Why Multi-Grade Classrooms?

Cold Spring School deliberately configures its classrooms as mixed-grade groupings, with the exception of sixth grade. Every classroom has two full-time teachers, and children stay in the same classroom for two years. This structure allows for deeper relationships to form between students and teachers and creates a greater opportunity for social and academic learning. Within the two years every child has the opportunity to be a leader for younger classmates and this configuration expands the children’s peer groups. There are clearly defined, formal benchmarks for each grade. Differentiated, or individualized instruction is the norm, with academic extension and support built into each classroom.