Middle School Mathematics

The Middle School mathematics program consists of four interrelated courses designed to allow students to make the transition from elementary school arithmetic to formal mathematical thinking.

Building on the exploratory and application opportunities offered in the Lower School, the Middle School mathematics program places special emphasis on the use of mental arithmetic, estimation, and problem solving situations. Topics are addressed in a spiral manner throughout the three years allowing students to revisit particular concepts in levels of increasing complexity throughout the program.

Starting in the Sixth Grade with a review of the four basic mathematical operations applied to whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and percents, students will become increasingly sophisticated in their handling of several areas of mathematical study including number theory, geometry, probability, statistics, and algebra.

In the Seventh Grade, students who do not matriculate into the pre-Algebra I course, will become more proficient at the skills needed for success in Algebra while being encouraged to explore the more general topics of why, where, and when these skills are applied in the real world.

In the Eighth Grade, advanced students will have the opportunity to take Algebra I. All students will work with a variety of problem types including algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, polynomials, and rational and irrational algebraic expressions.

It is the goal of the Middle School mathematics program to advance students to the Upper School with the confidence needed to find success and understanding of the integration of math in everyday life.