Newton Free School

Newton Free School prioritizes students' social and emotional development within daily learning. A designated team of school psychologists supports students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Homeroom and subject teachers work closely with the psychologists to implement their recommendations in classroom practice. Unit planning ensures the social-emotional needs of every student are addressed, granting them agency and ensuring their voice is heard in learning units. The school fosters a supportive learning community through staff, guardians, and student collaboration to support well-being.

Newton Free School has a designated team of psychologists, special education teachers, and behavioral specialists to support students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional difficulties. Homeroom and subject teachers collaborate with the psychology team and implement their recommendations; when concerns arise, a multidisciplinary committee is formed to evaluate needs and determine appropriate supports. The committee identifies the student's needs, determines eligibility for services, and develops recommendations for curriculum modifications and for creating an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Behavioral Support Plan (BSP). An IEP is developed collaboratively by the psychologist, special education teacher, subject teachers, and parents and documents accommodations and short-term objectives. All special education students are integrated into mainstream classes, with ongoing collaboration among teachers to address diverse learning needs.

The student body speaks English as an additional language. The language of instruction varies by IB program and section: in PYP and IBMYP Years 1-3 the language of instruction is Georgian with ESL classes; in IBMYP Years 4-5 and the Diploma Programme the instruction is in English, with Georgian taught in the Georgian section. English as a Foreign Language (EAL) is offered as a separate discipline, and EAL classes are provided for students who struggle to access the curriculum in English. Georgian language support (Georgian Language Assistance) is available for students needing extra help, with a plan to develop a student's mother tongue through IEPs or self-taught options when necessary. Six languages are taught across the IB programmes: Georgian, English, German, Russian, French, and Spanish.

Newton Free School integrates mental well-being into its inclusive education approach. A team of school psychologists supports students with social-emotional and behavioral needs. Homeroom and subject teachers collaborate with the psychology team to implement recommended supports in classrooms. Unit planning prioritizes the social-emotional aspects of learning and ensures students' voices are heard and reflected in curriculum decisions. The program emphasizes holistic development and caring, aligned with IB values to foster well-being.