Middle school > Course Description math

Mathematics in grades 6-8 is a sequential, college preparatory program.  It emphasizes the development of math concepts, computational skills, problem solving, and critical thinking.  Comprehensive and appropriately challenging, this curriculum is designed to provide students with the math background necessary for subsequent math coursework.

Math 6 (Grade 6) is a continuation of the Progress in Mathematics program used in the Lower School.  The continuity of the program helps to ease the Middle School transition and allows the students to expand their mathematical ability.  Concepts including numeration, operations, computation, algebra, functions, geometry, measurement, and probability are still presented in a variety of formats to develop higher level critical thinking.  Many skills directly foreshadow pre-algebra. 

Math 7 (Grade 7) integrates applied arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, and connects all these areas to measurement, probability, and statistics.  This course provides opportunities for students to visualize and demonstrate concepts with a focus on real-world applications.  A strong algebraic influence is included to prepare students for Pre-Algebra.  The text for this course is Mathematics: Course 2 by Prentice-Hall.

Pre-Algebra (Grades 7-8) reviews the basic computation of real numbers while integrating skills requiring higher levels of thinking.  The use of variables throughout prepares for expanded operations required in Algebra I. Algebra-thinking activity labs provide students with opportunities to dig deeper and explore algebraic concepts to build conceptual understanding. This course, normally taught to eighth graders, is also offered to seventh graders who have demonstrated above average quantitative aptitude and skill.  The text for this course is Pre-Algebra by Prentice-Hall.

Algebra I CP (Grades 8-9) is offered to all students who have completed Pre-Algebra.  It extends the concept of set theory to include algebraic expressions, algebraic fractions, factoring, and the solution of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities.  The interpretation and solution of verbal problems is incorporated within each skill area.  Students are encouraged to develop precise and accurate habits of mathematical expression.  The text for this course is Beginning Algebra with Applications.

Algebra I Honors (Grades 8-9) is offered primarily to 8th grade students who completed Pre-Algebra in the 7th grade.  This is an advanced course; therefore, the pace and rigor of this class will be significantly more challenging than Algebra I CP.  Students will study linear, quadratic, absolute value, radical, and rational equations and inequalities, the graphing of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations and inequalities, multiplying and factoring polynomials, and simplifying exponential, radical, and rational expressions.  Throughout the year, students will work extensively with word problems to develop their critical thinking skills.  The text for this course is Algebra.