Math

As part of our transition planning for Middle School, we make every effort to place students in the “right fit” math and World Language classes each year. Placement is determined by a number of important developmental criteria instead of by grade level alone. We work hard to place students in a course that will challenge and inspire them as well as promote their success. Placement is based on the following criteria, each considered equally:

• Academic readiness • Standardized testing scores • Past mastery within the content area • Performance in the first and second trimester • Executive functioning skills as observed by teachers in all three trimesters • Consistency of homework completion • Ability to work independently • Ability to self-monitor • A demonstrated interest and motivation in all three trimesters

A profile is created for each student using the criteria above to determine the most appropriate placement. The same criteria is used in subsequent years throughout Middle School to confirm the appropriate placement for your child.

Math courses meet five times in the eight-day cycle.

Middle School Math and Honors Middle School Math

Students in Middle School Math build foundational skills, including a math vocabulary, that will prepare them to understand and solve complex problems in a scaled curriculum. As students work with fractions, whole numbers, decimals, and percents they begin to connect their learning to everyday life and develop a level of understanding that ultimately will lead to mastery of these skills. Building on those skills, students are introduced to algebra as they solve algebraic equations and work with, among other things, exponents, square roots, order of operations, ratios, and proportions. Additionally, the geometry explores different geometrical shapes, angles, triangles, and circles, including the geometric properties and formulas associated with them.

Pre-Algebra and Honors Pre-Algebra

Pre-Algebra is designed as a bridge between foundational math and algebra. Students work to strengthen their problem solving skills by building competencies in the following areas: principles of algebra, rational numbers, graphs and functions, exponents and roots, ratios, proportions and similarity, percent, geometry, perimeter, area and volume, data and statistics, multi-step equations and inequalities, graphing equations/ lines, polynomials, and solving one and two step equations. Students become familiar with the content necessary to support success in the follow-up course: Algebra. Making connections between the math they learn in the classroom with math that is used in everyday life is an essential way of learning Pre-Algebra. Students in PreAlgebra also develop their self-monitoring skills in collaboration with their peers and the teacher. They are prompted to not only take their time to think and solve problems, but to reflect on their steps and understand the process in order to truly grasp the material and be able to transfer it to higher levels of problem solving.

Algebra 1 and Honors Algebra

Algebra I establishes the vocabulary and symbolism of algebra. It includes the study of evaluating expressions, properties of real numbers, rational and irrational numbers, square roots, function

theory, solving and graphing linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, exponential properties, simplifying polynomial expressions, solving polynomial equations, factoring, solving and graphing quadratic functions, exponential growth and decay. Students are required to solve traditional and application problems in all topics.

Honors Geometry

In Honors Geometry, inductive and deductive reasoning, constructions, measurement and coordinate geometry are the foundations for examining the properties of two and three dimensional figures. Geometry courses require mastery of the concepts of algebra including quadratics, systems of equations, and radical expressions. Students explore both Euclidean and solid geometries with a particular emphasis on plane geometry. Topics of study include an introduction to logic and proofs, triangles, special quadrilaterals, polygons, perimeter and area of figures, surface area and volume of solids, similar shapes (ratio and proportion), circles, and trigonometry, indirect proofs, sequences, pattern recognition, vectors, volumes of revolution, equations of lines in three space and planes. Applications of these topics are incorporated into the lessons and assignments as students are inspired to connect learning principles of geometry with future fields of study such as art, architecture, and engineering, as well as understand how angles, arches, shapes and speed relate to sports and automobiles.