There is a lot of different terminology used to describe classes with multiple ages and multiple grades; split classes, family groupings, combined classes, but not all terms mean the same teaching philosophy. A commonly asked question is what is the difference between a split class and a multiage class?

	Split Class	Multiage Class
Student Placement	Student placement is solely by grade level and their social maturity and academic are not taken into account to create a balanced classroom. Students may be in a split grade one year and then moved to a single-grade class the next year. There is no continuity.	Students are placed within one to two grades of each other, but work in a non-graded environment. They are placed with students of both differing and similar abilities, different ages and different social skills so they can learn from each other.
Curriculum Design	Curriculum is determined by the school board and there is little room for adaptation.Each grade must complete the set curriculum for their grade in that year.Deviation from the curriculum is not encouraged.	Curriculum is designed through collaboration with students and teachers taking into account the students' needs and interests. Curriculum goals can be achieved over several years and can accommodate a wide range of learners.
Daily Assignments	Students are given daily homework assignments based on where they should be in the curriculum, not necessarily based on their learning needs. Assignments are meant to achieve curricular goals, not student learning goals.	Students work on assignments and projects over a period of time and work is given to suit the students' abilities not based on what they "should be" working on for that grade. Assignments are based on students; progress and knowledge so the assignments meet the learners' needs and not the other way around.
Grouping	Students are often seated with one grade on each side of the room and are treated as two separate groups sharing the same space. They do not share activities and resources at the same time.	Students grouped together to include differing skill levels where some students can take on mentoring roles and students can learn from each other. Instruction is given to groups of students and individual one-on-one instruction if more is needed.
Classroom Environment	Older students are not put in a mentoring roles for younger students. Sharing and collaborative learning is not encouraged. Students have little freedom to determine their own schedule, it is determined by the teacher to accommodate separate grades. Students do not share their learning materials between grades.	Classroom is like a family where students and teachers get to know to each other over a longer period of time and develop a better relationship built on trust and respect. Students have more freedom to make choices about what they will be doing are are given opportunities to display maturity and responsibility.
Assessment and Evaluation	Students receive a letter or numerical grade. Students may be evaluated by provincial exam standards and ranked among each other. Students do not evaluate each others work.	Students are assessed not by a numerical or a letter grade, but are given well-defined rubrics of expectations for the assignment or project. They are given various suggestions and criteria for completing their work, but there is more self-evaluation and continuous feedback on student progress.
Student Attitudes	Divided by grades and unwilling to interact with students outside their grade. More competition for grades and teachers attention. Lack of leadership skills. Intolerant of differences and more self-involved.	Caring, compassionate and willing to help others. Willing to learn from each other and help others learn. Tolerant of differences and open to new experiences. Have leadership skills, mature social skills and confidence.