Traditional
single grade

Split Class
combined gardes

Multiage

one year

usually one year

multiyear, flexible

narrow range (one grade)
homogeneous
segregated by grade

mixed ages
homogeneous grouping
segregated by age

mixed ages
heterogeneous groupings
ages are integrated

different every year

may be different every year

same teacher for multiple years
opportunities for team teaching

age-specific

seperate work

competetive

some fail or repeat
some may or may not be challenged

specific to each grade level in class

seperate work

competetive

some fail or repeat
some benefits from "academic evesdropping"

seamless, adapted to the needs of the students

different ages, ability to work cooperatively

can reamin for another year
students move ahead at their own pace