The goals of the fifth grade curriculum are to develop sound understanding of the structure of mathematics in general and arithmetic in particular; to articulate ideas and questions simply, clearly and insightfully; to develop good problem-solving techniques in the classroom; and to reason deductively/inductively. Special topics are handled at the end of the third term and fifth graders compete in the St. Jude's Math-A-Thon.
The goals of sixth grade mathematics are to further develop knowledge and skills by exploring a variety of methods and applying them appropriately to real-world problems; to emphasize the understanding of mathematical language as an intricate part of the problem-solving process; and to encourage proper mathematical form and structure in preparation for logical abstract thinking.The course is divided into major units based on the nature of the mathematics: number skills (including order of operations, place value, factors and multiples); fractions; decimals; measurement and conversion; ratio and proportion; percents; geometry; and data analysis. Familiar units begin with a review of past material, after which students are introduced to more advanced methods or real world problems, requiring a high level of mathematical reasoning and conceptual understanding. In the angle geometry sub-unit, students investigate properties of shapes and then use deduction to complete problems.
The goal of the seventh grade math program is to establish a solid understanding of the basic concepts and terminology of first year algebra. The first part of the course is covered in the seventh grade and the second part is completed in the eighth grade.In the first term, seventh grade students work on converting algebraic expressions into equivalent expressions by using various mathematical properties; they work with rational numbers and integers in all four operations and also use parentheses. The second term covers simplifying and evaluating expressions, absolute value and inequalities.In the third term, emphasis is placed on rules governing exponential expressions, as well as the properties of polynomials. At the end of the term, if time allows, we begin an introduction to factoring, using the GCF (greatest common factor), as well as the factorization of trinomials.
The goals of eighth grade mathematics are to develop an understanding of algebraic concepts and to acquire algebraic skills. Concepts are introduced to the class as a whole and assignments are individualized in order to encourage and challenge each student. Students receive credit for the completion of Algebra 1 at the end of the course, which gives them the possibility of testing out of Algebra 1 in ninth grade.Major topics include all operations with polynomials; simplifying algebraic rational expressions and solving rational equations; factoring; graphing in a coordinate plane; solving systems of equations; all operations with radicals; and solving quadratic equations. Word problems and general problem solving are stressed in units involving equations. In the units on graphing and systems of equations, students are taught how to use a graphing calculator (the TI-84) and then use it in class investigations and activities. Relations and functions, permutations and combinations, trigonometry of the right angle, probability theory and logic are explored, if time allows.
Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for over 800 students in junior kindergarten through twelfth grade.
