Burnham Elementary School in Bridgewater is preparing to merge six grades into two classrooms. 

Declining enrollment prompted the proposal in the Region 12 budget approved earlier this year.  The Newstimes reports that kindergarten through second-grade would be in one classroom while third through fifth-grade would be in another.  There would be two teachers in each room. 

The published report says school officials believe high achieving students would have more opportunity to work beyond their grade level. 

There was initial concern with the proposal that it would discourage young families from moving to Bridgewater and lead to a further decline in enrollment.