Class Sizes
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Class Size Commitments
PUSD adheres to class size limits established in collaboration with the teachers' association and reflected in the contract.
The above numbers are maximums listed in the contract. The actual sizes are lower. In fact, the average K-3 class size is 26.14.
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Strategic Start-of-Year Adjustments
Student enrollment shifts during the first few weeks of school so a 20-day window to stabilize enrollment is used to avoid unnecessary disruptions. When enrollment remains high, new classrooms are opened to balance class sizes.
Example: Two additional kindergarten classes were opened this year in response to increased enrollment. |
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Compensation for Class Size Overages
When contractual limits are exceeded, PUSD provides additional compensation to teachers at a rate much higher than other districts.
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Investments in Classroom Support Systems
To support instruction and reduce the impact of larger class sizes, PUSD provides extensive additional staffing:
Direct Classroom Assistance
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The Bottom Line
PUSD keeps class sizes reasonable and supports both students and teachers.
√ Class size limits are negotiated with teachers
√ Teachers receive additional pay when classes go over those limits
√ Staffing is adjusted quickly to address enrollment
√ Extra support staff help reduce the load on classroom teachers
√ Students who need help get timely support
Most classes have 30 students or fewer - and when they don't, we provide both compensation and support to ensure quality teaching and learning.
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Recent FAQs
Does having a 30-student maximum hurt students compared to districts with lower limits?
Actually, it provides strategic advantages that benefit students and families. PUSD's actual K-3 average of 26.14 shows we keep classes small in practice, but the 30-student maximum allows us to:
Actually, it provides strategic advantages that benefit students and families. PUSD's actual K-3 average of 26.14 shows we keep classes small in practice, but the 30-student maximum allows us to:
- Keep families together at their neighborhood school rather than overflowing students to distant schools
- Provide strategic support (additional aides, compensation) in larger classes rather than just splitting them
- Accommodate enrollment fluctuations without disrupting established classroom communities
- Allow experienced teachers who want larger classes (with generous compensation) to serve more students effectively
Why does PUSD use an average class size approach instead of setting lower maximums for every class?
Enrollment does not always divide evenly into fixed class sizes. By using an average of 26.14 across K–3, PUSD is able to staff strategically—some classes may have 22 students while others have 28—without creating small, inefficiently staffed classes of 16 alongside capped classes of 24. This approach provides flexibility while still keeping overall class sizes within agreed-upon limits.
In addition, some highly effective teachers choose to work with larger classes (with added compensation and support), as it allows them to positively impact more students while still maintaining strong instructional quality.