Multi-grade Classrooms

Multi-grade schooling originated in American one-room schoolhouses during the 1800’s.   With the rise of public schooling in the 1900’s, multi-grade classrooms fell out of favor.   However, multi-grade schooling had a resurgence in the 1960s.1   As of 2018, approximately one third of all classes across the world are multi-grade classes.2

Some Benefits of Multi-Grade Classrooms:

Stability

  • Children who remain with the same teacher and primarily the same class for multiple years enjoy a stable and reliable environment.

Academic Achievement

  • WCS teachers have been trained in multi-grade classroom teaching techniques. When teachers are properly trained in such techniques, studies have shown that students from multi-grade schools do as well or better on standardized tests as do students in single grade classrooms.
  • At WCS our smaller teacher-pupil ratio allows for individualized assessment of the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each student. The teacher is better able to individualize the instruction to fit the student’s needs, learning style, and potential.
  • Students may study the same subject or topic, but learning is differentiated by grade within the classroom so younger students learn along with older students.
  • Multi-grade classrooms are particularly beneficial to gifted learners, struggling learners, and “late bloomers.”

Leadership

  • At WCS, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills from an early age. Leadership skills are key to the future success of students.

Social Skills

  • At WCS, multi-grade classes provide many opportunities for students to collaborate and learn from each other. Older students can take on more mature roles, mentoring the younger students.
  • Several studies have found that multi-grade classrooms improve personal and social development. Students learn to work with a wide age span. At WCS, cooperative learning and peer tutoring helps sharpen social skills. Independent work habits as well as greater feelings of responsibility and self-esteem are developed. Competition between peers is reduced, as is the anxiety and pre-occupation of having to compete.

Family Atmosphere

  • At WCS students are grouped in a family-like atmosphere that benefits students of all ages educationally as well as socially.
  • The mix of ages and abilities is more like a family than is found in large classrooms of same-age children. As a result, a sense of togetherness quickly develops. Students learn cooperation, give and take, compassion and empathy for their fellow classmates. There is enhanced interaction among students in smaller groups.

Multi-grade Classroom Videos

Here are some links to excellent multi-grade classroom information that was prepared for a Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School in La Mesa California

How Does a Multi-grade Classroom Function?

What Are The Benefits of a Multi-grade Classroom?

1. McClellan & Kinsey (1999).

“Children’s social behavior in relation to participation in mixed-age or same-age classrooms.”

Early Childhood Research & Practice

2. Checchi, D., & De Paola, M(2018).

“The effect of multi-grade classes on cognitive and non-cognitive skills: Causal evidence exploiting minimum class size rules in Italy.”

Economics of Education Review

67: 235–253.