Students in 4th Grade are able to use mental math to solve more complex mathematical problems using whole numbers with multiplication and division. They can apply an appropriate method for finding product or quotients involving multi-digit numbers and explain their thinking. They deepen their understanding of fractions by comparing them to numbers with decimals. Through building, drawing, and analyzing two-dimensional shapes, students deepen their understanding of properties of two-dimensional objects and the use of them to solve problems involving symmetry.

Students in 5th Grade begin to deduce new information from existing information to solve and explain mathematical problems. They can apply the meaning of fractions, of multiplication and division, and the relationship between multiplication and division to explain the logic behind the process of multiplying and dividing fractions. By the end of 5th Grade, students are able to accurately compute products and quotients of decimals to hundredths. They can apply their understanding of decimal placement by conversions of standard measurement units within the same metric system. Students explore mathematical sequences more deeply, can graph ordered pairs on a coordinate plane, and understand that graphing points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane can represent real-world mathematical problems.

Students in 6th Grade connect their understanding of multiplication and division with ratios and rates and ratios and fractions. They are thus able to solve a wide variety of mathematical problems and explain their reasoning. Students extend their understanding of numbers and the ordering of numbers to the full system of rational numbers. They can reason about the order and absolute value of rational numbers and about the location of points in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane. By the end of 6th Grade, students can write expressions and equations that correspond to given situations, evaluate expressions, and use expressions and formulas to solve problems. They can construct and analyze tables and can use equations to describe relationships between quantities. Students can solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume and prepare for future work on scale drawings through drawing polygons in the coordinate plane.

In addition, students explore concepts of biodiversity, electricity, and space. In their study of biodiversity, students learn about the interconnectedness of living things and that maintaining diversity is critical to the health of the planet. Students use disruptions of ecosystems to make observations, ask questions, make hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and share their findings with one another. In their study of electricity, students have the opportunity to program Arduinos as they explore circuits and examine and create different types of circuits with other materials. In learning about space, students will focus on developing an understanding of the phenomena that result from the movement of different bodies in space. They will also create a scale model, using proportional reasoning, of the planets and their distance from the sun.

Students in 7th Grade solidify their arithmetic skills before progressing to introductory algebraic concepts. This course aims to provide students with a solid base of algebra and number skills developed in a cooperative atmosphere of active exploration. Students are exposed to algebraic topics such as linear equations and inequalities as well as instruction connecting previous knowledge of rates, ratios, proportions, and percents to their new understanding of equations. Overall, students obtain a well-rounded grasp of linear equations, which they will apply during our second year of the course to quadratic functions, geometry, and statistics.

Algebra 7 is offered to students in the 7th Grade as an accelerated Algebra I option during the first year of Middle School. As the language through which most of mathematics is communicated, Algebra I begins to provide a means of operating with the concepts of variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, matrices, and relations. The skills taught in this course lay the foundation for upper-level math and science courses and have practical uses. The concept of function is emphasized throughout the course. Topics include: operations with real numbers, linear functions and inequalities, relations, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, and quadratic functions, factoring, and equations. Algebra I provides students with the required depth of knowledge in the language of mathematics. A student who is familiar with the terms of mathematics in Algebra I will be well positioned to succeed in subsequent years. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of the language as well as computational skills. Students are assessed through traditional quizzes and tests as well as through projects and individual and group work.

Students in 8th Grade are challenged to deepen their critical-thinking skills through complex problem solving and open-ended questioning. Students refine their algebraic skills and use their understanding of functions to apply mathematical skills in solving real-world problems. The year includes an intense study on linear equations, systems of equations, and inequalities as well as an introduction to exponents, polynomials, and quadratics.

Students in the 8th Grade are immersed in mathematics that deal with the understanding of the world around them by using measurement, properties, relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids. Students use real-world applications, hands-on activities, and technology along with the traditional paper/pencil instruction. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of the language as well as computational skills. Students will be assessed through traditional quizzes and tests as well as through projects and other individual and group work.