MATHEMATICS The mathematics curriculum in the Middle and Upper Schools covers a wide variety of courses. As mathematics education is ever-changing, the course of study is designed to incorporate new ideas and techniques while being mindful of the importance of a sound, traditional foundation. In this spirit, technology is used in all courses. Students gain confidence in representing and interpreting information graphically, numerically, verbally, and analytically. The ability to make reasonable predictions and assumptions based upon collected information is a critical skill in the modern world, and much effort is made to cultivate this skill in each course. As mathematics is an art as well as a science, the department strives to help students foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the mathematical process.
Middle School Our Middle School mathematics program is an exploratory and problem-based curriculum that supports students in developing and strengthening their computation skills, number sense, and problem-solving techniques. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Classroom routines involve a combination of independent work, group work, and whole-class discussions to build a conceptual understanding and computational fluency. We provide each student with the appropriate level of support and challenge so they can build their confidence as mathematical thinkers and problem solvers, appreciate the discipline, and reach their full potential. Grade 6 Math 6 begins with a unit on reasoning about area, and understanding and applying concepts of surface area. Work with ratios, rates, and percentages draws on (and builds upon) earlier work with numbers and operations. Students then build procedural and conceptual understanding around fractions, focusing on fraction equivalency and the operations of multiplication and division. Finally, students are introduced to more abstract concepts, such as expressions, equations, and rational numbers. Throughout the year, students are noticing patterns, making connections, collaborating with peers, discovering algorithms, and building their confidence as mathematical thinkers and problem solvers. Grade 7 Grade 7 math offerings include Math 7 and Math 7 Accelerated. Math 7 begins by exploring scale drawings, an engaging geometric topic that reinforces computational skills and number sense while also supporting subsequent work with proportional relationships and percentages. Students then study operations with rational numbers, discovering patterns and processes that extend to simplifying variable expressions and solving variable equations and inequalities. Finally, students put their new skills to work in the context of geometry (angles, triangles, and prisms), probability, and sampling. 12
In Math 7 Accelerated, students with a solid pre-algebra foundation explore more abstract, algebra-focused topics. Students deepen their understanding of linear expressions and equations, and explore systems of equations. Students revisit the definition of an exponent, extend it to include all integers, and learn about orders of magnitude and scientific notation to represent and compute very large and very small quantities. Finally, in the context of the Pythagorean theorem, students encounter irrational numbers for the first time and informally extend the rational number system to the real number system. Grade 8 Grade 8 math offerings include Middle School Algebra and Algebra 1 Accelerated. In Middle School Algebra, students begin with a study of geometry: transformations, congruence, dilations, and symmetry. Students build on their understanding of proportional relationships to study linear equations in the coordinate plane. They express linear relationships using equations, tables, and graphs, and make connections across these representations. Students also explore systems of linear equations in two variables, and learn that linear relationships are an example of a special kind of relationship called a function. Finally, students explore different representations of numbers, codifying the properties of exponents and encountering irrational numbers for the first time. In Algebra 1 Accelerated students discover the beauty and abstract nature of algebra. Students revisit systems of equations and inequalities and engage in a more formal study of functions: function notation, domain and range, average rate of change, and features of graphs. These concepts are then applied to piecewise, linear, absolute value, exponential. and quadratic functions. Throughout each unit, applications of functions help students see the connections that exist between graphs, tables, and equations. For each function type, students closely examine the structural attributes of the function and analyze how these attributes are expressed in different representations.
Upper School The Upper School mathematics curriculum appropriately challenges students at each level. Students in the Upper School are required to complete Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry before electing other options. Several levels of difficulty and challenge are available in each course. Accelerated courses allow students who have a strong interest in and facility for mathematics to pursue concepts in more depth and at a faster pace. Consultation with previous teachers, the student, and the Department Chair help determine a student’s placement in math. Algebra I (Full year, 1 credit) Algebra 1 is designed to nurture and strengthen the transition from computational to algebraic thinking. With a focus on the connection between algebraic and graphical representations, this course aims to deepen students’ ability to process and think at higher abstract and conceptual levels. Students will explore linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, the definition of a function, and characteristics of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Through a problem-solving approach, students will make meaningful connections between mathematical skills and life experiences. Emphasis will be placed on multiple approaches, as various strategies will be developed, analyzed, and discussed.