The YPA class structure was developed to meet the individual needs of each stage of learning including a: 

• Multiage Schedule for grades K thru 3
• Teamed Schedule for grades 4 thru 5
• Rotating Schedule for grades 6 thru 8

Multiage Schedule (Grades K-3)

At the elementary level, flexibility is required to group the developmental needs of each student in the core areas of mathematics, reading, and writing. Our program is designed to meet the needs of all learners, regardless of where they are on the developmental continuum. Therefore, splitting the parts of the day where the student is involved in learning experiences based on these core areas is essential.

All students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 will multiage in both Language Arts and Math while assuming a leadership role through scaffolding. For lower ability level students who may struggle in Math or Language Arts, the intent is to have these developmentally challenged students assist younger aged students who may be more advanced in the stages of their learning. The effect is that this will allow the younger advanced student to be more challenged in content area explored while extending their current grade level. This will be in tandem of serving the discrepancies of the older students who may be at or below grade level.

The concept of the multiage model used by YPA is to have students work together at identified ability levels while leading and scaffolding during the learning process. 

For example, a student in second grade who may work at a first grade or lower level in Math will have the opportunity to assist a more advanced first grade student who is either at or slightly above the first grade level. This will allow both individuals to reach toward the second grade level to the extent that their ability will allow. Thus, this multiage approach will provide more and less advanced students an opportunity to succeed at their own ability level thereby avoiding frustration and a lack of stimulation during the learning process. As all students in grades K thru 3 will be involved in this effort of this multiage approach, the stigma of higher and lower levels will be dismissed.

Teamed Schedule (Grades 4-5)

In Fourth and Fifth grades, a two person team model will be used to create two separate teams. The two teams will act as preparation to the middle school concept of class transitions. By grouping into teams, teachers will have the ability to continue to address all levels of learning: below, average, and advanced. This model will enable the teacher the option to split abilities into two different class clusters to be received at different time periods: below and on grade level; and advanced and on grade level. Through this model, the teacher will have a greater opportunity to differentiate their instruction by way of this model.

Rotating Schedule (Grades 6-8)

The Rotating Schedule is dynamic, rotating the same schedule through a series of four weeks. The schedule simply advances each core class to the next class period. The last class to becomes first, the first becomes the second, the second the third, and so on. This trend is continued each new week ultimately looping back to the original schedule. The Rotating Schedule will reduce distractions that occur in static middle school schedules and promote equalization of classes.