Given the changing climate of schools in the 1990's, educators, researchers, and parents are joining forces in reevaluating the lock-step graded system of education. Students in multigrade classrooms have more positive attitudes toward themselves, their peers, and school. Cooperation, rather than competition, among students is the norm.
Older children develop altruistic characteristics, helping and nurturing the younger ones.
Younger students particularly benefit from mixed-age settings, emulating and learning from their elders. While the benefits of multi-age grouping are clear, the challenges to teachers can be overwhelming. A child begins on one level and then moves right on to the next levels. Grade designations are not necessary. Children are challenged at their appropriate level.