We have a strong history of teaching multi-age classrooms. Our classes are grouped by levels that are loosely connected to traditional ages and grades:
- Elementary level is connected to traditional grades 1-4, roughly ages 6-9.
- We have an Upper Elementary School supplemental program for roughly ages 9-10 to focus on skills needed at the next level.
- Middle school level is connected to traditional grades 5-8, roughly ages 10-13.
- High school level is connected to traditional grades 9-12, roughly ages 14-17/18.
Our instructors differentiate instruction for core subjects to ensure that each student meets the course goals or exceeds them depending on their needs and abilities. Students doing higher level work will sometimes be given different work rather than additional work and at the high school level, where appropriate, will be given the Honors designation for the course.
Benefits of Multi-aged Classrooms
- Individualized Learning Pace: Students can progress at their own speed, receiving more personalized instruction that meets their unique learning needs rather than being confined to a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum.
- Reduced Competition and Pressure: Without the rigid structure of same-age comparison, students may feel less pressure to compete and more freedom to celebrate their individual strengths and progress.
- Stronger Relationships: Students and teachers spend more than one year together, fostering deeper relationships, trust, and a stronger sense of community. This continuity can boost confidence and emotional security
- Social and Emotional Growth: Exposure to a variety of age groups helps children develop empathy, patience, leadership skills, and adaptability. They learn to interact with peers at different developmental stages, which mirrors real-life social environments.
- Peer Learning and Teaching: Older and/or more experienced students can reinforce their knowledge by mentoring younger and/or less experienced classmates, while younger and/or less experienced students benefit from peer modeling. This dynamic encourages collaboration and strengthens understanding for both groups.
We have been teaching multi-aged classes since 2016 and the growth for all of the students has always been worth the effort. After all, they don’t go into a world where they will only deal with people their own age!