Middle School Curriculum Detail

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Mathematics

Mission Statement | Mathematics

The Middle School Mathematics Department strives to provide all students with a dynamic mathematics education that balances a solid foundation of basic skills with a constructed understanding of concepts. We build on the knowledge acquired in the First Program and use the enormous growth that occurs during preadolescence and adolescence. Students practice and develop skills in number sense, abstract reasoning, computation, and spatial awareness within the rigorous classroom environment, emphasizing discovery and problem-solving. Through hands-on and real-world experiences with a range of developmentally appropriate topics, the curriculum guides students to realize their full potential. They grow as independent learners through the use of Lab and the Assignment. A variety of support and challenge opportunities address individual needs as students reach for greater knowledge. Our goal is to have students leave the Middle School as curious and flexible thinkers who are confident in their individual abilities and prepared to meet the challenges of higher mathematics. 

Find a comprehensive list of math skills in the Middle School Curriculum Guide.
  • Math 4

    4th Grade Math

    The mathematics program in the 4th grade builds upon the skills and concepts introduced in the First Program. Exercises in algebraic thinking, searching for patterns, and deconstructing word problems allow for developing a range of problem-solving strategies. Underpinning all units is an emphasis on place value in the base 10 number system. In addition, the program introduces the long division algorithm, and students are expected to master their multiplication and division facts and become fluent in multiplication with large numbers.

    Students deeply explore fractions and learn to find equivalents, order and compare, and add and subtract rational numbers. The understanding of place value is further deepened through an introduction to decimals, their relationship to fractions, and their use in basic operations. Our study of geometry focuses on polygons, area and perimeter of quadrilaterals, and spatial logic. Throughout the year we incorporate measurement skills..
  • Math 4

    4th Grade Math

    The mathematics program in the 4th grade builds upon the skills and concepts introduced in the First Program. Exercises in algebraic thinking, searching for patterns, and deconstructing word problems allow for developing a range of problem-solving strategies. Underpinning all units is an emphasis on place value in the base 10 number system. In addition, the program introduces the long division algorithm, and students are expected to master their multiplication and division facts and become fluent in multiplication with large numbers.

    Students deeply explore fractions and learn to find equivalents, order and compare, and add and subtract rational numbers. The understanding of place value is further deepened through an introduction to decimals, their relationship to fractions, and their use in basic operations. Our study of geometry focuses on polygons, area and perimeter of quadrilaterals, and spatial logic. Throughout the year we incorporate measurement skills..
  • Math 5

    5th Grade Math

    Fifth grade mathematics is the final year of basic arithmetic. Children solidify the computational skills introduced and reinforced in 4th grade in anticipation of 6th grade pre-algebra, where the facile application of these skills will be necessary. While solidifying their computational ability, students strengthen and deepen their conceptual understanding and utilize both in deep dives into problem-solving. Children apply the four basic operations to whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. In addition, the students explore concepts related to place value, number theory, data analysis, and plane geometry. As the children examine all areas of study, they further develop their number sense, specifically their estimation skills, to evaluate the reasonableness of their answers.
  • Math 5

    5th Grade Math

    Fifth grade mathematics is the final year of basic arithmetic. Children solidify the computational skills introduced and reinforced in 4th grade in anticipation of 6th grade pre-algebra, where the facile application of these skills will be necessary. While solidifying their computational ability, students strengthen and deepen their conceptual understanding and utilize both in deep dives into problem-solving. Children apply the four basic operations to whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. In addition, the students explore concepts related to place value, number theory, data analysis, and plane geometry. As the children examine all areas of study, they further develop their number sense, specifically their estimation skills, to evaluate the reasonableness of their answers.
  • Math 6

    6th Grade Math

    The 6th grade pre-algebra curriculum is a transition from the arithmetic-based curriculum of 5th grade to the beginning algebra presented in 7th grade. The course reinforces the computation, estimation, and problem-solving skills necessary for a solid foundation in mathematics, while also exposing students to algebraic concepts and developing their abstract reasoning skills. Word problems are incorporated throughout the year to support and strengthen students’ facilities in applying their knowledge. In 6th grade students extend their computational skills with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions to include operations with integers, exponents, and rational numbers. They broaden and deepen their understanding of ratio, proportion, and percent concepts, and also use the language of algebra to write and solve equations. In addition, 6th grade math introduces the Cartesian Plane and incorporates long-term assignments, including a graphing project and the Stock Market Game. Finally, during the interdisciplinary Greek Festival, students research Greek temples and build scale models.
  • Math 6

    6th Grade Math

    The 6th grade pre-algebra curriculum is a transition from the arithmetic-based curriculum of 5th grade to the beginning algebra presented in 7th grade. The course reinforces the computation, estimation, and problem-solving skills necessary for a solid foundation in mathematics, while also exposing students to algebraic concepts and developing their abstract reasoning skills. Word problems are incorporated throughout the year to support and strengthen students’ facilities in applying their knowledge. In 6th grade students extend their computational skills with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions to include operations with integers, exponents, and rational numbers. They broaden and deepen their understanding of ratio, proportion, and percent concepts, and also use the language of algebra to write and solve equations. In addition, 6th grade math introduces the Cartesian Plane and incorporates long-term assignments, including a graphing project and the Stock Market Game. Finally, during the interdisciplinary Greek Festival, students research Greek temples and build scale models.
  • Math 7

