Academics

Multiage Learning

Multiage Class Model

A child-centered approach that accommodates all learners in a highly academic setting, promoting collaboration, social development, and taking initiative.

In multiage classes, our teachers build strong relationships with each student and identify unique areas for growth and opportunity for each in a setting not restricted by grade-level material.
All High Meadows classrooms are treated as multiage environments, regardless of whether they encompass multiple grade levels, because even within a single grade, children can be a year or more apart in age. Likewise, two children of the same age may not be at the same level of development. While class configuration can vary from year to year according to the needs and makeup of our student body, best practices in child-centered teaching are present in every High Meadows classroom.

Within a multiage classroom, students participate in their own democratic society in which they are active and necessary participants. An idealized model creates diverse yet balanced groupings of students of mixed ages with different abilities, including special needs and gifted students. The enhanced social and natural settings in multiage classrooms can help raise students’ social and emotional skills. Students not only benefit from the academic challenges of an integrated curriculum but also from the character growth that comes along with developing new skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, collaboration, empathy, and leadership.

Side-By-Side Comparison: Multiage Learning with a More Traditional Grade-Level Approach



GRADE-LEVEL APPROACH MULTIAGE APPROACH
Curriculum is presented part to whole with emphasis on basic skills. Curriculum is presented whole to part with emphasis on big concepts.
Strict adherence to fixed curriculum is highly valued. Students’ questions, interests, and natural curiosity are highly valued.
Curricular activities rely heavily on textbooks and workbooks. Curricular activities rely heavily on primary sources of data and hands-on materials.
Students are viewed as “blank slates” onto which information is etched by the teacher. Students are viewed as thinkers with emerging theories about the world.
Teachers seek a “correct” answer to validate learning. Teachers seek students’ points of view to understand their current thoughts and use them in future lessons.
Assessment of student learning is viewed as separate from teaching and it occurs almost entirely through testing. Assessment of student learning is interwoven with teaching, occurring through observations of students at work and authentic experiences.
Students primarily work alone. Students primarily work in groups.
Students receive grades. Student work serves as documentation of student progress, illustrating learning success and areas of growth to help guide teacher instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 3 items.

  • Will my older, more advanced child be adequately challenged in this type of setting?

    Yes!

    Academically, teachers are able to create mixed groupings in a multiage classroom that allow all children to participate in the level that is most suited for their skills. Teachers incorporate both whole group and small group instruction to successfully meet the needs of students. The age variety also allows more adept students (whether that be the older or younger students) to teach the others, developing a deeper understanding of content and concepts.

    Socially and emotionally, older students are gaining leadership and nurturing skills and have an opportunity to grow in maturity. Their guidance encourages younger students to participate in activities that they might not try on their own. Younger students naturally contribute a childlike attitude that encourages creativity and playful inspiration.

  • Does the curriculum repeat the second year my child is in the same class?

    The curriculum is developed in an A/B fashion for multiage classrooms, providing double the units of study over a two-year period so that different content is taught each year.  Students are building on their skills over the two years and are exposed to content area concepts as they are ready.

  • Are all classes at High Meadows multiage?

    All classes are not multiage by grade but naturally multiage in their make up of students within a grade. Three- and four-year-old preschoolers are together, second and third grades are together, fourth and fifth grades are together, and sixth and seventh grades are together.
The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen.
Age 3 through Grade 8 | Authorized IB PYP World School
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 | (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org