Big changes with smaller school

To help a child succeed in school, you've got to help them love it. But for some kids, its easier said than done.

Take Austin Boucher. He's 12 years old, in the 7th grade. A few years ago, he dreaded coming to school. He is very smart, but he didn't feel like he fit in -- until he changed schools.

Austin's parents moved him to Tampa Day School because they knew he needed a little extra attention, and it's made a huge difference.

"They do a lot of one-on-one and things with a lot of students. Classes are smaller, makes it easier," Austin said.

"Grades have never been an issue. He has always been very smart. But he was getting teased a lot, he was getting picked on a lot, and what would happen when he got mad at someone, his feelings would get hurt," explained Robin Piper, Austin's mom. "He would just stop. He would just sit at his desk and refuse to work, and they were not able to help him work through that kind of stuff."

At Tampa Day School, there are about 10 kids per class. It's Kindergarten through 8th grade, and they have fewer than 100 kids.

Lois Delaney is head of the school.

"Once that child is here, we are constantly trying to honor him. What are the things that he does really well, how does he learn best, and let's make sure we are working with him in those areas," Delaney said.

For Austin and his fellow classmates, small classes and individual attention have both made a world of difference. And Austin's mom is so thankful.

"It made everything better, it made his grades better, it made his social life better. He's flourishing in all aspects," Robin said.

And now Austin can't wait to come to school.