Almost any school has the potential to allow the student to grow and mature in a positive direction. A small school could be nurturing and very personal. It could also be stifling and not very inclusive of anyone not into its particular culture. A large school can be impersonal and alienating. It can also support many different kinds of people and offer many opportunities. Depends on your personality. My D is something of an introvert. Small private school, right? Nope, large flagship state school. She’s more social and independent than she ever was in high school.