As mixed-age grouping is essential to all levels of Montessori education (Early Childhood 3-6; Lower Elementary 6-9; Upper Elementary 9-12; Montessori Middle School 12--15; Montessori High School 12-18) I want to offer my deepest gratitude for remembering this critical piece in keeping Montessori education authentic.  Thank you for keeping the balanced mixed-age groupings of children at the staff ratio of 14:1 as outlined in 22VAC40-185-350 section O.

"The ratio for balanced-mixed-age groupings of children shall be one staff member for every 14 children provided: 

1. The center has additional staff who are readily accessible in the event of an emergency to maintain a ratio of one staff member for every 10 children when three-year-olds are included in the balanced-mixed-age group; and

2. The lead teacher has received at least eight hours of training in classroom management of balanced-mixed-age groupings.

Again, thank you.