As you investigate the philosophy of multiage classrooms, you quickly conclude that this child-centered approach is good for all children. In the multiage classroom, children progress at their own pace, view themselves as successful, learn from their peers without competition, and have the opportunity to mentor. Whether a whole school is multiage or only a portion of the school, children should be randomly selected. There should be a balance of ages, abilities, and gender. Usually the best age range is at least three years.
Many schools do two-year combinations.
Sometimes, if the teachers are not careful, a two-year program results in teaching each group rather than teaching the children as one group. With a three year span, it is impossible to address grades separately with a graded curriculum. With a three-year span, the children must be looked at as individual learners on their own continuum. There are also social and emotional benefits that result from a three-year span. In the multiage classroom every child, even the older child, is on his or her own continuum of learning.