Why do we have various grade configurations?

We employ several classroom configurations because at different ages and stages, some classroom configurations are more advantageous than others.

At the Graham and Parks Alternative Public School we use different classroom configurations: Multi-grading, single grades, and a hybrid in the middle school. Our classes use the following pattern: Jr.K -K, 1-2 multi-graded, 3,4,5,6 are single graded, and lastly, grades 7-8 utilize a hybrid version of single and multi-grades. All classes are heterogeneously grouped in terms of academic achievement, socio-economic background, race, and gender because we believe that diversity provides rich possibilities and is the best starting point for learning.

Multi-grade classes

In the Jr. K - K, and 1-2 grade levels, multi-grades have been, and continue to be optimal for our students. In a multi-grade, children stay with a teacher for two years. In this way, teachers can get to know the children quite well, building strong interpersonal relationships, and can plan carefully for them during this time. Our teachers report that students have an accelerated rate of growth the second year in a class. This seems true for all students, but it is especially true for the more needy students.

In multi-grade classrooms, about half of the students comprise the lower grade and half the upper grade.

Single grade classes

Single grade classrooms offer students and teachers the ability to focus on grade specific curriculum while still catering to a wide variety of student’s skill levels.

The Hybrid Junior High single grade/multi-grade model

The Junior High (7th & 8th grade) has used a hybrid class model successfully for many years. Seventh and eighth grade students are combined for Humanities (language arts and social studies), Art, Music and Gym and work separately in math and science. Multi-grade grouping invites cooperation and other forms of positive social behavior. Cooperation can generate a class tone that is marked by caring rather than competitiveness.