Multi-Age Education

At Sunnyside Academy, we proudly embrace a multi-age instructional model—an approach that is not only timeless but backed by decades of educational research. Rooted in the practices of early one-room schoolhouses and championed by developmental theorists like Vygotsky and Montessori, multi-age learning environments allow students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Research has shown that students in multi-age classrooms often outperform their same-age peers in areas like leadership, cooperation, and problem-solving, and report stronger relationships with both peers and teachers (Katz, 1995; Stone, 1998). When instruction is thoughtfully individualized, as it is at Sunnyside, multi-age learning doesn’t just become possible—it becomes a powerful tool for deep, meaningful learning.

Our students span from grades 3 through 12, and while each learner receives age- and ability-appropriate instruction in dedicated workspaces, they also benefit from the unique opportunities that a multi-age community provides. Older students gain confidence and reinforce their own understanding by mentoring younger peers, while younger students are inspired and supported by those ahead of them. This model encourages collaboration over competition, fosters empathy, and helps students develop essential life skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability. The diversity in age and perspective enhances classroom discussions, group projects, and community-building activities, making learning more dynamic and inclusive. At Sunnyside, we’ve seen firsthand how the multi-age model nurtures a stronger sense of belonging and allows every student to be both a learner and a leader.