Multi-age classrooms are intentionally designed learning environments. Students are not taught in separate grade groups. Instead, learning is planned around shared ideas and skills, with children supported and assessed at their own stage of development. Research shows that students in multi-age classrooms achieve just as well academically as students in single-grade classrooms, while also benefiting from collaboration, flexibility, and a strong sense of belonging. Multi-Age (Combined) Classrooms in West Vancouver Schools In many school districts, including ours, families may notice an increase in multi-age classes. Multi-age groupings are a normal and effective structure within B.C. schools. They are a natural and common part of how schools respond to shifts in enrolment, class size limits, and class composition. When the number of students at each grade level does not divide evenly into provincially required class sizes, a combined class sometimes becomes the most effective and balanced way to organize learning. In addition to enrolment patterns, schools also consider class composition, such as student learning styles, strengths, social dynamics, and peer relationships. These factors help us create classrooms that are supportive, safe, and well-balanced for all students What Is a Multi-Age (Combined) Classroom? A multi-age classroom includes students from two (or more) grade levels learning together as one classroom community. Learning is not divided into two separate classes within the same room. Instead, teachers plan learning experiences that bring students together while recognizing that children are at different points along their learning journey. In a multi‑age classroom, teachers continue to plan for each child’s individual learning needs, ensuring every student receives the right level of support and challenge. The BC curriculum is designed as a spiral, meaning that key ideas and skills are revisited and developed over time. Multi-age classrooms naturally support this approach by allowing students to engage with shared concepts at different levels of depth and complexity. Importantly, assessment and reporting remain aligned to each student’s grade-level curriculum expectations, even though learning often happens together. How Learning Is Designed In multi-age classrooms, the focus is on how students learn, not on separating children by grade. Learning is planned around: This approach reflects how children naturally learn through discussion, practice, collaboration, and reflection, rather than through isolated, grade-specific instruction. Instructional Practices That Support All Students Multiage classrooms use a range of inclusive, well-established instructional practices that benefit all learners, including: These practices are used across West Vancouver Schools and are not unique to multi-age classrooms. They reflect strong teaching and learning in all settings. What Research Tells Us Research on multi-age classrooms consistently indicates that learning in a combined classroom does not disadvantage students academically. Large studies comparing multi-age and single-grade classrooms show no significant differences in overall achievement. Research also suggests that multi-age classrooms can support: These benefits are most consistent in school systems that emphasize clear curriculum expectations, inclusive instructional approaches, and strong learning relationships, all of which are foundational practices across West Vancouver Schools. What This Means for Your Child For students, a multi-age classroom means: Children are not expected to learn “ahead” or “behind” — they are supported to grow from where they are. Supporting Your Child at Home Families can support their child’s experience in a multi-age classroom by: Multi-age classrooms are a thoughtful, research-informed way of organizing learning that reflects how children grow and develop over time. With a strong curriculum framework, inclusive instructional practices, and a commitment to belonging, students in combined classrooms are well supported to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. If you have questions about your child’s placement or learning experience, we encourage you to connect with your school principal or classroom teacher. References: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276459853_A_Comprehensive_Look_at_Multi-Age_Education https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/00346543065004319 https://oecdedutoday.com/how-mixed-age-classrooms-offer-a-unique-approach/