Mathematics

Mathematics is more than procedures and crunching numbers. Fundamentally expressing the reasonableness and consistency of God, mathematics is the key to unlock the mysteries of nature. It is the tool to comprehend the engineering needed to bring comforts to humanity. It is the language of science. It is the fingerprint of our orderly God.

Schola mathematics instructors use texts and methods that teach conceptual mathematics as well as procedural mathematics. As explained by Susan Wise Bauer in The Well-Trained Mind, “Conceptual mathematics instruction … explains the reasons why operations work as they do. It is often contrasted with ‘procedural math’ which teaches students to solve problems by [simply] giving them a series of steps to do.” Students who depend on procedures over understanding the reason behind the solving of mathematical problems are often fearful of math and lack a sense of success in their math pursuits. However, conceptual mathematics develops critical thinking skills. It trains the mind for problem-solving and logical decision-making which positively affects performance in other areas giving students confidence for success. By focusing on both inductive thinking (choosing the best approach to solve a problem) and deductive thinking (obtaining the correct answer from the approach chosen), the student is better prepared for adult life as well as fields of study in which mathematics is foundational.

The learning of mathematics must be done little by little over a period of time. In other words, optimally, math should be taught in small “chunks,” practiced daily, and repeated for mastery. Class time will be used to introduce new concepts, answer questions, and check progress. At-home time is used for daily homework and study.

Suggested Class Sequence

Pre-Algebra
Algebra 1
Geometry OR Algebra 2
Algebra 2 OR Geometry
Pre-Calculus

Each class lists prerequisites and appropriate age, based on the typical level of academic experience and emotional maturity required to complete course material. We understand parents sometimes feel their students can benefit from taking classes before the recommended age or without prerequisite knowledge. We value our parents expertise; however, if you decide to enroll a child who is younger than the recommended guidelines or who lacks prerequisite skills, and this results in that student requiring significant additional support to be successful in the class, you will need to be prepared to provide that additional support.

If you are requesting young age admittance, their admittance will be based on their math report card and a letter of recommendation which addresses their social maturity.


Pre-Algebra
provides the student with a solid foundation for Algebra 1. Students will incorporate signed numbers and the algebraic process with their own mastery of arithmetic calculations, fractions, percents, decimals, ratios, measurements, and basic geometry. Students will begin chapter 1 with a quick review of signed numbers and order of operations (PEMDAS). For a smooth transition into pre-algebra, students should have a working knowledge of these concepts before starting the school year. Because students will submit their weekly homework to Google Classroom, they will need access to and training in how to scan documents to a pdf and upload pdfs to Google Classroom.
Prerequisite
  • Students must be accurate in their multiplication tables and have a mastery knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions, decimals, and percents.
  • Student must be 12 years of age by September 1st of the current school year.
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 45-60 minutes four days each week to math studies. Students should not enroll in upper-level mathematics courses if consistent daily study time is not available.
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Algebra 1
builds a solid foundation for all high school math courses. It assumes the student has already mastered all the computation skills associated with integers, fractions, decimals, equations, exponents, and order of operations and adds extensive application and problem-solving opportunities. This course targets strong fundamental algebraic skills and vocabulary, and significantly expands critical thinking and concrete and abstract reasoning. From creating and solving algebraic expressions and equations to mastering complex factoring to graphing first and second degree equations and much more, Algebra 1 moves high school students from the rote maths of their earlier years to utilizing their new skills to successfully and strategically apply algebraic principles to solve real-world problems. Because students will submit their weekly homework to Google Classroom, they will need access to and training in how to scan documents to a pdf and upload pdfs to Google Classroom.
Prerequisite
  • Students must be accurate in their multiplication tables and have a mastery knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions, decimals, and percents.
  • Students must have a skilled knowledge of working with signed numbers, order of operations (PEMDAS), and solving algebraic equations.
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 45-60 minutes four days each week to math studies. Students should not enroll in upper-level mathematics courses if consistent daily study time is not available.
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Geometry
Includes all topics in a typical high school geometry course: lines, angles, two- and three-dimensional figures, deductive reasoning, proofs, transformations, reflections, translations, rotations, congruency, triangles, polygons, trigonometry, circles, area, volume, and probability. Topics are designed to prepare students for higher level mathematics, standardized tests, and higher-level thinking. Labs, study guides, and group projects reinforce these topics.
Prerequisite
  • Successful completion of a rigorous, conceptual Algebra 1 course that focuses on practical application with a final course grade of 85% or higher.
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 45-60 minutes four days each week to math studies. Students should not enroll in upper-level mathematics courses if consistent daily study time is not available.
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Algebra 2
reinforces and expands the concepts taught in Algebra 1 while providing the preliminary skills and solid foundation necessary for student success with college entrance testing, Precalculus, and College Algebra. With math comprising half of the student's SAT score, mastery of Algebra 2 contributes a critical component to every student’s secondary and collegiate future. This math course expands fundamental algebraic skills and builds mathematical reasoning through real-world problems and abstract applications. In addition to solving systems of linear and nonlinear equations, the student will learn matrices, logarithms, trigonometry, conic sections, statistics, probability, and so much more. Laying a solid foundation for Precalculus, the student will also gain proficiency in complex graphing and graphing applications. Because students will submit their weekly homework to Google Classroom, they will need access to and training in how to scan documents to a pdf and upload pdfs to Google Classroom.

Prerequisite
  • Successful completion of a rigorous Algebra 1 course that empowers the mastery of algebraic concepts, computations, and applications
  • A final course grade of 85% or higher in Algebra 1
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 45-60 minutes four days each week to math studies. Students should not enroll in upper-level mathematics courses if consistent daily study time is not available.
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Pre-Calculus
guides students through an extensive study of trigonometry and functions including quadratics, exponentials, polynomials, logarithmic, and rational functions. Emphasis will be placed on visual representation of functions and algebraic manipulation of equations, as well as applications real world applications. Students will also explore a variety of other pertinent topics including conics, vectors, complex numbers, polar coordinates (applied to conics), and parametric equations.


Prerequisite
  • Successful completion of a rigorous, conceptual Algebra 2 course that focuses on practical application with a final course grade of 85% or higher.
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 45-60 minutes four days each week to math studies. Students should not enroll in upper-level mathematics courses if consistent daily study time is not available.
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials