I'm just back from Tailwheels Etc at Winter Haven. They certainly meet the "Mom & Pop" requirement. Did FAA PPL / IR / CPL / ME in just under 6 weeks, arrived with 10hrs aeroplane experience and lots of rotary-wing time.
Student : Instructor ratio is 1:1, you just share an aircraft (typically with one other student / Instructor pair).
As with any school how well you progress depends a great deal on how well you get on with your Instructor.
PM me if you want more info.