A Day at Northwood Cottage School

Northwood Cottage School is a nurturing, multi-age learning community where students develop strong academic skills through creative research of interest-based topics.

Foundations

We begin the day with core subjects: math, reading, phonics, grammar, writing, and spelling. Lessons are taught by a certified teacher in small, ability level groups to ensure mastery.

Mid-Day Break

Students enjoy a one hour lunch and recess break. Whenever possible, lunch will take place outside.

Explorations

Our Explorations block is a student led, but teacher curated, study of science and social studies topics. After a whole-group introduction of a new focus area, students engage with the topic in depth, either independently or in small groups. Teachers provide individualized support to assist students in their presentation of knowledge.

Specialty Experiences

Specialty experiences include art, library, Spanish, and Yoga. In-house field trips, special guests, and walking excursions to Montie Beach Park further enrich a students’ day at Northwood Cottage School.

Portfolio Exhibition

Twice a year, students at Northwood Cottage School curate and present their best work for family and friends.

Northwood Cottage School Curriculum

  • We help students build strong math skills by using the concrete-representational-abstract approach, which supports deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Through engaging, hands-on tasks, we inspire curiosity and encourage creative problem solving.

    • Spelling & Phonics: We teach phonics through systematic and sequential instruction, empowering students to deeply understand the English language.

    • Literacy: Full novel studies develop our students’ reading comprehension skills and vocabulary, while encouraging a love of classic and contemporary literature.

    • Writing: Students learn explicit strategies for planning, revising, and editing their work during cross-curricular projects in our Explorations block.

  • Students engage in research, writing, and project creation, drawing on knowledge from their science and social studies explorations unit. Each trimester introduces one science and one social studies topic, and students are encouraged to identify patterns and make connections across subjects.

  • Social & Emotional Learning and executive functioning skills are seamlessly integrated into daily life at our school. Teachers plan lessons and seize teachable moments based on the evolving needs of the community.