School districts - pros/cons small vs large

We're not in the school system yet and I'm not familiar with the school system on LI. What are the pros and cons of a small vs a large school district? Please share all sides.

Feel free to FM. Thanks!

Re: School districts - pros/cons small vs large

We're in a very small school district on Long Island. There are absolutely pros and cons to it.

Pros:
-My daughter's class size is always small and she gets a lot of individual attention - not just from teachers, but from all staff in the school.
-I have a great relationship with the teachers and the administration. They know me by name, and have known it since week 1. This isn't necessarily unique to small schools, but I definitely think it helps.
-caseloads of support staff (should she need any resources or additional help) are extremely manageable.
-parents really have a voice and collaborate closely in board meetings, etc. Again, not necessarily unique to small schools, but it helps.

Cons:
-12 years with the same small group of kids (and parents!). Could be a 'pro' but I imagine that by high school she'll know EVERYONE'S business.
-while our sports and arts programs are decent, they are limited
-if your child has unique or specific special needs, the services might not be available in a smaller school.
-there is not much diversity in my district (but that is more a reflection of my specific district, not all small districts)

School districts - pros/cons small vs large

I am in a small district and LOVE it! I was worried too bc I came from a big district.
Pros
-class sizes are always are the smaller side
-My school has a school for K-2 and 3-5. I actually come to really love this bc I feel like they are always with kids close in age. I don't have to worry about my 1st grader getting on the bus with a bunch of older kids, ya know?
-Everyone is close and remembers you and your child. I can call the security desk (like if I have to pick up early) and just say my name and they know who my child is and what teacher she has
-Our superintendent is at EVERY event at EVERY school. Bc there is only one elementary and one middle and one high school - she is always there. I think that is important. It creates a relationship with the students and the parents. Friends of mine in big districts don't even know their superintendents name.
- my youngest DD has a medical condition and learning disabilities. I can not say enough how great our experience has been with the school. I thought the small district would be an issue but it's been just the opposite. I feel like bc the district is small they really try to make the parents happy and give as much to the students. Its alomost like bc there are less students that may have the "needs" there isn't much of a "fight" to get the services.
One thing that really sticks out in my mind with the special education too is that we only have 1 primary/elementary school. So unless your child has serve needs that they really cant accommodate - there will be a special ed class in your childs home school for them. What I mean by that is - a lot of the bigger districts that have 4 or 5 elementary schools will pick one school to hold the special classes in and your child has to go there. So they can be going to a totally different school than siblings and they can change the school every year.

I think my only Con is the sports are not as great as others. My DD actually plays soccer for a club in another district bc ours has one but its not very competitive. But I know a lot of moms that also love that about the district bc maybe their kid isn't that athletic right now and will still make a team and get playing time bc there isn't a lot of competition.

Re: School districts - pros/cons small vs large

Thank you for the feedback!