    7th Grade Math

    The 7th grade math curriculum builds on the pre-algebra learned in 6th grade. During the fall semester, 7th grade students review several elementary algebra skills and concepts and then begin to extend their knowledge base. They study Linear Equations, Exponents, Radicals, and Polynomials. During the second semester, they explore the Cartesian Plane and Systems of Equations. Students end with a study of Plane Geometry, focusing on angle relationships and area and classification and area of polygons. The program regularly challenges conceptual students to apply their skills to understand complex, topic-related problems and extend their thinking with a study of Matrices.
  • Math 8

    8th Grade Math

    The 8th grade algebra program is an extension of and a carefully constructed sequential step in the work students explored in the 7th grade. The curriculum is an Algebra I course with additional Algebra II topics for the conceptual sections. Students learn the material by analyzing and studying statements, illustrations and examples.

    The coursework includes:
    • Solving first degree and literal equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials.
    • Factoring.
    • Solving simultaneous equations.
    • Working with functions.
    • Simplifying rational and irrational expressions.
    In addition, the conceptual sections complete enhanced function work, connect solving quadratic equations with their graphic representations and apply algebra skills to solving advanced equations.
     
  • Math 8

    8th Grade Math

    The 8th grade algebra program is an extension of and a carefully constructed sequential step in the work students explored in the 7th grade. The curriculum is an Algebra I course with additional Algebra II topics for the conceptual sections. Students learn the material by analyzing and studying statements, illustrations and examples.

    The coursework includes:
    • Solving first degree and literal equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials.
    • Factoring.
    • Solving simultaneous equations.
    • Working with functions.
    • Simplifying rational and irrational expressions.
    In addition, the conceptual sections complete enhanced function work, connect solving quadratic equations with their graphic representations and apply algebra skills to solving advanced equations.
     

Faculty

  • Photo of Tao Wang
    Tao Wang
    High School Math Teacher and Department Chair
    Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science - B.S.
    Teachers College, Columbia University - M.A.
    Georgia Institute of Technology - M.S.
  • Photo of Lisa Borenstein
    Lisa Borenstein
    High School Mathematics Teacher
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology - B.S.
    M.I.T. - M.S.
    Hunter College - M.A.
  • Photo of Leo Chen
    Leo Chen
    Middle School Grade 7 Math Teacher and House Advisor
    New York University, Tisch School of Arts - B.F.A.
    Lehman College, The City University of New York - M.Ed
  • Photo of Cory Cowles
    Cory Cowles
    Middle School Math Teacher and Athletics Coach
    Kenyon College - B.A.
    Western Governors University - M.Ed.
  • Photo of Nicole DeRosa
    Nicole DeRosa
    Middle School Math Teacher and House Advisor
    Wheaton College - B.A.
    Manhattanville University - M.Ed.
  • Photo of Inanna Donnelley
    Inanna Donnelley
    8th Grade House Advisor and Math Teacher
    Yale College - B.A.
    The University of Chicago - M.S.
  • Photo of Dwayne Dyce
    Dwayne Dyce
    MS Math Teacher
    Catholic College of Mandeville - B.A.
    Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota - M.Ed.
    St. Thomas University - Ed.D.
  • Photo of Ali Fleming
    Ali Fleming
    MS Math Specialist
    University of Washington - B.S.
    Seattle Pacific University School of Education - M.Ed.
  • Photo of Nicole Franklin
    Nicole Franklin
    Grade 7 Math Teacher & House Advisor
    Concordia University-Nebraska - M.Ed.
    Florida State University - B.A.
  • Photo of Matthew Gregory
    Matthew Gregory
    Math Teacher
    University of California, Berkeley - B.A.
    San Jose State University - M.Ed.
  • Photo of Kelsey Konopka
    Kelsey Konopka
    MS Math Teacher
    Lehigh Unviersity - B.A.
    Lehigh University - M.A.
  • Photo of Guy Manuel
    Guy Manuel
    High School Mathematics Teacher
    Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees - M.S.
    MIT - Ph.D.
    Harvard University - M.B.A.
  • Photo of Michael Mogavero
    Michael Mogavero
    5th Grade House Advisor
    State University of New York - B.S.
    Long Island University, CW Post - M.A.
    Teachers College, Columbia University - M.A.
  • Photo of Gabriella Nesse
    Gabriella Nesse
    Middle School Mathematics Teacher
    University of Pittsburgh - B.A.
    Johns Hopkins University - M.S.
    New York University - M.A.
  • Photo of Alexandra Nimetz Rapaport
    Alexandra Nimetz Rapaport
    Middle School Math Department Chair
    Williams College - B.A.
    Bank Street College - M.S.Ed.
(Grades K-3) 53 East 91st Street
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New York, NY 10128
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