The Special Science High School of the Lyceum Northwestern Florencia T. Duque College Inc., located along the national highway in Barangay Nancayasan here, opened last June with a grand total of five teachers and two students — a male and a female.
Though unique in its class size, the school complies with all the requirements of the education department, says school administrator Arfe Castillo. Students have to get a grade of at least 85 percent in all their subjects, otherwise they have to transfer to a general high school.
"True, our school is one of its kind. But we are assured that we get 100 percent participation," said Castillo. There are three other special science high schools in Urdaneta, ostensibly with higher enrollment.
During flag-raising ceremonies every Monday, the male student, Emmanuel Ian Zarate raises the Philippine flag while the female student, Filipino-Austrian Isabel Kern, leads in the singing of the national anthem while their teachers join them.
They also have their Science, English and Math clubs. In their Parents-Teachers Association, the two students’ parents automatically occupy the two highest posts while the teachers serve as officers.
And in instances when one of the students is absent, Castillo said the "show must go on come rain or high water, we still have 50 percent remaining."
In various contests that involve other schools, the students also participate and are automatic contestants. English teacher Ruby Amado said an example would be the selection of Mr. and Miss PRISAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) Meet.
Amado added learning modules are like a tutorial and so quality education is ensured. But one drawback, she said, is the lack or plain absence of group dynamics or group work.
When the numbers are obviously missing during Christmas parties, Valentine’s Day celebration, intramurals and other activities where the more the merrier, the two students join their students and other college students in the nearby college section of the school.
"Their need to belong is satisfied in a way," Amado remarks.
During meetings of educators, sometimes the school becomes the butt of jokes among teachers about the number of enrollees in Duque College Lyceum Science High, teachers say.
Janette Junio, who teaches Computer, Filipino, Physical Education, Health and Music, and T.H.E. subjects, says, "They could hardly believe it but we tell them we give our very best to our students."
Junio, who taught earlier in another private science high school, said at the end of the school year, they will also have a recognition day for their students’ academic excellence.
During physical education class, the two students compete with each other in volleyball, badminton and chess, among other games that can be played by two players.
"They are like siblings," Junio said.
Kern is a picture of a studious, diligent and quiet student, while Zarate is the playful one, striking a healthy balance in the class atmosphere.
The STAR learned that the two had a mutual friend who made them text mates prior to enrollment. They never saw each other and only found out later that they were enrolled in the same school where, to their surprise, they found out they had no other classmates.
"Class size doesn’t matter to me as I know I get full satisfaction with the skills of my teachers," says Kern. Zarate on the other hand wishes to have more classmates, "para mas masaya (to have more fun)."
They admitted that their old folks say being in a small class is advantageous to them but their young friends say "it’s kinda boring."
The two are helping in marketing their school by encouraging their friends and relatives to enroll in Duque College Lyceum Science High next school year, when it will begin to have its second year level.
The school is owned by lawyer Gonzalo Duque, who is also president of Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City.