What is a Combined Classroom?

Combined classes or split classes group children from two or more consecutive grades in one classroom. Schools combine classes for a variety of reasons. This includes organizaing classes to meet student learning needs and combining grades to balance class size.

All classrooms include students with a range of skills and abilities. Combined classes are neither better nor worse than single-grade classes. They are simply one of the many ways schools meet students’ academic and social development needs.

How are Students Chosen for Combined Classes?

Principals and staff consider a variety of factors when grouping children into classes, including:

• Learning styles
• Social skills
• Academic needs
• And many other factors

All classrooms, whether single-grade or combined, include students performing at a range of achievement levels. In every case, schools strive to create a classroom environment that will support the needs of all students.

How will a combined class affect my child?

Academic Achievement

Several studies have found that students in combined classes do just as well as students in single-grade classes. In fact, some students actually do better in language and reading.

Improved Social Development

Canadian studies show that children in combined classes have more opportunities for emotional and social growth. The rich social environment helps students:

• Learn how to work on their own and as part of a team
• Build leadership abilities as they work together and help each other
• Develop decision-making skills and become more self-motivated and responsible
• Learn in an environment that reflects the real world—the diverse ideas and opinions of classmates help expand students’ perspectives.

View the Ontario Ministry of Education pamphlet An Introduction to Combined Grades.

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