Multi-Graded, Rural Alberta Schools: Quality Education or Not?

Small rural schools utilize multi-graded classes to maintain their viability. When the majority of classes are combined, the result is a multi-graded school. In Alberta alone, there are approximately 90 schools that would be defined as a multi-graded school, and every rural school board has at least one on its roster. In Alberta, students and their caregivers are promised that their children will receive a quality education from their public school, regardless of size or location. This quantitative, descriptive research study found that according to parent, teacher, and student surveys, multi-graded, rural Alberta schools provide quality education but do poorer on provincial standardized tests. By acknowledging an academic issue for multi-graded rural schools, the focus can move to how to utilize the unique education provided at these schools to improve results and maintain cultural importance in the community.