Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Montessori Teaching · Principles of Montessori's Teaching

Mixed-Age Classrooms

Jump to lesson

Mixed-Age Learning

Instead of grouping children strictly by grade or birth year, children in a Montessori school are placed in **mixed-age groups** — typically spanning a three-year range such as 3–6, 6–9, or 9–12. The purpose is to enable **peer interaction and learning**. Younger children observe and emulate the older ones; older children consolidate their knowledge by helping the younger. Everyone benefits.
Children of mixed ages learning together
Children of mixed ages learning together

Tip: use ← / → keys to move between lessons.