At Northwood Cottage School, we provide a strong academic foundation for Houston Heights elementary students in through a balanced program of structured instruction and inquiry-based learning. Our curriculum combines explicit teaching in reading, language arts, and mathematics with hands-on, project-based exploration in science and social studies within a multi-age learning environment.

A Day at Northwood Cottage School

Within our multi-age learning community, students develop strong academic foundations and a lifelong curiosity through a balance of explicit instruction, high-engagement practice, and guided inquiry.

Front of the original Northwood Cottage School cottage, where mixed-age groups of students learn using hands-on, low technology experiences.

Whole School Meeting

We begin each day together in community. This time is used to connect, review the day’s schedule, and build shared expectations. We also support students’ social-emotional development and executive functioning skills through intentional routines and reflection.

Foundations

Our Foundations block builds mastery in core academic areas including math, reading, phonics, grammar, writing, and spelling. Instruction is led by a certified teacher and delivered in small, ability-based learning pods to ensure every student is supported and appropriately challenged.

Mid-Day Break

Students take a full hour for lunch and recess, an essential time for rest, movement, and social connection. We prioritize outdoor play whenever possible, recognizing its importance for both physical and mental well-being.

Explorations

Explorations is the heart of the Northwood Cottage School experience. Students engage in science and social studies through guided inquiry and hands-on projects that connect learning to real-world ideas. They demonstrate understanding through writing, discussion, research, art, and presentations.

Enrichment & Community Experiences

Throughout the week, students participate in enrichment experiences including yoga, visual art, Spanish instruction, and regular access to our library. Learning is further enriched through field trips, guest visitors, and daily outdoor excursions to nearby parks.

Northwood Cottage School Curriculum

  • The math program at NCS aims to develop strong mathematicians ready to tackle future challenges.

    Engaging, hands-on tasks inspire curiosity and encourage creative problem solving, showing students there are often many ways to solve a problem.

    Our teachers apply the concrete-representational-abstract approach to support deep student understanding of mathematical concepts.

    • Spelling & Phonics: We teach phonics through systematic and sequential instruction, empowering students to understand the English language. Games and activities keep our students engaged as they master new skills.

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

    • Writing: In addition to grammar instruction, our students learn strategies for planning, revising, and editing their writing. NCS writers are confident engaging in multiple genres of writing including narrative, opinion, research, poetry, and more.

  • Students explore interconnected science and social studies themes such as botany, Ancient Egypt, chemistry, and Texas History. Within these units, we build knowledge by engaging with complex texts and conducting research.

    To solidify understanding, students construct their own record of learning. This involves capturing key information and insights through written notes, visual diagrams, concept maps, timelines, and more.

    Within each of these units, our students are encouraged to identify patterns and forge connections, linking science and social studies concepts while also relating new knowledge to art, Spanish, music, and the wider world.