Curriculum & Instruction

How We Teach

Boston Renaissance applies a student-centered approach to teaching and learning, emphasizing student independence and rigorous instruction utilizing effective questioning techniques. These instructional practices are core to our philosophy of having high expectations for students and providing a high-quality, rigorous education.

Our teachers engage students as leaders in their own education, allowing them to articulate and demonstrate their learning and comprehension, while respectfully challenging responses and fostering classroom debate. We create classroom settings that are safe and supportive, with consistent structure and clear expectations for students.

Curricula & Assessments

Jump to English Language Arts – Math – Science – WIN

English Language Arts

The BRCPS Literacy Model is grounded in the Science of Reading and is designed to ensure all students become confident, skilled readers. Our comprehensive approach integrates high-quality, evidence-based instructional tools that address the diverse learning needs within each Renaissance classroom. Wonders serves as our core English Language Arts curriculum, providing a strong foundation in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. This is supplemented by explicit, systematic instruction in foundational literacy skills through programs aligned with the Science of Reading, including Fundations, Heggerty, Just Words, and Wilson. Additionally, targeted computer-based interventions such as Lexia CORE5, Lexia PowerUp, and i-Ready support personalized learning paths and help accelerate student growth.

At BRCPS, we use a comprehensive suite of screening, diagnostic, and formative assessment tools to drive data-informed instruction and support each student’s reading development. Our assessment systems are strategically implemented across the school year—during Fall, Winter, and Spring benchmark windows, as well as through ongoing progress monitoring.

Key tools such as Aimsweb+ and i-Ready provide valuable insights into foundational literacy skills, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. In addition, curriculum-based assessments aligned with Fundations, Heggerty, and Wonders help us monitor student understanding in real time and adjust instruction accordingly.

This multi-tiered approach to assessment ensures we can identify specific areas of strength and need, allowing educators to personalize instruction and deliver a responsive, high-impact literacy block for all learners.

Grade 6 ELA primarily uses novels as the basis of much of the reading curriculum. We use novels by Jason Reynolds, Jeanne DuPrau, Lois Lowry, and Pam Munoz Ryan, among others. The novels are the springboard for developing reading comprehension and fluency, as well as for writing about text. Write on Course 2020 provides students with essential writing skills to strengthen their ability to accurately apply Standard English grammar and mechanics as they respond to various texts. It also serves as a guide when producing lengthier process writing pieces. Students work with shorter texts in a variety of genres and learn strategies for on-demand writing.

Math

Our math curriculum for grades K1 through 5 is Bridges in Mathematics, published by The Math Learning Center.

Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive, research-based K-5 math curriculum focused on developing deep conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills. It emphasizes active learning, visual models, and student-centered instruction to foster a positive math identity and prepare students for future mathematical challenges.

Core Components:

  • Problems & Investigations:
    These lessons engage students in problem-solving through real-world scenarios and investigations, encouraging them to explore, reason, and develop multiple solution strategies.
  • Work Places:
    These are structured games and activities that provide opportunities for students to practice mathematical skills and concepts in a collaborative and engaging way.
  • Number Corner:
    This daily practice component reinforces mathematical concepts through calendar-related activities, number line work, and other routines.

Key Features:

  • Inquiry-based learning:
    Bridges encourages students to explore mathematical ideas through hands-on activities, manipulatives, and discussions, rather than rote memorization.
  • Visual models:
    The curriculum utilizes visual representations, such as number racks, number pieces, and other manipulatives, to help students build conceptual understanding.
  • Active learning:
    Students are actively involved in the learning process through group work, discussions, and problem-solving activities.
  • Differentiation:
    Bridges provides a variety of entry points and extensions to support students at different levels of understanding.
  • Focus on communication:
    Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, discuss their strategies, and learn from one another.
  • Assessment:
    The curriculum includes various assessment tools, such as interviews and checkpoint activities, to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
  • Alignment with standards:
    Bridges is aligned with the Common Core State Standards and other relevant standards.

In addition to the Bridges in Mathematics core curriculum, teachers, specialists and interventionists at BRCPS use the Bridges in Mathematics Intervention curriculum for students who need extra support with specific math skills and concepts. Bridges in Mathematics Intervention focuses on building a deep understanding of mathematical ideas through hands-on activities, visual models, and problem-solving. The intervention is designed to complement regular math instruction and is often used in small groups.

Key Features:

  • Targeted Support:
    Bridges Intervention focuses on specific math concepts and skills, rather than being grade-level specific.
  • Strength-Based Approach:
    It builds on students’ existing knowledge and abilities, starting with manipulatives and progressing to visual representations and mental images.
  • Small Group Instruction:
    It’s designed for small group settings, allowing for more individualized attention and support.
  • Progress Monitoring:
    It includes ongoing assessment to track student progress and adjust instruction as needed.
  • Complementary to Core Curriculum:
    It’s intended to be used alongside regular math instruction, not as a replacement.
  • Focus on Fluency and Problem Solving:
    It emphasizes developing both computational fluency and the ability to solve problems, including those that require perseverance.
  • Visual Models and Manipulatives:
    The curriculum uses visual models and hands-on materials to help students understand mathematical concepts.
  • Language Rich:
    It incorporates rich mathematical language and encourages students to explain their thinking.

