Do you know which nation boasts the highest literacy rate in the world? It’s New Zealand, a nation where multi-grade classrooms—where teachers teach classrooms of students of different ages and grade levels—are common. While most parents and children are accustomed to single-grade classrooms, some schools, including Shoal Creek Adventist School, offer multi-grade classrooms because research and our own experience have shown that there are many benefits:
- Children who remain with the same teacher and primarily the same class for multiple years enjoy a stable and reliable environment.
The mix of ages and abilities provide many opportunities for students to collaborate and learn from each other. Older students can take on more mature roles, mentoring the younger students.
There is no limit to content that is taught or discussed, so younger students learn along with older students.
Grouping students like a family—which is the oldest, most successful learning model—benefits students of all ages educationally as well as socially.
Family grouped classrooms are particularly beneficial to gifted learners, struggling learners, and “late bloomers.”
“Shoal Creek has been the biggest blessing to us since we started 2 years ago. We are so thankful our daughter has been able to assist in the K-2 class because now she wants to be a kindergarten teacher! Thank God He led us to Shoal Creek!”
- Rebecca Simmons, Parent of Shoal Creek graduated
The research is compelling, and the results we have seen at Shoal Creek are inspiring. If you haven’t heard of a multi-grade classroom before or seen one in action, come visit us at Shoal Creek Adventist School.
