Multi-Grade Classrooms Will Be Used to Balance Class Sizes

STILLWATER, Minn -- (Updated) July 25, 2025

Four schools will be offering multi-grade sections in the fall

Stillwater Area Public Schools is committed to providing high-quality instruction while being fiscally responsible—especially in the face of growing financial challenges, as districts across Minnesota, including ours, are being asked to do more with less.

In response, we are making thoughtful adjustments to how we deliver instruction, including the use of multi-grade classrooms beginning in the 2025–26 school year. These classrooms—combining students from two grade levels with one teacher—will be introduced at Brookview, Lake Elmo, Lily Lake and Rutherford Elementary Schools, with the possibility of expanding to additional sites if needed.

Multi-grade classrooms are not new to education—or to Stillwater. They’ve been used successfully in our district in the past and are widely implemented across the country. Research shows that, when supported well, multi-grade classrooms can provide powerful academic and social benefits:

• Opportunities for peer mentoring and leadership
• A strong sense of community and collaboration
• Differentiated instruction that supports students at varying levels of readiness.

Most importantly, this approach helps us balance class sizes across our schools, ensuring that all students continue to receive the attention and support they need.

Supporting Students and Teachers

We know that transitions like this require careful planning. Teachers selected to lead multi-grade classrooms will receive additional time this summer to prepare. Families will be notified of class placements in early August.

While the financial pressures facing public schools are real, we remain focused on solutions that put students first. Multi-grade classrooms reflect our belief that every challenge is also an opportunity—to innovate, to collaborate, and to grow stronger as a community.