Mathematics

Throughout our elementary math program, students learn basic addition and subtraction strategies and concepts; and general math computation and problem solving skills. Topics include place value, two-digit concepts, use of graphs, measurement, time, and two and three dimensional shapes.

2nd grade mathematics practice tackles strategies to solve word problems, fact families, and skip counting to 1,000. We also work to understand digit placement, regrouping, measurement, a variety of tables and graphs, geometric shapes, and fractions. Repeated addition will help prepare us for multiplication.

3rd grade math focuses on reading numbers, mastering adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers, exploring number patterns, understanding multiplication and division, and expressing whole numbers as fractions.

4th grade math explores place value, prime and composite numbers, multiplication and division algorithms, adding and subtracting mixed numbers, changing fractions to decimals and converting measurements.

All courses in the Middle School mathematics program focus on the following practices:

1. Making sense of problems and
persevering in solving them.

2. Reasoning abstractly and
quantitatively.

3. Constructing viable arguments and
critiquing the reasoning of others.

4. Modeling in mathematics.

5. Using appropriate tools strategically.

6. Attending to precision.

7. Looking for and making use of
structure.

8. Looking for and expressing regularity
in repeated reasoning.

The 5th Grade program begins with review and reinforcement of number sense and place value, and accurately calculating in all operations with both whole numbers and decimals. Students continue number and operation work with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers. Students work on numeric and algebraic thinking by recognizing and analyzing patterns and relationships, and by writing expressions to represent given situations. Students work with 2D figures and 3D solids, and converting measurements within a given system. Students learn different ways to represent data and how to interpret data.

The 6th Grade program continues the reinforcement of number sense and operations for all rational numbers. Students develop proportional reasoning skills to solve problems that include rational numbers and percents. Students work on their algebraic skills by developing and solving one-variable equations and inequalities, and by working with two-variable problems involving a dependent and an independent variable. Students work more with 3D solids solving problems involving area, surface area, and volume. Students explore data distributions and variability.

The 7th Grade program focuses on proportional relationships and properties of operations to solve problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. Students work more extensively with 2D and 3D objects to solidify their understanding of geometry. Students analyze randomly selected populations, use statistical measurements to compare the populations, and evaluate probabilities for dependent and independent events.

The 8th Grade program focuses on algebraic thinking by connecting proportional relationships, lines and their slopes, and linear equations; and by solving linear equations and systems of linear equations. Students explore functions and their connection to real world situations. Students learn, understand, and apply the Pythagorean Theorem, and the concepts of congruence and similarity.

The Algebra I program includes all concepts of algebra I: variables, expressions, equations, factoring polynomials, algebraic fractions and linear functions; and some concepts typically covered in an algebra II class: irrational numbers, radicals and quadratic functions.