Mathematics is a language for understanding our world. At Waring our goal is to empower our students to reason quantitatively, make an effective mathematical argument, solve challenging or unfamiliar problems, and represent a math idea in multiple ways. We do this with small classes, problem-solving, and collaborative learning. Students are expected to offer not only a reasonable “answer” but also explain or demonstrate the mathematical processes that got them there.
Our middle school program is designed to give students a strong base in algebraic thinking that is engaging and age-appropriate. Experiences through multiple modalities enable students to construct long-lasting understanding of math ideas. Our secondary school curriculum helps students become flexible and confident problem solvers.
Technology such as TI family graphing calculators, Desmos, spreadsheets, and Scratch allow students to explore and justify their thinking about math in increasingly complex ways. We expect that our students will be active participants in their learning and seek help as needed. We assess student learning through traditional quizzes and problem sets, but also in how students demonstrate their understanding through collaborative group work, oral presentations, class activities, individual conferences, projects, and reflection portfolios. Moving through our course sequence, students build their capacity as learners and doers of mathematics.
Students in Groups 3 (grade 10) and above may earn Credit at the Honors Level in math.
Precalculus is a full year functions theory course adding logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and reciprocal trigonometric functions to our Function families set. Students build functions out of existing functions and analyze functions using domain, range, boundedness, end behavior, inverses, transformations, and function composition. Units in analytical trigonometry include laws of sines and cosines, and proof with trigonometric identities. Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra, or its equivalent. (students in Groups 3-5, Grades 10-12)
This is a full year course focusing on Statistics to include summarizing data, statistical inference, and probability followed by an introduction to calculus that may include sequences and series, transcendental functions, precalculus review, limits, and an introduction to the derivative. Prerequisite: Precalculus. (students in Groups 4-5, Grades 11-12)
Waring offers many co-curricular opportunities in math, including:
There are many factors for a student’s success in middle and secondary school mathematics, including quantitative skills acquisition as well as cognitive development, but also an understanding of core concepts at increasing levels of abstraction. At Waring we engage in a thoughtful process of placement and course development that seeks to meet our students where they are at, while also providing rigor and preparation for future work in quantitative disciplines.
+ Math Department Placement Process
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