General
North Branch faculty members provide students with a solid background
in reading, writing, mathematics, sciences and social studies. In addition,
children experience an array of opportunities designed to compliment the
core curriculum including music, art, drama, handworks, foreign language
and physical education with an emphasis
on personal achievement and cooperation rather than competition. North
Branch's experienced, creative teachers and low student-teacher ratios
allow us to provide every student with personal attention and individual
challenge so that each student may gain mastery of basic skills without
sacrificing creativity or academic breadth.
Our language arts program revolves around children's own writing as a medium for teaching form, style, vocabulary and mechanics such as spelling and punctuation. North Branch's reading program incorporates phonics and whole language approaches to beginning reading. At every level, teachers choose books to discuss as literature and as sources of information relating to class studies. Students choose books to read independently for pleasure and for research topics relating to math, science, social studies or language arts. "Book Buddy" teams pair older and younger students for weekly reading and the opportunity to forge a special relationship. Out of this variety of reading experiences grow numerous writing projects, through which students learn to communicate their thought and others' ideas effectively.
Mathematics is introduced to three- and four-year-olds through collecting, sorting, pattern and counting activities often involving nature study. Our elementary mathematics program includes hands-on activities, texts, games, and manipulative tools designed to enhance students' number sense and problem-solving skills. The middle-elementary years continue this combination of text-based and hands-on math work, working towards an understanding of this process as well as towards consistent results. Computation and logical thinking skills are reinforced through the integration of math and science curricula in these years. Small groups allow children to work at a pace most effective for them and provide opportunities for the students to observe multiple approaches to the same problem.
Science
The science curriculum focuses on hands-on observations of the world,
often using our own Nature Trail and surrounding environs as a laboratory.
Students receive structured training in physical science, earth science
and life science with an emphasis on the scientific method of hypothesis,
experiment, and analysis of data to reach a conclusion.
Social
Studies
Social studies include almost every aspect of human experience. Learning
about ourselves, about classmates and their families, and about people
in other places and times is at the center of the curriculum designed
for each class.
Fine
& Performing Arts
The North Branch experience is rich with adventures in art, drama and
music. Each classroom holds its own possibilities for all three as teachers
often use a song, skit or drawing to stretch a child's understanding of
a subject. From nursery through middle school students have structured
opportunities for singing. Younger children's experience with rhythm instruments
lay the groundwork for older student's exploration of vocal and instrumental
music. From dramatic play and play acting in nursery and primary to professionally
taught dramatic improvisation and professionally directed productions
in upper elementary and middle school, students reap many benefits from
classroom and performance opportunities. All students have weekly art
classes often taught by professional artists. Weekly all-school assemblies
offer chances for students of all ages to share their talents--musical,
artistic, or dramatic--with the school.
Assessment
Student work is evaluated in light of each individual's needs, abilities,
and efforts. Neither standardized testing nor conventional grading systems
are used. Progress is communicated to parents and students by weekly notes,
frequent informal conversations, formal conferences and written evaluations
twice yearly.