Last week in the kindergarten parent group, the teacher posted a notice: next school year, when our kids move up to middle class, our class will merge with the neighboring one. The new class will have around 30 kids.

Right now our class has just over 20 kids, and I already think the teachers have a tough job — managing all their eating, drinking, bathroom needs, and learning every day. Thirty kids? Where would they even put them?

First, the Shanghai standard

Kindergarten class sizes in Shanghai are regulated: small class, max 25; middle class, max 30; large class, max 35.

So 30 kids for middle class is right at the upper limit. Compliant, but not comfortable.

Compliant means it's within legal bounds. It doesn't mean it's the best environment for children. Thirty four-to-five-year-olds in one room, usually with two teachers and one assistant — that's roughly one adult per ten kids. The time and quality of attention each child receives is measurably diluted.

Why is this happening?

The obvious backdrop is declining birth rates leading to fewer enrollments. Merging classes is a way to cut costs — teacher headcount and classroom usage both get streamlined. Also, with the recent push to open nursery classes, they may simply not have enough rooms or staff.

From a cost-management perspective, the logic makes sense. But it's definitely not better for the kids.

Is it like this in Puxi too?

I asked a few friends — some in Puxi, others in different districts. The situations vary.

But Pudong's case might be more pronounced. Especially where we live — several giant residential complexes, one of the highest population density areas in Shanghai. Lots of upgrade-type apartments, so naturally, lots of kids.

How I feel about it now

After the notice was posted, a few parents asked questions, and the teacher answered patiently. I didn't ask. Because I knew the teacher couldn't answer the question I really wanted to ask: "With 30 kids together, how much individual attention will my child actually get?"

The numbers check out. But emotionally, it stings.

Has anyone else run into a similar situation?