Although the existence of small Catholic elementary schools (enrollment: 300 or less) is precarious, these institutions enable students to succeed academically beyond national norms, due to the special learning environment that they provide. The recent Small Schools Survey of Catholic elementary schools indicated that classes in small Catholic schools scored exceptionally well in all of the basic learning areas: reading, mathematics, reference skills. This achievement has important implications for the viability of other very small schools, be they private, religious, or public, and supports other educational research showing that size alone does not indicate the quality of a school. Principals whose small Catholic elementary schools modeled above average academic achievement reported that the academic advantages of small schools due to low teacher-to-pupil ratios included: use of more varied materials and tasks, higher levels of thinking due to more demanding assignments, increased opportunities for participation, formulation of better study habits, community support and greater opportunities for leadership. Team concept, priorities, skill organization, planning for content subjects, an interdisciplinary approach, and instructional assistance were cited as effective elements in school-wide organization, and knowledge of key concepts and skills, individualization, and room arrangement contributed to effective teaching. Reasons for school failures and ideas for generating support are included. (JMM)