Small School

Because of a Massachusetts law stating that every child under age 16 is entitled to an education, the Cuttyhunk Elementary School, on an island off Cape Cod, had to stay open these past three years even though there was only one student. John Paul graduated in June and so the school, which required one teacher and one superintendent, will close. Until now, the school has cost the taxpayers $30,000 per year. Three years ago it was more cost effective at the rate of $15,000 per student, because there were two students in the school, John and his older brother Keith.