Middle School Mathematics

The Middle School mathematics program develops students’ mathematical literacy and prepares them for Upper School mathematics courses. The curriculum serves students with varying abilities, enabling them to gain confidence in and expand their mathematical skills and to become effective problem solvers and communicators of mathematical ideas. In addition, students are exposed to coding as a way to enhance their logical thinking. Admission to an advanced course is by departmental approval and may require confirmation of ability by a placement examination.

List of 7 items.

  • Math I

    Math I focuses on developing a solid foundation in problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as computation skills.  Students work with all types of numbers and operations, including fractions, decimals, integers, exponents, ratios, rates, and averages.  Algebraic thinking is introduced through the study of topics such as patterns, functions, proportions, percents, and formulas from geometry. 
    Math I focuses on developing a solid foundation in problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as computation skills.  Students work with all types of numbers and operations, including fractions, decimals, integers, exponents, ratios, rates, and averages.  Algebraic thinking is introduced through the study of topics such as patterns, functions, proportions, percents, and formulas from geometry. 
  • Math I-A

    Math I A is a rigorous, fast-paced course designed for students who have a solid foundation in computations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and integers, as well as prior experience with algebraic thinking, basic geometry concepts, and a variety of non-routine problem solving strategies.  Students must have good organizational skills and a strong work ethic.  In addition, students in the advanced level must be able to work independently and should enjoy tackling challenging problems.  Students are selected for the advanced course based on their abilities and previous academic record.
    Math I A is a rigorous, fast-paced course designed for students who have a solid foundation in computations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and integers, as well as prior experience with algebraic thinking, basic geometry concepts, and a variety of non-routine problem solving strategies.  Students must have good organizational skills and a strong work ethic.  In addition, students in the advanced level must be able to work independently and should enjoy tackling challenging problems.  Students are selected for the advanced course based on their abilities and previous academic record.
  • Math II

    Math II addresses the transition from arithmetic to the basic elements of theoretical mathematics.  Previously learned skills – including manipulation of decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percentages, and basic geometry – are reviewed and strengthened. This course also introduces set theory, multi-step equations, word problems, properties, and practical applications for geometry. Throughout the course, students investigate everyday situations that involve mathematical principles. 
    Math II addresses the transition from arithmetic to the basic elements of theoretical mathematics.  Previously learned skills – including manipulation of decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percentages, and basic geometry – are reviewed and strengthened. This course also introduces set theory, multi-step equations, word problems, properties, and practical applications for geometry. Throughout the course, students investigate everyday situations that involve mathematical principles. 
  • Math II-A

    Math IIA is a rigorous course designed for students who have demonstrated mastery of our Math I Advanced curriculum.  Math IIA covers the above topics in greater depth and with more complexity and explores additional topics as well.  Applications that challenge students to follow an extended chain of reasoning and employ a wide variety of problem-solving strategies are emphasized.  Students are selected for the advanced course based on their abilities and previous academic record.  This course includes an introduction to using a graphing calculator.  Prerequisite:  V- in Math I A or teacher recommendation.
    Math IIA is a rigorous course designed for students who have demonstrated mastery of our Math I Advanced curriculum.  Math IIA covers the above topics in greater depth and with more complexity and explores additional topics as well.  Applications that challenge students to follow an extended chain of reasoning and employ a wide variety of problem-solving strategies are emphasized.  Students are selected for the advanced course based on their abilities and previous academic record.  This course includes an introduction to using a graphing calculator.  Prerequisite:  V- in Math I A or teacher recommendation.
  • Math III

    This course enables students to refine and strengthen their computation skills with rational numbers and equations, with an emphasis on applications and problem-solving.  Percents, rates, proportions, statistics, and geometry topics are explored in greater depth and with a higher degree of complexity. Polynomials and linear graphing are introduced.  The course gives students a solid foundation from which to approach algebra.
    This course enables students to refine and strengthen their computation skills with rational numbers and equations, with an emphasis on applications and problem-solving.  Percents, rates, proportions, statistics, and geometry topics are explored in greater depth and with a higher degree of complexity. Polynomials and linear graphing are introduced.  The course gives students a solid foundation from which to approach algebra.
  • Algebra I

    Algebra I integrates knowledge of variables and their use with concepts and operations of arithmetic in a formal, logical development of elementary algebra. Accuracy and precision are essential components of instruction, as is the development of problem-solving strategies. The content of the course includes an in-depth study of linear equations and inequalities, graphing, operations with polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and equations, introduction to functions, radical expressions and equations, and the quadratic formula. Word problems and applications of increasing complexity are addressed throughout the course. Prerequisite: V in Math II or teacher recommendation.
    Algebra I integrates knowledge of variables and their use with concepts and operations of arithmetic in a formal, logical development of elementary algebra. Accuracy and precision are essential components of instruction, as is the development of problem-solving strategies. The content of the course includes an in-depth study of linear equations and inequalities, graphing, operations with polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and equations, introduction to functions, radical expressions and equations, and the quadratic formula. Word problems and applications of increasing complexity are addressed throughout the course. Prerequisite: V in Math II or teacher recommendation.
  • Algebra I-A

    Algebra IA is a rigorous course designed for students who have completed the equivalent of our Math IIA course.  In addition to covering the Algebra I topics listed above, applications that challenge students to follow an extended chain of reasoning and employ a wide variety of problem-solving strategies are emphasized.  Students should have a strong foundation in signed numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and properties. Students should also have a strong affinity for math and a desire to pursue advanced coursework in the Upper School.   Students are selected for the advanced course based on their abilities and previous academic record.  Prerequisite:  V- in Math II A or teacher recommendation.
    Algebra IA is a rigorous course designed for students who have completed the equivalent of our Math IIA course.  In addition to covering the Algebra I topics listed above, applications that challenge students to follow an extended chain of reasoning and employ a wide variety of problem-solving strategies are emphasized.  Students should have a strong foundation in signed numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and properties. Students should also have a strong affinity for math and a desire to pursue advanced coursework in the Upper School.   Students are selected for the advanced course based on their abilities and previous academic record.  Prerequisite:  V- in Math II A or teacher recommendation.

Sample Course Progressions

Grade 6 Math I Math I Math I-A
Grade 7 Math II Math II Math II-A
Grade 8 Math III Algebra I Algebra I-A
Grade 9 Algebra I Geometry Advanced Geometry
Grade 10 Geometry Algebra II Advanced Algebra II
Grade 11 Algebra II Precalculus Advanced Precalculus
Grade 12 Precalc or Statistics Calculus or Advanced Statistics Advanced Calculus
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213