Our goal is that each boy develops the self-confidence and growth mindset to persevere through problem-solving, reason with and about abstract concepts, and construct and critique arguments.
Boys learn to use technology when appropriate but also learn to reason with number and operation sense. Students have ample opportunities to study higher level concepts with our advanced math courses offered in each grade. All courses set the stage for success at the Upper School and post secondary mathematics experiences.
US believes in the tremendous potential of young people and provides the space for young men to develop the skills and habits to be exceptional scholars and gentlemen.
Mr. Lipford '98 Middle School Teacher
Fifth Grade
Two courses are offered in fifth grade: MS Math Course 1 and MS Math Accelerated: Course 1 & 2. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically-gathered evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. Students develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. They estimate and solve equations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; develop strategies to extend their understanding of each operation, and work with various geometry concepts. A key focus is a deep understanding of the how and why of mathematics. In MS Math Accelerated: Course 1 & 2, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous and students explore more complex activities related to the topics, have additional challenges in class and in homework, and extend learning to algebra, integers, proportions, and ratios.
A key focus is a deep understanding of the how and why of mathematics.
Sixth Grade
Two courses are offered in sixth grade: MS Math: Course 2 and MS Math: Accelerated Course 2. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. The courses help students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. Students explore the topics of basic algebra, area and perimeter, representation, portions, integers, and operations with integers, variables, ratios, fractions, and operations with rational numbers, expressions, rates, the order of operations, inverse operations, statistics, volume, percentages, and probability. In MS Math: Accelerated Course 2, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous and students explore more complex activities related to the topics and have additional challenges in class and in homework.
Seventh Grade
Two courses are offered in seventh grade: MS Math: Course 3 and MS Math: Accelerated Course 3. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. The courses help students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. Students explore the topics of problem solving, simplifying with variables, graphs and equations, multiple representations, slope and association, exponents and functions, angles and the Pythagorean theorem, and surface area and volume. In MS Math: Accelerated Course 3, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous, and students explore more complex activities related to the topics and have additional challenges in class and in homework.
Courses help students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts.
Eighth Grade
Three courses are offered in eighth grade, and each integrates algebra, statistics, geometry, and measurement. In Integrated Math 1, boys explore geometric relationships of segments and angles, linear equations and functions, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, deductive and inductive reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, and data analysis. In Accelerated Integrated Math 1, boys explore the Math 1 topics at a higher level and investigate exponential functions, transformations, and congruent triangles. In Accelerated Integrated Math 2, boys who have already completed Accelerated Math 1 examine probability and data and continue the study of functions to include quadratics, absolute value, and more on exponential functions. They explore geometric relationships of sides and angles and special segments. Similarity, trigonometry, and other geometric measurements of volume and surface area are investigated.
We believe that the ability to communicate across languages is vital to the development of responsible global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.
Boys develop scientific inquiry skills such as making observations, inferences, and predictions while being challenged to expand their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
We prepare students to live in our global world by developing their understanding of the past and its relationship to the issues we face today, and the demands of a rapidly evolving future.
