Due to the success of our first year, we added a second class in 1992. Patti Hinkle, who has taught several different grade levels in Fulton County, and who is studying alternative approaches in education, is teaching our second class. An instructional assistant is assigned to each class. Multi-age classes tend to encourage a spirit of cooperation rather than competition among students. Each child is seen as unique and is encouraged to work and make progress at his or her own level and pace.
Younger children imitate older ones and are exposed to more advanced concepts and skills.
Older students benefit from being leaders and teachers, which not only builds self-esteem but also has been shown to enhance their own learning. Our classes feature cooperative learning teams, flexible grouping, and peer teaching, all of which have been shown to be very effective educational strategies. Teaching this type of class requires the ability to integrate many subjects and aspects of learning. Having students for three years assists in the evaluation of progress and prevents unnecessary repetition of instruction. It also necessitates using a three-year social studies and science curriculum cycle.