Multiage education is rooted in the philosophy that every child has the right to learn at his or her own pace, that learning is a continuum rather than a series of steps. Diversity is not only a reality to be dealt with, but is something to be embraced. And that can turn a classroom into a family of learners.

By including different age groups, students naturally become more accepting of one another’s differences. There is an atmosphere of nurturing and support rather than of pressure to fit within an arbitrary norm. The Caepe Preschool teachers support each child’s needs rather than expecting students to advance in a lock step manner.

A good metaphor for a multiage classroom is a path. Some students move gradually
while others move more swiftly. We encourage them to reach their potential, but we also recognize that where they are on the path may not be where others of the same age are at a particular point in time. Where they are depends on a number of factors that require attention to the abilities and needs of each student.

There are many schools across the country that have been implementing the multiage education program successfully for many years. Research shows that children in multiage classrooms often have a greater sense of belonging and more positive social relationships and attitudes toward school than children in same-age classrooms. Attendance in the multiage classrooms is also significantly higher.