Explore Our Curriculum

Math

The mathematics curriculum described in the following course offerings is intended to prepare each girl for college level work in mathematics. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the mathematics courses each year so that they can thoroughly develop their mathematical skills. At the
end of each year, math teachers will recommend a course for each of their students based on the
students performance during the past year, her maturity, study skills, and her ability to handle the
abstract concepts required in the secondary curriculum. Any girl entering an honors course after the 7th
grade year must complete a study of additional topics in the summer and show mastery of the topics on a test before entering the honors course. Summer work may be required for any student moving up a level from their present course, regardless of a transition to honors. All courses are full year and worth 1 credit in math unless otherwise noted.

Calculator requirements for GPS math classes in grades 7-12:
The TI-84+CE is required for all GPS math classes.
(unless a TI-84+ has been previously purchased).
  • Math 6

    Sixth grade math solidifies the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division for fractions and decimals. The course begins Pre-Algebra topics with an emphasis on positive and negative numbers, proportions and ratios, as well as solving equations. In addition, this course covers graphing in the coordinate plane, setting up and solving word problems for the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and discovering statistical components, such as analyzing various types of graphs to understand information. An entire geometry unit which covers properties of angles and triangles, area and perimeter of polygons, and transformations, will be sprinkled throughout the curriculum. To support the classroom content, each student uses a computer program called ALEKS to allow for an individualized pathway to reinforce new skills and to review previous material learned. Collaborative activities and projects help students see relevance of the material and connect math to other subject matter. Math 6 students learn to ask the question "why" and to understand the process behind the answer, rather than just memorizing an algorithm. Successful Math 6 students will take risks and move forward from mistakes!
  • Pre-Algebra 7

    In Pre-Algebra, students take a broader look at computational and problem-solving skills while beginning to learn the language of algebra. This introduction to algebra continues to review operations with integers, fractions, and decimals, as well as basic exponent properties. Students work on translating word phrases and sentences into mathematical expressions; solving multi-step equations in one variable; applying arithmetic skills to problems involving measurement, percentages, ratios, and proportions. The course provides an introduction to graphing linear equations and solving inequalities, and a more in-depth exploration of geometry concepts previously discussed. Student work emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills as well as the relevance of these skills in real-world applications. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment.
  • Honors Pre-Algebra 7

    Honors Pre-Algebra is designed to aid students in making the transition from elementary mathematics to more advanced high school math courses and lays the foundations for the study of more complex algebra topics. This course moves at an accelerated pace, exploring pre-algebra concepts in greater depth and with more complex scenarios, while addressing additional concepts. This introduction to algebra briefly reviews operations with integers, fractions, and decimals. Students develop their skills solving multi-step equations and inequalities in one variable, including rational equations, and continue to apply arithmetic skills to problems involving measurement, percentages, ratios, and proportions. The course explores graphing linear equations, including writing equations and comparing parallel and perpendicular lines, as well as operations with polynomials and rational expressions. The study of radical expressions and rational exponents complete the year, along with an introduction to radical equations. The study of geometry is weaved throughout this course, and student work emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills as well as the relevance of these skills in real-world applications. Departmental approval is required for placement.
  • Intro to Algebra 8

    Introduction to Algebra is designed to strengthen skills from Pre-Algebra and expose students to various topics seen in Algebra I. The course provides a wonderful opportunity for students to investigate concepts at a pace that allows them to master foundational skills and processes necessary for success with algebra-based topics. Students practice problem solving and utilize their critical thinking skills as they apply their knowledge in various contexts. Completion of this course allows students to enter high school ready for college-preparatory course work. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment. This course is not available for high school credit.
  • Algebra I-8

    Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students study linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations, in detail. The study of polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and radical expressions complete the year. Practical applications and critical thinking are woven throughout the course as students experience the relevance of various topics in the real world. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment.
  • Algebra I-8

    Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students study linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations, in detail. The study of polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and radical expressions complete the year. Practical applications and critical thinking are woven throughout the course as students experience the relevance of various topics in the real world. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment.
  • Honors Algebra I

    Honors Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students are challenged to connect topics throughout the course as they flex their problem-solving muscles. Students will encounter linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations. The course includes a thorough study of polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions and equations. Students also explore the concepts of sequences and series and work with radical expressions and complex numbers. Practical applications and critical thinking are integrated throughout the course, enhancing the relevance of algebra in our society. Honors Algebra I moves at an accelerated pace, both exploring algebraic concepts in great depth and encountering complex scenarios. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Algebra.
  • Honors Algebra I

    Honors Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students are challenged to connect topics throughout the course as they flex their problem-solving muscles. Students will encounter linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations. The course includes a thorough study of polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions and equations. Students also explore the concepts of sequences and series and work with radical expressions and complex numbers. Practical applications and critical thinking are integrated throughout the course, enhancing the relevance of algebra in our society. Honors Algebra I moves at an accelerated pace, both exploring algebraic concepts in great depth and encountering complex scenarios. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Algebra.
  • Honors Geometry 8

