Math

The goal of the Math program is to help students grow as problem solvers who appreciate the joy of thought and have the reasoning skills needed to deal with new and complex situations.  Our curriculum emphasizes reasoning, computation, and collaboration through a lens of inquiry and asks students to think critically about concepts and applications.

Lower School

In the Lower School, students engage in a rigorous math program that develops a foundation of conceptual understanding of number systems, operations and problem-solving skills. They are asked to analyze relationships, consider the efficiency of methods, and communicate and defend their reasoning.  Using an inquiry-based learning approach, students create visual models, draw number lines, and manipulate Base-10 pieces to increase conceptual understanding. They also collaborate and share strategies as they learn key skills and concepts. With this foundation, students build the procedural fluency they need to be able to apply their skills to non-routine problems and novel situations.

Middle School

In the Middle School, students complete a sequence of math courses designed to cultivate their analytical skills as they develop algebraic and geometric reasoning. Students learn to work collaboratively, apply mathematical modeling, and strengthen problem-solving skills. Our goal is for students to become confident and independent abstract thinkers with a growth mindset. Middle School courses include Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry.

Upper School

In the Upper School, students continue to develop their analytical reasoning and computational thinking skills while collaboratively engaging with material from Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Precalculus, and Data Science. There are opportunities for students to learn to code in Python and R, to engage in a proof-based math curriculum, and to explore applications of math to social and environmental justice.  After completing Precalculus, students may choose to take additional math courses, including Calculus with Applications to Social Justice, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Statistics with R, Algorithms, Machine Learning, and other post-Calculus electives.