Mathematics
The Mathematics Department at Mounds Park Academy strives to help each student discover, appreciate, and enjoy mathematics through active learning at all levels. We believe in giving every student a chance to succeed in the most challenging yet appropriate math classes. By focusing on in-depth content and problem-solving at all levels—combined with creating a climate that celebrates learning—we have a school of successful students who commit to math throughout their high school careers while being prepared for college and lives beyond the classroom.
*Student placement in Middle School math course is based on prior experience and written assessment or summer course work completion and written assessment.
Courses Offered
Course offerings are contingent on MPA policies regarding student enrollment numbers for each class.
| Advanced Pre-Algebra |
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This rigorous math course builds the foundations for Algebra. We dive deeper into the topics of integers, one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations, inequalities and equations, graphs and functions, percent, and probabilities. We also present an introduction to geometry and right triangles. Students will use algebra to generate their own conclusion of how to find the solutions to problems. Material is spiraled and the year culminates with a final comprehensive exam. |
| Advanced Algebra 1 |
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This rigorous course dives deep into the heart of Algebra. Topics include computing with real numbers; simplifying algebraic expressions; using variables; solving and graphing equations and inequalities; solving systems of equations; performing operations with polynomials; factoring polynomials; solving polynomial equations; and solving quadratic equations. This is an advanced level course, so the level of challenge will be high. Material is spiraled and the year culminates with a final comprehensive exam. |
| Algebra I |
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This course introduces the development of the real number system. The emphasis throughout the year is on showing work clearly and completely, as well as explaining how to arrive at solutions. Topics include: computing with real numbers; simplifying algebraic expressions; using variables; solving and graphing equations and inequalities; solving systems of equations; performing operations with polynomials; factoring polynomials; solving polynomial equations; and solving quadratic equations. Material is spiraled and the year culminates with a final comprehensive exam. |
| Advanced Geometry |
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This rigorous course looks at properties of geometric shapes both two-dimensional and three-dimensional. Concepts are introduced with and without proof and include points, lines, rays, angles, and triangles; congruent and similar triangles; perpendicular and parallel lines; quadrilaterals; right triangles, including right triangle and non-right triangle trigonometry; area and volume; circles; regular polygons; and geometric solids. Students will use both Algebra and proofs to support their reasoning on how they arrived at an answer. Material is spiraled and the year culminates with a final comprehensive exam. |
| Foundations of Mathematics |
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This course introduces the development of topics including computing decimals and fractions, writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations, developing an understanding of statistical thinking, and connecting ratio, rate, proportions, and precents to whole number multiplication and division. Spiraling upon the foundation of previous years, Foundations of Mathematics will allow students to gain confidence and sharpen the skills they need going forward. Problem solving is a large component of this class, and students will use different tools and strategies to find their solutions. |
| Math 5 |
| Students will continue to utilize the Singapore Math curriculum, aligned with the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. Students will be encouraged to solve problems in multiple ways, building on concepts throughout the year and applying them to solve a variety of problems. The curriculum focuses on these topics: whole numbers and calculations; adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions, ratios, and decimals; measuring perimeter, volume, and area; beginning graphing and geometry concepts. In addition to concepts and calculations, students will learn to express mathematical questions and concepts verbally, numerically, and in writing. This math-fluency will allow them to verbalize ideas, questions, and explanations clearly and will help them communicate effectively as they move through higher math. Students will be equipped with a strong mathematical foundation and strong mastery of concepts. Students will use the math concepts to make real-world connections, observations, predictions, and explorations. |
