Even in a single-age classroom, a good or bad experience really depends on the teacher's abilities. Will there be a 2nd instructor in the classroom, or an aide? I've heard stories where some parents really like combination classes (especially in cases where they love the teacher for the first year, and are happy to have a continuum of instruction the next year, to pick up right where the child left off) but that's not the issue in your case. Other people like combination classes for their older children because it gives them an opportunity to be the "leaders" in the classroom. All I can recommend is that when you go to the "meet the teacher open house" be sure to ask how he/she will differentiate instruction for the upper kids.

My son is now in the 6th grade this coming week,and when he did 4th /5th split I noticed he leared things easier,( not so stressed)by only asking the teacher questions. someone had a differant and/or easier way. He also had less homework.easier to complete in class.

I was in 2 splits as a kid and one of them was my favorite year. Meet with the teacher and make sure he/she is not overextended. If the teacher is positive, happy and excited about a split, chances are it will be a great fit for your child. However, if there is an outstanding teacher, ranked better by most, within your child's grade level that isn't teaching a split than go with him/her. I loved being a mentor as an older child and having someone to look up to as a younger child in a split. Both of these roles allowed me to learn more while in a split class. I've also noticed that these teachers seem to have a larger budget for field trips as they are working for both grade levels. Some of the best field trips I remember are from my split classes. Also, each child will adapt differently. If your child is the older grade level consider if your child is a leader or follower. Chances are if you're being asked to be in a split, your child is one of the more accelerated students. If you feel your child wouldn't thrive in an environment like this, that's something to give heavy consideration to. I am sure you can imagine the different situations this thought pattern would play out in. Best of luck to you!

its a good experiment and i think its worth giving it a try since you never know what can come out of it.if your child matches up that will be great but then you shd be allowed to pull her out if it doesnt work for both of you

My son is in a Montessori school which traditionally groups 3 age/grade levels together. I would agree with cocoflower that the younger kids do learn from the older ones, and the older ones cement what they know and become more confident by teaching the younger ones. It seems to work in that environment.

I think that a child in a mixed grade classroom has a distinct advantage over a child who is not. The best way to solidify knowledge is by teaching is to others. Your child will have a greater understanding of the material and a greater compassion for others as they work with other younder children.

My son has been in a 6th,7th,and 8th grade class for all of 7th and staarting 8th. It is a great experience and there is more help when they can help eachother with whatever the class is working on. I'm all for it !!!

Well, some of the bad things about that are that the work will be different for each grade and you will have to teach seperately which could take away from some learning time. But on the plus side, the 4th graders will be able to adapt to the 5th graders behavior and they will already know what is expected of them next year. Hopefully the older kids will set a good example and help the younger.