At Davidson Green School, we believe in creating an environment where every child feels supported, inspired, and valued. Based on research and our experience as educators, our multi-age cycle is one of the most impactful ways to support a child’s growth and success. By spending two to three years with the same teacher and classmates, students build deep, trusted connections while gaining confidence and thriving in a nurturing, consistent environment.Â
There’s something truly extraordinary about seeing students hit their stride in the final year of this cycle. Whether they’re mastering a skill they’ve worked toward for years or taking on a leadership role , these moments of growth showcase the incredible benefits of our approach. Committing to this path allows students to flourish academically, socially, and personally.Â

What Makes the Multi-Age Cycle Special?
The multi-age cycle offers students the chance to grow as leaders, achieve academic milestones, build lasting connections, and enjoy personalized support tailored to their strengths. Here’s a closer look at what makes this approach so impactful.
Personalized LearningÂ
The extended time within the same classroom allows teachers to develop a profound understanding of each student’s unique interests, learning style, and abilities. This enables personalized instruction that engages and motivates children at every level, turning learning into an inspiring and fulfilling experience.Â
Accelerated Academic ProgressÂ
Research shows that it’s during the third year of the cycle that students often experience their most significant academic development. One study from NCMPS found that especially in upper elementary grades, more students exceeded their expected growth as they advanced through the cycle. For example, in math, the percentage of students achieving above-average growth jumped from 10% in 4th grade to 70% in 6th grade.
By applying foundational skills and building on prior knowledge, they’re able to grow in measurable ways and surpass important milestones—particularly in critical areas like math and reading.Â
Stability & CommunityÂ
With fewer classroom transitions, students benefit from a stable and supportive environment. This consistency provides a strong sense of security, helping children to focus on their personal and academic growth while feeling deeply connected to their school community.Â
Leadership & Social GrowthÂ
Our multi-age classrooms offer opportunities that extend far beyond academics. Older students step into leadership roles, mentoring younger classmates and building essential skills like empathy, teamwork, and responsibility. At the same time, younger peers learn from these examples, creating a community that values collaboration and personal growth.Â
Real Outcomes, Backed by Research
We’ve seen the success of the multi-age cycle firsthand, and we're proud to say it's supported by real-world results and research. Multi-age classrooms, like those in our program, enhance students’ critical thinking skills and emotional well-being. These benefits are most impactful when lessons are tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs—an approach we prioritize in every classroom.
Studies show that students flourish when given the time to progress at their own pace, moving from practice to mastery. By the final year of the cycle, they’re not just learning—they’re applying core skills with confidence and sophistication, reaching levels of mastery that traditional grade structures cannot achieve.Â
The social benefits are just as remarkable. Mixed-age classrooms create natural opportunities for collaboration and leadership. Older students reinforce their knowledge by mentoring their peers, while younger students gain inspiration from watching and engaging with more advanced work. This dynamic encourages empathy, teamwork, and a positive classroom atmosphere, nurturing a community where students support and motivate one another. These experiences prepare children not just for the next academic challenge, but for life.Â
Learn More About Multi-Age Classrooms
If you’d like to explore this innovative approach to learning, check out these resources that go deeper into the benefits of the multi-age cycle and mixed-age classrooms:
Completing the multi-age cycle ensures students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, all while building a firm foundation for their future success.
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