NYC Class Sizes Rise by Nearly 1 Student Per Class

Class sizes have risen by an average of just under one student per classroom in New York City's public schools.

According to figures released Tuesday by the Department of Education, class sizes in elementary school rose about 3 percent this year, from 23.7. to 24.4 students per classroom.

Middle schools increased to 27.1 students per class, up from 26.8, and high school class sizes rose to 26.8 students from 26.4.

City Department of Education spokeswoman Barbara Morgan said the department "fully anticipated that class sizes would rise modestly" as a result of nearly $1.7 billion in state and federal budget cuts.

She said the increase was below what was initially projected.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott predicted last May that average class sizes would rise by two students this year.