<p>I think CTCL is a wonderful guidebook for the search for a collegiate academic community. There are plenty of great schools not in the book as well–but what it does is give you a template for the kinds of school that emphasizes teaching and developing the whole person (in contrast to research and more linear professional development–which only some kids are ready for at 18). </p>
<p>And about the “too small” fear. It can be important to think about “how many friends do you need?” In a class of 300-400 like-minded new students you are likely to find plenty of friends. College is not high school and so the “small” community is quite different in many important ways. I have seen a lot of kids from “small” high schools decide they want a “big” school then be miserable with the scale and anonymity and difficulty finding a circle of friends quickly in the big environment. I just think it is really important to sample schools and communities for fit and feel before rejecting them on a single demographic (eg: too small, too rural, too cold)</p>