CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
Smaller Classes, Bigger Impact
Few educational investments have a greater impact on student success than smaller class sizes. Research—and the experiences of both parents and educators—consistently demonstrates that students thrive when they receive more individualized attention and meaningful interaction with their teachers.
Beyond third grade, California provides no funding or class size requirements for core academic instruction. MBEF bridges this critical gap by funding Class Size Reduction (CSR) in key grade levels, ensuring students continue to benefit from optimal learning environments. Smaller classes give teachers greater flexibility to personalize instruction, address individual learning needs, foster stronger relationships, and engage every student more effectively.
Elementary School Teachers
It is natural for class sizes to increase in 4th and 5th grades as students develop greater independence, stronger foundational skills, and the ability to engage in more complex group work. MBEF donations fund 8.5 additional classroom teachers to reduce the number of students in an average 4th and 5th grade class by FOURTEEN students districtwide.
Elementary Teaching Assistants
MBEF has partnered with MBUSD to introduce a pilot program to support trained teaching assistants who work alongside classroom teachers in classes above the average of 30 to provide targeted small-group and one-on-one instruction, reinforce classroom learning, and support differentiated instruction.
Middle School Teachers
MBEF funds 39 additional sections in core instructional courses—English, Humanities, Math, Science, and Social Science—to significantly reduce class size for all students. Without MBEF, all core classes at MBMS would have approximately TWELVE more students per class.
High School Teachers
Directed funding from MBEF supports 65 additional sections in core instruction—English, Math, Science, Social Science, and World Language—to significantly reduce class size across the campus. This significant funding directed towards class size reduction at Mira Costa High School decreases the average class size by EIGHT students.
Zero Period
MBEF funds 16 additional sections to accommodate high school students who want to maximize their schedule to benefit from the array of additional elective course options and activities. More than 25% of MCHS students take advantage of the additional period offered before the traditional school day to expand their course load.