A Curriculum Built for the Way Your Child Learns
Writing: From Brainstorm to Five-Paragraph Essay
The language arts curriculum is a sequential, systematic, multisensory method of instruction that transfers knowledge of sentence structure to paragraph and essay development — covering both informational and narrative writing. The curriculum builds from single to multi-paragraph essays, culminating with full ownership of the writing process in a standards-based five-paragraph essay.
In addition to writing, the dimensions of spelling, oral language, and listening comprehension are incorporated, along with all five of the National Reading Panel's critical components of reading instruction — embedded throughout every subject, whether science, social studies, or math.
Structured Literacy, Rooted in the Orton-Gillingham Approach
The Craig School reading curriculum is individualized to meet each student's needs and follows the logical order of language. It is based on concepts previously learned and taught in a deliberate, direct manner with continuous student-teacher interaction — moving students toward reading with automaticity, fluency, understanding, and expression.
Multisensory Math: Building Toward Algebra & Beyond
The Craig School math curriculum is rooted in multi-sensory learning, using sequential and direct instruction. Students in 7th and 8th grades use Pre-Algebra and Algebra textbooks supplemented by resource worksheets. Critical, logical, and analytical reasoning are emphasized to prepare students for more advanced, high-level math in high school.
Science & Social Studies Through an Executive Skills Lens
Both programs are based on New Jersey Student Learning Standards, with a focus on power standards. Teachers use grade-level content to develop executive functioning and study skills — because learning how to learn is just as important as learning the material.
Teaching Students How to Learn
At The Craig School, content area teachers are not only experts in their subjects — they are actively trained to weave reading, writing, and executive functioning skills into every lesson and unit. Students leave middle school not just knowing content, but knowing how to approach new learning with confidence.
Curriculum in every content area is designed specifically to meet the needs of students with language-based learning differences, ensuring that vocabulary and background knowledge are explicitly pre-taught before new content is introduced.
