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Upper School Math

Our students learn to tackle problems logically and to approach math in original and creative ways that will serve them far into the future.

Going Beyond Memorization

The Upper School math curriculum focuses on mathematical relationships and problem-solving strategies rather than simply arriving at a given answer. From Algebra I all the way through Multivariable Calculus, our students learn not only to approach problems logically, but also to think about math in original and creative ways. They learn increasingly complex material as they progress through the curriculum, using a variety of technologies for investigation, data gathering, mathematical modeling, conjecturing, and predicting. As students discover the many different ways to solve any given problem, they start to apply that insight in their other classes as well, widening their perspective and sharpening their thinking in the world beyond the classroom.

Accordion

In this course, students explore linear, rational, and quadratic functions graphically, numerically, and symbolically. As they progress through the year, they apply algebra to word problems and real-world contexts, using graphing calculators to further their knowledge of mathematical functions.

Students in this course investigate relationships among two- and three-dimensional shapes visually, graphically, and algebraically through Euclidean plane geometry.

In this course, students may:

  • Develop and support mathematical arguments algebraically.
  • Build proofs using theorems and postulates.
  • Use Geometer’s Sketchpad to investigate and test conjectures.

Students in this course are often asked to extend what they have learned and apply it to new situations.

In this course, students may:

  • Explore relationships among two and three-dimensional shapes visually, graphically, and algebraically.
  • Memorize theorems and postulates.
  • Develop and support mathematical proofs.

Students in this course expand their knowledge of the functions from Algebra I by exploring polynomial, root, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions, as well as inequalities, They also learn to represent these functions algebraically, graphically, numerically, and verbally.

In this course, students deal with greater abstraction as they deepen their understanding of previously learned algebra skills. They increase their repertoire of problem-solving strategies as they encounter exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, and conic sections.

This course continues the in-depth exploration of functions, encompassing polynomials, rational functions, circular trigonometry, triangular trigonometry, parametric equations, and polar coordinates. Students learn to move comfortably between different representations of functions as they prepare for an introductory course in calculus.

In this course, students are asked to tackle challenging problems that require them to think beyond the standard formulas, pulling from several concepts at once in new and unique ways. Students examine topics in greater depth, such as polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, as well as analytic geometry, polar coordinates, and parametric equations.

In this course, students learn to apply major statistical concepts simultaneously as they begin to study data collection design, data investigations, and inferential analysis. As they study descriptive statistics, sampling, and quality control, they learn about the use of statistics in everyday life, as well as for scientific research and experimentation.

This course takes a holistic approach to calculus-based statistics, culminating in student-led projects that incorporate all major statistical themes.

In this course, students may:

  • Use probability to understand random behavior.
  • Make inferences about population by looking at samples.
  • Draw inferences about the effect of treatments from designed experiments.
  • Develop statistical literacy and critical thinking through hands-on activities.

In this class, students bring together topics covered in previous math courses to create a new, singularly focused vision. They start the course with differential calculus, and finish it learning about integral calculus.

In this course, students unify the branches of mathematics they have previously studied and use their knowledge to tackle more complex problems. This course focuses on limits, derivatives, and integrals and their applications.

This course covers all the content taught in AP Calculus AB, but adds significant challenges in the form of parametric, polar, and vector functions, as well as polynomial approximations and series.

This course is designed for students who have completed the AP Calculus curriculum and have passion for and interest in mathematics.

In this course, students may:

  • Solidify and broaden their understanding of calculus by moving to richer 2-D and 3-D contexts.
  • Explore vector-valued functions, functions with more than one variable, partial derivatives, and multiple integration.

Students will learn to be data explorers in this project-based course. Students will develop their understanding of data analysis, sampling, correlation/causation, bias and uncertainty, probability, modeling with data, making and evaluating data-based arguments, and the power of data in society.

Students will learn the ins and outs of the financial world in this project-based course. Students will develop their understanding of behavioral economics and consumerism, philanthropy, and ethics in finance, banking, and retirement.