At CFIS, we often hear this question from both students and parents: "Will being in a small program make it hard to adapt to university life?" It’s a valid concern—university can feel overwhelming compared to the intimate environment of a smaller secondary school. However, let’s explore this topic through the experiences of CFIS students, alumni, and evidence-based research that highlights the unique advantages of a small school education. Here’s a FAQ to address some of the most common concerns.

Q: Will a small program limit my ability to adapt to a larger university environment?

A: Not at all! In fact, smaller high schools like CFIS prepare students exceptionally well for university life. At CFIS, our personalized approach ensures students are equipped with the skills to thrive in any environment. Alumni often report feeling more confident and capable than many of their peers because of the strong foundation they received in critical thinking, self-management, and communication.

Small schools also focus on teaching students how to learn, a skill emphasized in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This helps students adapt quickly to the independent learning environments typical of universities.

 

Q: Will I miss out on leadership opportunities compared to larger schools?

A: Quite the opposite! In smaller schools, students often have more opportunities to lead. For example, at larger schools, programs like Model United Nations might involve hundreds of students but only select 10-12 for conferences. At CFIS, every student has the chance to participate, ensuring broader involvement and leadership development.

Our students take on roles in clubs, councils, and extracurricular activities that prepare them to confidently take the lead in group settings—an invaluable skill for university and beyond.

 

Q: Does being in a smaller program affect my academic preparation?

A: Research shows that students in smaller schools outperform their peers in larger schools on standardized tests and achieve higher grade averages. At CFIS, the rigor of the IB Programme further enhances academic readiness by promoting inquiry-based learning, real-world problem-solving, and interdisciplinary connections. Students excel in the Alberta curriculum because of this - which is why CFIS is ranked the #1 high school in Alberta.

Additionally, small schools like CFIS prioritize tailored support. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, teachers can provide individualized attention to ensure every student reaches their academic potential. This level of support lays a strong academic foundation for university success.

 

Q: What about extracurriculars? Aren’t there more options at larger schools?

A: While larger schools may offer a longer list of activities, small schools like CFIS create more opportunities for participation per student. Whether it’s drama productions, sports, or service projects, small school students are often involved in multiple activities, developing a well-rounded profile for university applications.

Being an active participant, rather than just one of many on the sidelines, allows students to build leadership, teamwork, and time management skills—critical competencies for the demands of university life.

 

Q: Is there evidence that small schools prepare students better for university?

A: Yes! Data consistently shows that smaller schools produce students who are:

Better prepared academically: They score higher on standardized tests and demonstrate stronger college readiness skills.

More engaged: Small schools foster a sense of community and belonging, leading to higher levels of student motivation and resilience.

Well-rounded: Students often participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, which helps them develop diverse skills.

Safer and more supported: With fewer disciplinary issues and stronger teacher-student relationships, small schools create environments where students feel safe and supported.

 

Q: Will I feel ready to navigate a university’s diverse environment?

A: Absolutely. Our approach and the IB Programme cultivate international mindedness and intercultural understanding, which are essential for thriving in today’s diverse university settings. At CFIS, students engage in globally relevant learning, preparing them to collaborate and excel in multicultural environments.

 

Q: What about mental health and personal well-being?

A: Smaller high schools like CFIS excel in creating a sense of community and belonging. This supportive environment fosters resilience and mental health, key assets for managing the pressures of university life. Alumni often mention how their close connections with teachers and peers helped them develop confidence and emotional intelligence.

 

Q: Will being in a small school limit my social life?

A: While it’s true that smaller schools have fewer students, this often leads to a stronger sense of community and deeper friendships. At CFIS, students interact across grades and groups, creating a tight-knit, supportive environment where everyone knows each other.

Smaller schools also provide more inclusive opportunities for students to connect, whether through clubs, sports, or events. Unlike in larger schools, where students may feel lost in the crowd, CFIS students often report feeling more socially confident because of the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Plus, it’s worth noting that being in a smaller school doesn’t limit your exposure to diverse perspectives. Programs like the IB, Round Square, MUN, and our new Internship Program encourage global and local engagement and help students build the social skills needed to thrive in larger, more diverse university settings. Many alumni say that their close connections at CFIS gave them the confidence to easily form friendships in university.

The Takeaway

The question isn’t whether a small school will prepare you for university—it’s how much better prepared you’ll be because of it. Small schools like CFIS excel in:

• Providing personalized learning and fostering academic excellence.

• Developing leadership and collaboration skills through meaningful participation.

• Building a strong sense of community and well-being.

• Preparing students to navigate both academic and social challenges at university.

The academic preparation provided by a smaller school far outweighs any potential drawbacks, particularly when considering the challenges often associated with larger schools, such as overcrowding, frequent teacher turnover and absences, and a lack of personalized resources. 

The research, and our experience, proves that, despite its size—and as it continues to grow steadily— CFIS remains the best, safest, and most stable environment for fostering both social and academic success. Here, students thrive in a supportive community that equips them for a bright future.

Still have questions? Reach out to us! At CFIS, we believe in equipping students not just for university but for life.

M. Ben Hunter

Principal of Secondary at CFIS

bhunter@cfis.com

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This article was written by Ben Hunter, Principal of Secondary at CFIS, with editorial support from AI tools.