randomly placed thousands of kindergarten through 3rd grade students in small classes of 13 to 17 or regular classes of 22 to 25. Students in the smaller classes did better in reading and math, and researchers found the benefits lasted beyond the early grades.
Translation for parents: small classes in kindergarten are not a luxury. They are one of the few school factors with long-term evidence behind them.
Kindergarten Class Size at EDUPRIZE
| Campus | Kindergarten | Other grades |
|---|---|---|
| EDUPRIZE Gilbert | Average of about 20 students | Small classes in every grade, some as low as 19 |
| EDUPRIZE Queen Creek | Average of about 20 students | Every grade stays in the 20s |
| EDUPRIZE Online | Live daily instruction with Arizona-certified teachers | K-12, statewide |
In many schools, classes of 25 to 30 or more are common. With about 20, our kindergarten teachers can greet every child by name, check in during centers, and know which kids need a challenge and which need a little more time.
Want to see what that looks like during the day? Read What Makes a Great Kindergarten Classroom?
Questions to Ask About Kindergarten Class Size
A school’s average can hide a lot. Ask:
- How many students are in each kindergarten class right now?
- Is there a cap, and what happens if enrollment goes over it?
- Is there a classroom aide, and for how much of the day?
- How often does my child get small-group or one-on-one time?
- How do you support kids who are ahead or behind?
Pro tip: Visit a kindergarten room in the middle of the morning. Count the kids, watch the centers, and notice how long the teacher spends with each group.
Is a Smaller Kindergarten Class Size Worth Switching For?
For many families, yes. Kindergarten at EDUPRIZE is tuition-free with no income requirements, so a smaller class does not come with a private school price tag. Children need to be 5 by September 1 to start, and kindergarten registration for next school year begins in late fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good kindergarten class size?
Smaller is better. The Project STAR study found strong, lasting benefits for kindergarten through 3rd grade classes of 13 to 17 students compared with classes of 22 to 25.
How big are kindergarten classes at EDUPRIZE?
Kindergarten classes at EDUPRIZE average about 20 students at both the Gilbert and Queen Creek campuses.
Is kindergarten at EDUPRIZE free?
Yes. Kindergarten at EDUPRIZE is tuition-free with no income requirements.
When can I register for kindergarten at EDUPRIZE?
Kindergarten registration opportunities for the next school year begin in late fall. Children need to be 5 years old by September 1.
See Our Kindergarten Classrooms
The easiest way to judge kindergarten class size is to stand in the room. Tours are available at both campuses: Gilbert Tour Nights on select Tuesdays at 5:00 PM, Queen Creek tours every Wednesday at 9:00 AM and Thursday at 1:00 PM, and daytime tours you can book at either campus. Book a tour here.
- EDUPRIZE Gilbert (K-8): 580 W. Melody Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233 | 480-344-2622 | gilbertenrollment@eduprize.com
- EDUPRIZE Queen Creek (K-8): 4567 W. Roberts Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85144 | 480-888-1610 | qcenrollment@eduprize.com
- EDUPRIZE Online (K-12, statewide): 480-344-2622 | onlineenrollment@eduprize.com
Apply: https://www.eduprize.com/Apply/ | Tour: https://www.eduprize.com/tour/ | Learn more: https://www.eduprize.com
Twenty kids, one teacher who knows every name. That is a good start.