Curriculum Review and Parent/Guardian Opt-Out Requests

Northbridge Public Schools values strong partnerships with families and is committed to providing transparency regarding the curriculum and instructional materials used in our schools.

Reviewing Curriculum

Parents and guardians are encouraged to learn about the curriculum their children will experience throughout the school year. Curriculum maps and scope and sequence information are available for family review.

Families who would like additional information about a particular course, unit, instructional resource, book, lesson, or activity may contact their child's teacher, school principal, or the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.

Requesting an Opt-Out

Parents and guardians may request that their child be excused from specific curriculum content or instructional activities based on religious or other sincerely held personal beliefs.

Requests should identify the specific instructional content, lesson, activity, book, resource, or material from which the parent/guardian is requesting that the student be excused. Providing as much information as possible will assist the district in reviewing the request.

Each request will be reviewed individually in accordance with Northbridge Public Schools procedures and applicable law.

[Review the Curriculum Opt-Out Procedures]

Submit a Request

Parents/guardians who wish to request an opt-out should complete the Northbridge Public Schools Curriculum Opt-Out Request Form.

[SUBMIT A CURRICULUM OPT-OUT REQUEST]

The request will be submitted to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for review. The Director may contact the parent/guardian, teacher, or school administrator if additional information or clarification is needed.

Submission of a request does not automatically constitute approval. Parents/guardians will receive notification regarding the district's determination.

When an opt-out request is approved, the school will make appropriate arrangements for the student during the identified instructional activity. Students will not be academically penalized for an approved opt-out.

Questions or Additional Information

For questions regarding curriculum, instructional materials, or the opt-out request process, please contact:

Jill Healy
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Northbridge Public Schools
jhealy@nps.org or call 508 234-8156 ext. 5201