Academics

Curriculum

Scope, Sequence, and Course Placement Philosophy:

Newton North has a commitment to opportunity, access, and excellence for all students. The scope and sequence of courses in each department has been designed to support these overarching goals. Courses include an articulation of content and skills that can be developed and learned within a developmentally appropriate community of learners at each grade level. The curriculum is designed to support the continuous academic, social and skill development growth for all students. A core value at North is that all students are appropriately challenged and supported both in terms of the work in individual classes and more broadly across a student's schedule. As students consider their course load, we support them in finding an appropriate level of stretch and balance within their claases. Teachers consider this placement philosophy when making course level recommendations.  

College Prep (CP)

In a College Prep course, students are expected to:

• Engage with content and practices related to the subject area with support and structure
• Manage both short-term and long-term assignments with support
• Make connections in their learning using structures designed to build independence
• Access and utilize support within a smaller cohort and a smaller student-to-adult ratio

Advanced College Prep (ACP)

In an Advanced College Prep course, students are expected to:

• Engage with content and practices related to the subject area with increasing independence

• Manage both short-term and long-term assignments
• Synthesize content within the course
• Work at a rigorous pace

Honors (H)

In an Honors course, students are expected to:

• Engage in self-assessment and self-reflection on a regular basis

• Independently manage both short-term and long-term assignments
• Engage with content and practices related to the subject area at a deep level
• Synthesize content across courses and subject areas
• Work at an accelerated pace

Advanced Placement courses, which are all offered at the Honors Curriculum Level, prepare students for the Advanced Placement examinations that are given in May.

Courses may be offered with multiple curriculum levels in the same room at the same time.