Northbridge Public Schools Elementary Curriculum Overview

At Northbridge Public Schools, we are committed to providing students with high-quality, rigorous, and relevant instruction that prepares them for success in college, careers, and life. Our curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and the Common Core Standards.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

In addition to embedding social-emotional learning into academic instruction, our district uses the Second Step® family of programs by Committee for Children to support students in grades PreK–8. Second Step® SEL provides engaging, developmentally appropriate resources that help teachers teach essential skills such as cooperation, communication, and decision-making. These skills are critical for students' lifelong success, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships.

Preschool Program

The integrated Preschool Program at Northbridge Elementary School serves children ages 3 and 4. It emphasizes:

  • Building self-esteem

  • Encouraging creative thinking

  • Developing social interaction

Our language-rich program uses play-based, hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate practices. Each classroom is led by a certified teacher with teaching assistants, and supported by a full-time speech-language pathologist, school adjustment counselor, and nurse.

The preschool curriculum aligns with Massachusetts Common Core Standards. Key resources include:

  • Get Set for School: A comprehensive, research-based Pre-K curriculum that supports academic readiness through structured play, SEL, and multisensory instruction. It targets six key learning domains: Language & Literacy, Physical Development, Social-Emotional Learning, Science & Social Studies, Numbers & Math, and Readiness & Writing.

  • Lively Letters™: A multisensory, research-based phonics program that uses stories and visuals to help students learn letter-sound associations. It is especially effective for students with dyslexia, speech/language delays, and English language learners.

Kindergarten – Grade 5 Curriculum

English Language Arts (ELA)

Our ELA curriculum is built around developing strong literacy and comprehension skills. Students gain a broad knowledge base through exposure to rich texts and explicit skill instruction.

Primary resources include:

  • Wonders 2020 (McGraw-Hill): This core resource aligns with MA Frameworks and supports:

    • Phonics, decoding, and vocabulary development

    • Complex, grade-level texts with scaffolding

    • Genre-diverse and culturally inclusive literature

    • SEL integration and differentiated instruction

    • Support for English Language Learners at all proficiency levels

  • ECRI (Enhanced Core Reading Instruction): Used in grades K–2, ECRI provides systematic, explicit reading instruction through research-based routines and interventions.

  • Lively Letters™: Used in Kindergarten to strengthen phonics skills.

  • Handwriting Without Tears: Used in Kindergarten and Grade 1, this program uses multisensory tools to make learning penmanship fun and developmentally appropriate.

  • Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD): An evidence-based writing framework that promotes strong writing habits and incorporates SEL. Northbridge teachers have received professional development through Providence College and support from the U.S. Department of Education.

  • Corrective Reading and Benchmark Phonics Intervention: Direct Instruction programs used for intensive reading intervention with students reading below grade level.

Mathematics

Our math curriculum builds a strong foundation in number sense, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning. Instruction is designed to promote:

  • Conceptual understanding

  • Procedural fluency

  • Real-world application

Core programs:

  • Reveal Math (McGraw-Hill): A balanced math program integrating inquiry-based learning with explicit instruction. Reveal Math also includes:

    • STEM units with real-world math applications

    • Embedded SEL objectives aligned with CASEL competencies

  • ST Math: Supported by a One8 Foundation grant, ST Math uses visual puzzles and spatial reasoning to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through productive struggle.

Science and Engineering

Science instruction is hands-on, exploratory, and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Lessons are designed around essential questions that encourage curiosity and deeper understanding.

  • Mystery Science: A multimedia K–5 program where each lesson starts with a question kids naturally ask (e.g., “Do plants eat dirt?”). Lessons are aligned with science and literacy standards and can be used as a core or supplemental resource.

Social Studies

Social Studies instruction blends content knowledge with reading and research skills. Students engage in:

  • Close reading of nonfiction and biographies

  • Inquiry-based learning and projects

  • Meaningful activities that build understanding of historical events and civic responsibility

Instructional materials include teacher-created units, McGraw-Hill Impact Social Studies, and Investigating History (Grades 3–5).

Northbridge Middle School Curriculum Overview

At Northbridge Middle School, our curriculum is designed to support student growth in all academic areas while also nurturing their social-emotional development. All instruction is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and reflects current research and best practices.

English Language Arts (ELA)

Our ELA program uses teacher-developed curriculum units, tailored to meet the needs of our students and classrooms. These units are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and reflect the expertise and insights of practicing educators.

Teachers also implement Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)—a research-based framework for teaching writing. SRSD integrates:

  • Explicit instruction in writing strategies

  • Writing in response to high-quality texts

  • Social-emotional learning strategies to build motivation and independence

SRSD enhances writing instruction by helping students become confident, self-directed writers using the materials and texts already in use.

To support personalized learning, we also use i-Ready, a digital platform that:

  • Identifies and addresses individual skill gaps

  • Reinforces classroom instruction through targeted lessons

  • Provides students with additional practice to master key ELA concepts

Mathematics

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, Illustrative Math will serve as the core math curriculum for grades 6–8. Illustrative Math is a problem-based program that emphasizes:

  • Deep conceptual understanding

  • Mathematical reasoning and discourse

  • Real-world applications of math concepts

Students actively engage with rich, meaningful problems that build fluency and understanding over time. The curriculum supports a coherent progression of skills from one grade to the next and encourages collaboration and critical thinking.

To support and extend math instruction, students will also use ST Math. Continuing from elementary school, ST Math is a visual, game-based platform that:

  • Develops conceptual understanding through spatial-temporal reasoning

  • Offers individualized, self-paced pathways

  • Encourages perseverance through puzzle-solving and visual modeling

Science

Middle school science instruction uses OpenSciEd—a high-quality, research-based curriculum aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

OpenSciEd promotes:

  • Hands-on investigations

  • Real-world problem-solving

  • Deep understanding of scientific concepts through active inquiry and collaboration

Students explore phenomena-driven questions, develop models, analyze data, and construct evidence-based explanations.

Social Studies

Social Studies instruction at Northbridge Middle School emphasizes critical thinking, civic engagement, and inquiry-based learning.

The primary curriculum resource is Investigating History, currently implemented in grades 6 and 7. Developed in alignment with the 2018 Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework, Investigating History:

  • Integrates content, literacy, and historical thinking skills

  • Uses essential questions to guide exploration of history and civics

  • Encourages students to examine primary and secondary sources, conduct research, and form evidence-based conclusions

This inquiry-driven approach helps students connect the past to present-day issues, preparing them for responsible citizenship and thoughtful engagement with the world.

Northbridge High School Curriculum Overview

Northbridge High School offers a comprehensive and engaging academic program designed to support student success and prepare all learners for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Our Program of Studies includes a wide range of courses across core academic disciplines and elective areas, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and reach their full potential.

Curriculum and Course Offerings

All courses are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and reflect national standards. Instruction emphasizes:

  • Technology integration

  • Writing across the curriculum

  • Research, presentation, and communication skills

Students are placed in courses based on a combination of factors, including:

  • Standardized testing results

  • Academic history and performance

  • Teacher recommendations

  • Student interests

  • Parent/guardian input

Northbridge High School offers four academic levels to meet the needs of diverse learners:

  • Advanced Placement (AP)

  • Honors

  • College Preparatory (CP)

  • Enrichment

Each course includes a Course Expectation Sheet outlining:

  • Course objectives and expectations

  • Grading rubrics and assessment criteria

  • Required materials and resources

This ensures students and families clearly understand the requirements and supports available for academic success.