The Murphy educates K-8 students in the Dorchester area. The school’s priorities include providing instruction in targeted learning groups, increasing enrichment opportunities, and focusing on student’s social and emotional learning. The Murphy prides itself on providing STEM for all K-8 students, facilitating restorative justice circles in the upper grades, and implementing the Second Step social skills curriculum.  All of these initiatives support the school's instructional focus, #murphymindset, where students are taught to persevere through rigorous tasks.

The Murphy adds two 55  minute targeted learning groups a week where students are taught in smaller groups based on their learning needs. In addition, there is one Social Emotional Learning (SEL) block each week.  Teachers also embed SEL  into their routine without taking away from core instruction. Embedding SEL activities has allowed many groups of students to discuss topics relevant to their communities. Restorative Circles has ensured a positive school climate for the seventh and eighth graders where students feel more connected to each other and to the school.  On Tuesday and Fridays, seventh and eighth graders have an opportunity to choose an elective that they would like to pursue. These smaller electives are  having an overall positive impact on school culture, providing time for students to build stronger relationships with teachers and peers.

Further, teachers have a common planning time which generally aligns to the school's instructional focus or is related to SEL instruction and creating a safe and welcoming school for all.  Content planning across grades 5-8 ensures strong academic and rigorous standards-aligned instruction.