A study conducted in 1988 assessed the effectiveness of the multigrade system in providing a primary education at four pilot schools in sparsely populated, rural areas of Zambia. In an attempt to alleviate the problems of financial strain and low enrollment in rural schools, this system combines two or more grade levels into one class taught by one teacher simultaneously. Four teaching methods were devised for presenting subjects proficiently to students at different grade levels. To assess the effectiveness of the multigrade system, a study was conducted to collect information about the schools, the teachers, the students, and the communities involved in the program. Results of the study indicate that the system provided an opportunity for rural children to complete a full primary education at a low cost to the child's family and the government. The system helped schools gain increased community support. Access to education leads to increased student enrollment and reduced outmigration of the population in the school communities. Based on the secondary school selection examination, all four pilot schools were successful in promoting pupils to grade 8. The impact of the program on student basic academic skills and academic achievement was not addressed in the study, and further research in this area is recommended. Inadequate education supplies was a problem in the pilot schools due to geographic remoteness. Because of the positive experiences, the Ministry of General Education of Zambia has introduced the multigrade system in 200 schools. (LP)