Middle School mathematics study continues to focus on students'
development of mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills at the
same time that it reinforces students' basic computational skills and
introduces new mathematical concepts. Teachers require students to
demonstrate their understanding of mathematics through solving
real-life problems. Students in fourth and fifth grades continue in the
Everyday Mathematics Program, the elementary component of the
University of Chicago School Math Project, with a focus on fractions,
decimals, exponents and roots, factorization, and estimation, while
solidifying their basic skills in numerical operations.
Beginning in sixth grade, students may be accelerated in mathematics. Sixth grade
students who continue in the regular math sequence study
three-dimensional coordinate systems; calculate surface area and
volume; perform mathematical operations with fractions and decimals;
and study such topics as percents, inverses, prime factorization,
divisibility, exponential notations, and uses of rates, ratios, and
percentages. At the recommendation of their teacher, some students move
directly into Prealgebra where they work with variables to develop key
mathematical skills, including order of operations, powers, and square
roots. Other topics include: surface area and volume, negative
exponents, irrational numbers, and multi-step equations and
inequalities. Studying scientific notation provides an opportunity to
use a scientific calculator, required for the course. All students
complete Algebra by the end of eighth grade; accelerated students
complete Geometry as well. These courses cover the same material as
those offered at the Upper School.
