Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXX, and thank you for your question.

This question is a bit complicated, because the answer depends on variety of factors, including the construction type classification of the building, distance of the floors above or below grade, type and location of stairs and exits, floor areas, whether the building is sprinklered and alarmed, etc.

The answer is usually yes, students in kindergarten through sixth grade can be on the same level. There is nothing in the ed code to prevent this. But there are some fire code concerns in some situations, which may prevent students in kindergarten and 1st and 2nd grade from being on a level of the building that is below or above the level of exit discharge - meaning that if the exits are on the first floor, these younger students may not be able to be located on the second floor or in a basement.

Because this question cannot be answered fully without quite a lot more information about your building, I would encourage you to call or visit your local building official for additional clarification (you can always call the official about a hypothetical 2-story school building, without identifying yourself or your school, if this is a concern.)

In any scenario, K through 6 students can always all be on one level if that level is the level of exit discharge (usually that's the 1st floor).
And in any scenario, 3rd grade through 6th grade students can be on the 1st or 2nd floor of any school building (meaning that if this building is properly permitted to be used as a school on both floors, 3rd through 6th grade can be located on either floor, regardless of where the younger students are located.)

I hope this information is helpful, and if so please click the green "ACCEPT" icon as this is the only way that I can be paid for my answer through JustAnswer.
Feel free to ask additional related questions.
Thank you.

Edited by MJ on 9/13/2009 at 2:44 AM

Expert:	MJ
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	9/12/2009

Architect

Licensed Architect, LEED® AP, NCARB Certified, M.Arch degree, 10+ years experience