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

Academic Achievement

Leadership

Social Skills

Family Atmosphere

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.