Math

The mission of the Middle School Math program is to increase and expand skills learned in elementary grades to enhance problem-solving opportunities and further develop critical thinking skills. We believe in a growth mindset, that all students are capable of succeeding in math, and that math should be engaging, relevant, and fun!

Curriculum
The Middle School Math program is integrated with California Common Core Standards. We use the Big Ideas textbook series written by Ron Larson and Laurie Boswell, published by Big Ideas Learning, 2014. Topics are supplemented with many outside materials to create additional problem-solving opportunities and further prepare students for the rigors of high school. Our classes are fluid, allowing small group work aimed at meeting each student’s individual needs. Our math classrooms are safe places for your child to take risks, learn from mistakes, and practice the skill of resilience in the context of learning math.

Our goal is for each student to be successful in 8th grade Algebra and prepared for Geometry in the 9th grade, the typical math track for students transitioning from middle to high school in both independent and public school sectors.

Sixth Grade Math
Math in 6th grade focuses on number sense, fraction operations, fraction-decimal-percent relationships, percent operations, ratio and proportional reasoning, integer operations, equations, statistics, and geometry. Problem-solving and critical thinking are integral parts of this curriculum, and students are encouraged to solve math problems and use vocabulary and presentation skills to articulate strategies for approaching problems and finding solutions clearly.  

Seventh Grade Math
The Pre-Algebra curriculum includes operations using advanced number theory, rational numbers, single and multi-step equations and inequalities, and two and three-dimensional geometry. Problem-solving and group work continue to be emphasized as students tackle rich, challenging real-world problems.

Eighth Grade Math
Algebra topics for the year include linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomials, factoring, and quadratic & exponential functions. Our Algebra curriculum is equivalent to the rigors of a high school-level Algebra course.

Alternatively, students in the 8th grade who are not developmentally ready for a full year Algebra course will be enrolled in Algebra Readiness. Students enrolled in this class will be given the fundamentals to succeed as Algebra students in the 9th grade. Students who take Algebra in 9th grade typically proceed to Geometry in the 10th grade and Algebra II in the 11th grade. This path meets the requirements for the UC system and 4-year colleges.