Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. Will my child benefit from a multiage classroom experience?
2. What is your homework policy?
3. How is the cuuriculum different over two years?
4. What do you do about birthdays?
5. Do the older children benefit from the multiage classroom?
6. What kind of grades are given in your classroom?
7. What does E, M, P, and C mean?
8. How can I help in the classroom?

Will my child benefit from a multiage classroom experience?

Research strongly suggests that children benefit in many ways from multiage 
classrooms (Miller, 1990). Academically, children usually do better in 
multiage classrooms than in traditional clcassrooms (Anderson & Pavan, 1993). 
Multiage classrooms clearly do not negatively affect academic achievement 
(Miller, 1990). After reviewing twenty-one quantitative studies comparing the 
effects of multiage classrooms with single grade classrooms, Miller 
notes, "In terms of academic achievement, the data clearly support the 
multiage classroom as a viable and equally effective organizational 
alternative to single-grade instruction." 

In addition, the benefits for children socially and emotionally are 
consistently higher for multiage classrooms. The affective domain is greatly 
impacted by multiage classrooms. From his research, Miller (1990, 7) notes, 
"When it comes to student affect, the case for multigrade organization appears
much stronger, with multigrade students outperforming single grade students 
in over 75 percent of the measures used." 

Multiage students often have a greater sense of belonging (Sherman, 1984) and 
more positive social relationships. Anderson and Pavan's (1993) review of 
research found that multiage children consistenlty like and enjoy school 
more. Multiage children have more positive attitudes toward school than same-
age children. 

Overall, multiage classrooms support children and their learning in a 
multitude of very positive ways.

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What is your homework policy?

We will distribute a homework packet on a weekly basis. Please help your 
child plan their homework schedule based upon your family calendar. Some 
Professional Learners do 20 minutes a day until the packet is complete, and 
others prefer to do all of the assignments in larger blocks of time and 
finish up earlier in the week. Either schedule is an effective way to help 
meet the learning objectives of the homework packet. 

We do NOT recommend having your Professional Learner wait until the night 
before it is due. 

Our philosophy on homework in our community is that it should function as a 
vehicle to help children assume more responsibility for their educational 
career. The material is either a review of content previously covered in the 
classroom or an extension of classroom content. Your child should be able to 
do the assignments independently, without constant supervision and support. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's homework content, 
please do not hesitate to ask. We are partners in your child's education and 
need your insight and valuable feedback.

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How is the cuuriculum different over two years?

The science and social studies curriculum has been designed to be covered in 
a comprehensive two year focus of study. Math and reading are sequential 
programs that will neccesitate differentiation by grade level or appropriate 
skill level.

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What do you do about birthdays?

We will celebrate and highlight every community members special day, whether 
it is a school-year birthday or a summer day! You are always welcome to 
discuss with us any specific questions you may have about your son or 
daughters celebration as the time draws near.

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Do the older children benefit from the multiage classroom?

Sometimes parents and teachers worry that the older children may not benefit 
as much from a multiage classroom as the younger children. Obviously, the 
younger children are learning from the older children. With the older 
children mentoring the younger children, do the older children learn as 
much? In the multiage classroom every child, even the older child, is on his 
or her own continuum of learning. The curriculum is opened up for all the 
children. The older child is able to go as far as he or she is able to go 
just as the younger child is. The older child is able to progress beyond the 
traditional curriculum limits. 

The benefits for older children socially and emotionally is also apparent. 
Older children have a greater opportunity to mentor younger children. This 
allows all the older children to gain confidence and increase self-esteem. 
Older children also learn how to care for and nurture others. Without the 
competition of same-age classrooms, older children are free to cooperate and 
help others.

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What kind of grades are given in your classroom?

We focus on the authentic learning of all or our students, at their own 
independent rate of development. Grades on the report cards are E, M, P and C.

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What does E, M, P, and C mean?

E = Excels at grade level expectations
M = Meets grade level expectations
P = Progressing towards expectations
C = Concerns about progress

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How can I help in the classroom?

There are numerous ways we can utilize your skills and talents in our 
community! We have openings for a wide-range of time commitments. If you can 
make a regular contribution or are only able to come in on an infrequent 
basis, we welcome your assisstance. Sign-up sheets for positions will be 
available at the Open House.

Please try to make some time in your busy schedule to be an intergral partner 
in your child's education. You will be well rewarded for your time and 
energy.

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