Multi-Age Classroom

From the age of three, Montessori students are in multi-age classrooms. They remain in the same classroom for three years, moving from the youngest to the oldest in their classroom community. This approach is beneficial for students in a variety of ways. Older students act as teachers, showing younger children how to do things and reinforcing their learning. Younger peers are often motivated to learn by seeing what others can accomplish. They also can learn from observing those just ahead of them in skills. Another benefit is that children can progress at their own pace without grade-level stigma and take on challenges they are ready for without waiting until the next school year.

Over the three years, the teacher can observe and support each child’s growth. This intimate knowledge of the child allows the teacher to individualize instruction by offering the child opportunities to accelerate or deepen learning in areas of particular interest. The familiarity of a stable environment supports risk-taking, which is essential for learning to occur.

Montessori’s observation-based theory of human development is the basis for the multi-age classroom.