Math
Central to math is the ability to understand and perform the four mathematical operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In addition, it is important that children understand the function of math in the world at large, such as that in computers, construction, business, science and in processing information.
Primary - In the primary grades students experience math in very concrete ways using hands-on experiences with a variety of manipulatives. Kindergarten math readiness involves numeral identification skills and counting skills. In grades one and two students develop their ability to solve problems using number concept, addition, subtraction, multiplication, measurement, time, money, fractions and geometry.
Upper Elementary - In the middle grades students' mathematical knowledge moves from the concrete to the abstract. In grades three and four geometric shapes are used to study congruency, symmetry, area and perimeter. The operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are used to solve mathematical problems, employing rounding, comparing and estimation skills to solve situational problems. Fractions are explored at a more advanced level. Grade five students build on the earlier grades' computational skills and solve problems involving fractions, decimal numbers, geometry, measurement, and ratio and percent. They apply mathematics to real-life situations.
Middle School - The concepts learned in previous grades are built upon and reinforced. Integers, absolute value, exponents, scientific notation, terminating and repeating decimals, and algebraic expressions and equations are introduced in grade six and reinforced in grades seven and eight. In the subject area of graphs, attention is given to multiple line graphs, divided bar graphs, scatter grams, box and whisker graphs, stem and leaf plots and frequency tables and histograms. In grades seven and eight, graphing inequalities is introduced. Grade eight students receive either pre-algebra or algebra I instruction.