Our math Curriculum for grade 6 is Illustrative Math.

The Boston Renaissance grade six students use the highly rated Illustrative Math program as it meets all the expectations of coherence, rigor and balance and mathematical practices necessary for 21st Century learners. IM 6–8 Math focuses on supporting teachers in the use of research-based instructional routines to successfully facilitate student learning.

Science

At Boston Renaissance Public Charter School, we are committed to providing engaging, rigorous, and inquiry-based science instruction to our scholars daily. To support our students’ curiosity and critical thinking, we use a blend of research-based science curricula across grade levels to ensure vertical alignment and familiarity throughout a scholar’s career at BRCPS. Below is an overview of the high quality programs we integrate into our elementary and middle grade science instruction:

Mystery Science (Grades K–5)

Mystery Science is a hands-on, story driven science curriculum designed for elementary students. Each lesson begins with a real-world question, followed by short videos, teacher-guided discussion prompts, and hands-on experiments that spark curiosity and encourage students to explore science through observation and discussion.

  • Aligned with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)
  • Emphasizes real-world connections, critical thinking, and collaboration
  • Encourages students to ask questions like scientists and build explanations collaboratively.

Generation Genius (Grades K–6)

Generation Genius brings science to life through dynamic, standard-aligned videos featuring real scientists and exciting demonstrations. Videos are accompanied by content vocabulary, discussion prompts, hands-on activity ideas, and guided reading materials. This resource is used to support the learning by leveraging multimedia access in the classroom.

  • Created in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association
  • High-quality video lessons tailored to elementary and middle school
  • Includes companion materials: reading passages, quizzes, hands-on experiments
  • Ideal for introducing, reinforcing, or reviewing science concepts

ExploreLearning Gizmos (Grades 3-6)

Gizmos are interactive online simulations that allow students to explore science concepts through inquiry and experimentation. These virtual labs help deepen conceptual understanding, support data analysis, and provide opportunities to model real-world phenomena.

  • Aligned to NGSS and state science standards
  • Encourages data collection, prediction, and experimentation
  • Ideal for extending learning and supporting critical thinking

PLTW Launch (Grades K–5)

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch introduces elementary students to engineering, computer science, and biomedical science through immersive STEM experiences. Students engage in real-world challenges using the engineering design process, hands-on building tasks, and collaboration in teams.

  • STEM-based modules that integrate science, engineering, and design
  • Emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and innovation
  • Students learn by doing, designing solutions, building prototypes, and testing ideas

OpenSci Ed (Grades K–6)

OpenSciEd is a high-quality, open-source science curriculum designed to engage elementary and middle school students in figuring out real-world phenomena through inquiry, discussion, and hands-on investigation. Every unit begins with an anchoring phenomenon that sparks curiosity and drives the learning process forward.

  • Fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
  • Emphasizes student sensemaking, collaboration, and evidence-based reasoning
  • Centers on equity in science by valuing student ideas and experiences
  • Units build understanding over time through exploration, modeling, reading, and reflection

WIN

Overview

At Boston Renaissance Public Charter School, all students in Pre-K through Grade 6 receive daily support through a dedicated WIN (What I Need) Block for both reading and math. This approach is grounded in the principles of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), ensuring every child receives targeted, data-driven instruction aligned to their individual needs. The WIN Block provides structured time for Tier 1 enrichment, Tier 2 strategic interventions, and Tier 3 intensive support. Universal screening tools including aimswebPlus, DIBELS, and i-Ready are utilized throughout the year to identify student needs and inform instructional decisions. We strive to ensure that all students receive the academic support they need through our rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum. This model reflects our commitment to equity, early intervention, and academic growth for all learners.

Reading WIN Block

Intervention is delivered daily by classroom teachers, reading specialists, and interventionists. In reading, Tier 1 enrichment is provided through the core curriculum, including Wonders, i-Ready, and Literature Circles, along with a variety of engaging, standards-aligned activities. Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions are delivered by trained staff using a range of structured, evidence-based programs grounded in the Science of Reading. Some of the research-based reading intervention programs we use include: Fun in Focus, Wilson, Just Words and Decoding Duo. These interventions are carefully matched to each student’s specific skill gaps. All intervention programs maintain a high level of rigor, and students are closely monitored to ensure they are making measurable growth. Instruction is adjusted based on data to meet students’ evolving needs.

Math WIN Block

During the math block, students receiving Tier 1 support engage in enrichment activities through the core curriculum, including Bridges and i-Ready. These resources are used to extend learning and deepen conceptual understanding for on- and above-grade-level learners. Students who require additional support receive Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions, delivered by trained staff using programs such as i-ready, Rocket Math, Bridges Intervention and Number Worlds. These interventions are carefully selected and aligned to students specific skill gaps ensuring targeted, data-driven instruction that promotes growth and foundational understanding.