Our multi-aged or "family grouped" classes provide children with a wide range of role models and a large pool of experience from which the child can draw and learn.  We seek always to foster the independence and originality of each child by valuing his work and creations for what they are - a product of childhood - and we avoid placing adult interpretations on the child's world.

      Our children work both independently and in groups (for stories, finger-plays, music, foreign language and other learning situations appropriate in a group setting.) In living together, the children grow in respect for others.  We use common courtesies to our children and expect no less from them and amongst themselves.  Our multi-age classes provide an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competition, and this cooperation is encouraged as teachers have children help each other in tasks, such as fastening each other's shoes and paint smocks.

      We know that each child develops in a way unique to him/her and, therefore, we do not have preconceived ideas as to what a certain age child might accomplish at The Workshop.  Each child will receive individual attention from his/her teachers and be helped to grow to the maximum he/she is able.  We want to emphasize our recognition that every human being has his own unique internal "timeclock" and that only by working with the child as he/she develops can we really help that child to maximize on his potential. To try pushing a child into something for which his body or general development is not ready is to do an injustice to that child. Moreover, we are sure that many behavior problems exhibited in a given classroom are the result of children being expected to do tasks for which they are not ready, or conversely, that they are bored and ready for more challenge than is being asked of them.