The founding parents of United Friends School envisioned a school where children learn by experience. They valued opportunities for children to learn, not only from their teachers, but from one another. They envisioned small classes allowing teachers the opportunity to interact effectively with children of different ages and abilities. While the concept of multi-aged, multi-grade classes is certainly not new, UFS has redefined the notion, taking many factors into account when determining the composition of a class in any given year.

A Typical Situation

Usually, each K-6th grade classroom is comprised of two grades, e.g. the Fox class is a 2nd and 3rd grade class, and the Anthony class is a 3rd and 4th grade class. Thus, a third grader could be in either situation that could benefit him/her. Some students thrive by staying with the same teacher for two years, and others grow through being incorporated into a class with older, 3rd grade, students.

The Benefits of Multi-aged Groupings 

• Encourages children to learn cooperatively rather than competitively.
• Provides a setting that is student-centered and rich in diverse learning styles, abilities, and points of view.
• Allows for peer teaching and flexible learning opportunities. Children can learn at their own pace and be proud of their accomplishments.
• More closely resembles real life situations and encourages children to develop their own expertise while becoming skilled nurturers. Older students often assume the role of more knowledgeable, experienced, and responsible learners. In that role, they are continually reinforcing their knowledge while being challenged to advance to a new level. Younger children in a mixed age group have opportunities to learn from their older peers and to teach their "elders."
• Students who remain in the same class for two years benefit greatly from being with a teacher who knows each child's learning style, strengths and weaknesses.