    The Geometry course offers a formal deductive and inductive approach to the study of Euclidean geometry. Students develop skills in thinking logically, in reading with understanding, in writing proofs, and in developing concepts of spatial relationships in two and three dimensions. Students will utilize the graphing calculator as a problem solving tool. Algebra is strongly integrated throughout the year. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Geometry.
  • Honors Geometry 8

    The Geometry course offers a formal deductive and inductive approach to the study of Euclidean geometry. Students develop skills in thinking logically, in reading with understanding, in writing proofs, and in developing concepts of spatial relationships in two and three dimensions. Students will utilize the graphing calculator as a problem solving tool. Algebra is strongly integrated throughout the year. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Geometry.
  • Math 6

    Sixth grade math solidifies the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division for fractions and decimals. The course begins Pre-Algebra topics with an emphasis on positive and negative numbers, proportions and ratios, as well as solving equations. In addition, this course covers graphing in the coordinate plane, setting up and solving word problems for the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and discovering statistical components, such as analyzing various types of graphs to understand information. An entire geometry unit which covers properties of angles and triangles, area and perimeter of polygons, and transformations, will be sprinkled throughout the curriculum. To support the classroom content, each student uses a computer program called ALEKS to allow for an individualized pathway to reinforce new skills and to review previous material learned. Collaborative activities and projects help students see relevance of the material and connect math to other subject matter. Math 6 students learn to ask the question "why" and to understand the process behind the answer, rather than just memorizing an algorithm. Successful Math 6 students will take risks and move forward from mistakes!
  • Pre-Alg 7

    In Pre-Algebra, students take a broader look at computational and problem-solving skills while beginning to learn the language of algebra. This introduction to algebra continues to review operations with integers, fractions, and decimals, as well as basic exponent properties. Students work on translating word phrases and sentences into mathematical expressions; solving multi-step equations in one variable; applying arithmetic skills to problems involving measurement, percentages, ratios, and proportions. The course provides an introduction to graphing linear equations and solving inequalities, and a more in-depth exploration of geometry concepts previously discussed. Student work emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills as well as the relevance of these skills in real-world applications. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment.
  • Hon Pre-Algebra 7

    Honors Pre-Algebra is designed to aid students in making the transition from elementary mathematics to more advanced high school math courses and lays the foundations for the study of more complex algebra topics. This course moves at an accelerated pace, exploring pre-algebra concepts in greater depth and with more complex scenarios, while addressing additional concepts. This introduction to algebra briefly reviews operations with integers, fractions, and decimals. Students develop their skills solving multi-step equations and inequalities in one variable, including rational equations, and continue to apply arithmetic skills to problems involving measurement, percentages, ratios, and proportions. The course explores graphing linear equations, including writing equations and comparing parallel and perpendicular lines, as well as operations with polynomials and rational expressions. The study of radical expressions and rational exponents complete the year, along with an introduction to radical equations. The study of geometry is weaved throughout this course, and student work emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills as well as the relevance of these skills in real-world applications. Departmental approval is required for placement.
  • Algebra I-8

    Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students study linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations, in detail. The study of polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and radical expressions complete the year. Practical applications and critical thinking are woven throughout the course as students experience the relevance of various topics in the real world. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment. Successful completion of this course earns a full high-school credit.
  • Intro to Algebra 8

    Introduction to Algebra is designed to strengthen skills from Pre-Algebra and expose students to various topics seen in Algebra I. The course provides a wonderful opportunity for students to investigate concepts at a pace that allows them to master foundational skills and processes necessary for success with algebra-based topics. Students practice problem solving and utilize their critical thinking skills as they apply their knowledge in various contexts. Completion of this course allows students to enter high school ready for college-preparatory course work. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment. This course is not available for high school credit.
  • Hon Algebra I

    Honors Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students are challenged to connect topics throughout the course as they flex their problem-solving muscles. Students will encounter linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations. The course includes a thorough study of polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions and equations. Students also explore the concepts of sequences and series and work with radical expressions and complex numbers. Practical applications and critical thinking are integrated throughout the course, enhancing the relevance of algebra in our society. Honors Algebra I moves at an accelerated pace, both exploring algebraic concepts in great depth and encountering complex scenarios. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Algebra. Successful completion of this course earns a full high-school credit.
  • Hon Geometry

    The Geometry course offers a formal deductive and inductive approach to the study of Euclidean geometry. Students develop skills in thinking logically, in reading with understanding, in writing proofs, and in developing concepts of spatial relationships in two and three dimensions. Students will utilize the graphing calculator as a problem-solving tool. Algebra is strongly integrated throughout the year. Successful completion of this course earns a full high-school credit. Departmental approval required for placement.

Faculty