Driven by a philanthropic philosophy of "elevation by contact",[4] the Associated Charities volunteers sought to improve the circumstances of the poor through visitation and by way of example.

[7] The North End Industrial Home grew as a school for children and their mothers, as well as a training ground for prospective teachers.

Founded to help immigrants transition to American life, NBSIS pioneered a holistic approach to community service a century before the term became popular.

[10] The school's 1885 charter defined NBSIS as "an institution for training in industrial occupations persons of all ages, and for other educational and charitable work, and for furnishing opportunities for instruction and amusement to them, including libraries, reading rooms and whatever else may contribute to their physical and moral well being".

[13] Originating in Sweden, the sloyd method of instruction involved using craft projects to facilitate education, aiming to "arouse a desire and pleasure in work; to accustom students to independence; to instill virtues of exactness, order and accuracy: and to train the attention".

[18] The sloyd project-based mode of teaching is still the basis of craft curriculums at North Bennet Street School.

[19] The Boston Public Library established a branch at North Bennet Street Industrial School in 1899, with Edith Guerrier serving as librarian.

[24] Drawing inspiration from John Ruskin and William Morris, two leaders of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Greener introduced weaving and courses in making light fixtures to the school.

[25] Similarly, the homespun, vegetable-dyed cloth produced by the weaving program was marketed through the Industrial Arts shop on Charles Street at the foot of Beacon Hill to provide income to both students and the school.

[27] Local businesses, such as Filene's and Jordan Marsh, marketed aprons, curtains, shirts, lingerie and hospital garb produced by students in the program.

Following World War I, Greener introduced a number of vocational classes for veterans, including watch repair, cabinet making, carpentry, printing, and jewelry engraving.

[31] With middle-income professionals replacing immigrant populations in the North End, and other publicly funded organizations in place to serve the poor, NBSIS became known primarily as a center for training in fine crafts.