Mainspring Academy uses the Unique Learning System (ULS) as its primary school-wide curriculum. ULS provides differentiated academic materials that allow teachers to meet each student’s specific learning needs. This standards- and research-based curriculum supports learners from pre-kindergarten through high school. ULS also includes News-2-You (n2y), a weekly current-events program that helps students build awareness of the world around them. Both ULS and n2y integrate SymbolStix PRIME, a visual support system that assists readers of all levels. These symbols appear throughout the school - in classroom schedules, individual visual schedules, task analyses, and other supports - helping students navigate their day with confidence and independence. Another key component of ULS is Polaris, which guides teachers in setting data-driven, individualized goals. Polaris reviews student assessments, rubrics, and performance profiles to recommend new assessments and suggest targeted objectives based on each learner’s progress.
The Styer-Fitzgerald Program for Functional Academics is a complete K-12 transition program designed to teach real-world, practical skills to students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities. This program builds daily living and vocational skills, helping students gain independence and greater access to their community.
The PCI Reading Program is a research-based curriculum designed to help students with developmental disabilities, autism, and other learning differences learn to read. Students start by mastering five high-frequency sight words, which are used to create a simple book. They then add another five words and a new book, continuing this pattern as they build fluency and confidence in reading.
i-Ready is an interactive online program that personalizes instruction in reading and math. Students complete quarterly diagnostic assessments that determine their current skill level, then receive lessons matched to their pace and ability. This adaptive approach ensures that every student learns at an appropriate and achievable level.
Through Reading A-Z, Raz-Kids, and Headsprout, students access interactive online reading tools that make learning engaging and fun. These programs help develop foundational reading skills - from letter sounds and blending to vocabulary and comprehension - through games, activities, and leveled readers.
The Visualizing and Verbalizing program strengthens comprehension and thinking skills by teaching students to create “concept imagery.” By visualizing what they read and hear, students improve their understanding, memory, and written expression.
Developed by Patrick McGreevy, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Essentials for Living focuses on the practical communication and self-management skills necessary for daily life. This curriculum is especially valuable for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities and emphasizes key areas such as making requests, waiting, accepting “no,” following safety routines, improving communication, and managing behavior.
