Using National Sciences Foundation rationale, our middle school mathematics curriculum makes important real life connections to math and science applications beyond the classroom. Students learn the importance of mathematics in various careers and understand the interdisciplinary connections between mathematics they are studying and the arts, sciences, and even history and language arts through the cross-curricular connections that are made throughout the year. Whether a student is beginning pre-algebra, working in a regular Algebra or Geometry class or taking honors classes, mathematics courses help him learn to think logically, critically, and analytically while preparing for the rigors of the advanced mathematics courses of high school.

All middle school mathematics courses meet and exceed California mathematics standards as documented by the curriculum pacing guide. To assure our mathematics courses build on student learning, all students take a mathematics placement test and are placed in an appropriate course to assure success in either regular or accelerated classes. Individualized placement assures all students will have an excellent foundation for high school mathematics. (See our course descriptions and prerequisites for additional information.)

Apple Ipads are used to promote mastery over foundational math skills and to reinforce concepts and enhance the curriculum. On-line technology such as video tutors and practice tests and additional practices are also made available.

Mathematics 7 - Pre-Algebra

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in 6th Grade Mathematics

Mathematics is a powerful tool with far-reaching applications in daily life. In this class, you will learn that mathematics is all around us. Building mathematical skills and an understanding of concepts is an ongoing process. Connection to real life application is made to areas like entertainment, nutrition, economics, and even recreation such as model airplanes and physical fitness and sports. The importance of mathematics in careers such as engineering, wildlife statisticians, architecture and other areas are also studied.

This is a 1 year mathematics course to prepare students for Algebra 1. Topics covered include integers, equations, inequalities, graphing, right triangles and probability. Students learn to manipulate numbers and equations and understand the general principles at work. Students understand and use factoring of numerators and denominators and properties of exponents. Students know the Pythagorean theorem and solve problems in which they compute the length of an unknown side. Students make conversions between different units of measurement. They know and use different representations of fractional numbers (fractions, decimals, and percents) and are proficient at changing from one to another. We learn how to graph linear functions and understand the idea of slope and its relation to ratio. Technology such as the Apple Ipads are used to promote mastery over foundational math skills and to reinforce concepts and to enhance the curriculum. On-line technology such as video tutor and practice tests are also made available. Test taking strategies and test prep is also covered in this class.

Mathematics 7 - Honors Pre-Algebra

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in 6th Grade Mathematics

This is an accelerated class where advanced problem solving and unique problems as it relates to Honors mathematics will be studied. Mathematics is a powerful tool with far-reaching applications in daily life. In this class, you will learn that mathematics is all around us. Building mathematical skills and an understanding of concepts is an ongoing process. Connection to real life application is made to areas like entertainment, nutrition, economics, and even recreation such as model airplanes and physical fitness and sports. The importance of mathematics in careers such as engineering, wildlife statisticians, architecture and other areas are also studied.

This is a 1 year mathematics course to prepare students for Algebra 1. Topics covered include integers, equations, inequalities, graphing, right triangles and probability. Students learn to manipulate numbers and equations and understand the general principles at work. Students understand and use factoring of numerators and denominators and properties of exponents. Students know the Pythagorean theorem and solve problems in which they compute the length of an unknown side. Students make conversions between different units of measurement. They know and use different representations of fractional numbers (fractions, decimals, and percents) and are proficient at changing from one to another. We learn how to graph linear functions and understand the idea of slope and its relation to ratio. Technology such as the Apple Ipads are used to promote mastery over foundational math skills and to reinforce concepts and to enhance the curriculum. On-line technology such as video tutor and practice tests are also made available. Test taking strategies and test prep is also covered in this class.

Mathematics 8 - Algebra

Grade Level: 7/8 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in Pre-Algebra Note: Meets graduation requirement for Algebra

This class is designed to help students learn algebra and see how it connects to the real world. There are many opportunities to make connections from concrete models to abstract concepts. Career guidance and real examples of how mathematics is used in many types of careers is also studied. We work through problems in zoology and finance and even make interdisciplinary connections to earth science, biology and physics. This class prepares students for proficiency examinations such as the SAT/ACT and the CAHSEE. Throughout the year students will see the practical value of algebra and see how it relates directly to a students life.

This is a 1 year mathematics course to prepare students for Geometry. Algebra is an advanced mathematics course for students who are college bound. Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in algebra. Through the study of algebra, a student develops an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations. Topics covered include linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, quadratics, exponential functions, radicals and statistics. Satisfactory completion of pre-algebra is a prerequisite. Technology such as the Apple Ipads are used to promote mastery over foundational math skills and to reinforce concepts and to enhance the curriculum. On-line technology such as practice tests and additional practices are also made available.

Mathematics 8 - Honors Algebra

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in Pre-Algebra Honors or the consent of the Algebra 1 Honors instructor and Math Dept.
Note: Meets graduation requirement for Algebra

This is an accelerated class where advanced problem solving and unique problems as it relates to Honors Algebra will be studied. This class is designed to help students learn algebra and see how it connects to the real world. There are many opportunities to make connections from concrete models to abstract concepts. Career guidance and real examples of how mathematics is used in many types of careers is also studied. We work through problems in zoology and finance and even make interdisciplinary connections to earth science, biology and physics. This class will prepare students for proficiency examinations such as the SAT/ACT and the CAHSEE. Throughout the year students will see the practical value of algebra and see how it relates directly to a students life.

This is a 1 year mathematics course to prepare students for Geometry. Algebra is an advanced mathematics course for students who are college bound. Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in algebra. Through the study of algebra, a student develops an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations. Topics covered include linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, quadratics, exponential functions, radicals and statistics. Satisfactory completion of pre-algebra is a prerequisite. Technology such as the Apple Ipads are used to promote mastery over foundational math skills and to reinforce concepts and to enhance the curriculum. On-line technology such as practice tests and additional practices are also made available.