To be financially viable, Catholic elementary schools with enrollments of under 100 students need to recognize their smallness and seek structures and methods appropriate to their size. This book addresses the needs of very small schools with current or potential multigrade classrooms, and describes organizational and instructional approaches proven effective in such settings. Researchers obtained information from questionnaire responses of 164 of the 462 U.S. Catholic elementary schools with enrollments under 100, meetings with 34 principals of very small schools judged to be effective academic or financial models, and a survey of relevant literature in the ERIC data base. Major sections cover (1) advantages related to academic success, personal development, and community climate in the small Catholic elementary school; (2) key elements in organizing the school program, including school leadership, financial considerations, curriculum, supportive technology, community learning climate, and recruitment of qualified teachers; (3) 14 steps for effectively teaching in the multigrade classroom, including consideration of schoolwide priorities and resources, classroom arrangement, planning, and professional growth; and (4) compensation for limitations of size and resources through involvement of community members and collaboration with other institutions and agencies. This document contains 40 references and lists of questionnaire respondents and meeting participants. (SV)