Village schools have existed for centuries. Some still-small schools with 1 to 4 classrooms are in operation in small towns everywhere. Small schools generally are community centerpieces. Surry, NH, joined a cooperative school district in 1961 to have a high school option. Their village school has operated fully for 30-50 students since it was built in 1950. Funding to operate the school in 2005-2006 was just voted by the community.

Most 1-4 room village schools use multiage classrooms (children 3 or more years apart in age taught together). Multiage teaching is an art and involves small and large groupings, thematic teaching, individualized instruction, and project-based learning. Good multiage teachers are knowledgeable about child development and fostering citizenship among and between classmates.

The village school in Surry, NH, is the heart and pride of Surry’s community. Apparently without notice (school board agenda do not mention a vote to close the school) the multi-town school board voted June 27th to close Surry School for 9/2005. Asked why, board members said they didn’t approve of multiage teaching—it wasn’t good for the education and social development of children. The board said money wasn’t a factor. Surry parents think what’s good for their children socially and educationally is to have them in a safe school in their community. The new, improved education plan splits families: children in grades 1-3 will now travel 20-30 minutes in one direction and children in grades 4-6 will go 20-30 minutes in the direction.
Surry parents and community members wonder who should be deciding what is best for their community’s young children? They’ve had multiage teaching there for over 50 years and test scores are quite high.

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