Curriculum Detail

Discover Our Curriculum

Mathematics

The goal of the mathematics department at Trinity School is for our students to become effective problem solvers. Through our program, we develop habits of mind for life-long learning. As such, we strive to provide a classroom environment in which students are expected to participate actively, think creatively, communicate effectively, learn from mistakes, take risks, and embrace challenges. Students become better mathematicians, more creative and confident learners, successful collaborators, and flexible thinkers.

Our curriculum is designed to help students explore and master mathematical concepts. Through our program, students will discover and strengthen these qualities within mathematics and themselves:

BEAUTY: Students experience joy in learning and grow to appreciate the beauty of mathematics as they explore problems with enthusiasm and excitement.

WONDER: Students approach math problems with curiosity and creativity.

COMMUNICATION: Students share, listen, and reflect as they collaborate with their learning community. They articulate their thoughts and use appropriate mathematical language.

PERSEVERANCE: Students approach problems with tenacity, resilience, and patience. They persevere through unfamiliar problems and learn to feel comfortable making mistakes as they grapple with uncertainty.

FLEXIBILITY: Students become skilled problem solvers by exploring multiple approaches.

FLUENCY: Students master the mathematical skills needed to support their analysis of problems. They use the problems and solutions as pieces in a puzzle to make connections between concepts and see a bigger picture.
 

  • Math 5

    The fifth grade course reinforces students’ number sense and builds on their arithmetic skills. They experience a thoughtful and purposeful transition to middle school by becoming stronger in their conceptual and procedural understanding of mathematical concepts. Students work on developing their computational fluency and estimation skills, while exploring more rigorous topics. They collaborate with their peers and learn how to communicate their thinking on paper and through conversation. Exploring a variety of problem-solving strategies and developing flexible thinking habits is foundational to this course. Logical reasoning and questioning is embedded into our practice as we explore place value, number theory, fractions, decimals, geometry, and probability throughout the course of the year.

    6 periods per cycle

  • Math 6

    The sixth grade course emphasizes development of problem solving strategies, flexible thinking, fluency in arithmetic, and connections between concepts. Students become stronger mathematical communicators, able to explain the mathematical reasoning behind procedures. Students expand their computational skills with rational numbers and they are introduced to the Cartesian coordinate system, ratio & percent, and abstract representations, which will be foundational to the study of algebra. Students apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems in context in each unit of study and develop their ability to use logic and estimation to solve higher order reasoning problems throughout the curriculum.

    5 periods per cycle

  • Math 7

    The seventh grade course serves as a defining bridge between arithmetic and algebra. The course utilizes and strengthens arithmetic competencies through the study of algebraic expressions and equations. Students apply their conceptual understanding and number sense to discover patterns and procedures and to explore graphic and algebraic representations and modelling. Throughout this course, students work to expand and improve their fluency with algebraic skills while also using algebra as a tool for solving problems in context abstractly.  Students also deepen their understanding of topics in two- and three-dimensional geometry and explore basic statistical analysis. Scientific calculators are introduced purposefully.

    5 periods per cycle

  • Math 7 Honors

    In addition to the topics covered in Math 7, Math 7 Honors explores operating with radicals, 3D geometry with Pythagorean Theorem, and more advanced probability. Students are expected to deduce many of the concepts throughout the year and are exposed to abstract geometric proofs.

    5 periods per cycle

  • Algebra I

    In Algebra 1 students continue to create deeper connections between concrete and abstract representations. Students expand their base of knowledge from 7th grade to include multiple forms and applications of linear equations and inequalities in both one and two variables.  Students develop an understanding and appreciation for the usefulness of systems of equations, algebraic expressions, and quadratics while applying their arithmetic tools to these advanced topics. Applications of these topics are integrated to foster advanced critical thinking skills. The course also emphasizes the communication of ideas, use of multiple strategies to problem solve, the clear presentation of work, and reflection on completed work and the mathematical process.
     
    5 periods per cycle

  • Algebra I Honors

    Algebra 1 Honors covers the Algebra 1 curriculum with greater depth and complexity. This course moves at an accelerated pace and requires students to consider more nuanced problems and to connect and extend ideas.

    5 periods per cycle
139 West 91st Street | New York, NY 10024-1326 | (212) 873-1650
Located on the Upper West Side of New York City, Trinity School is a college preparatory, coeducational independent school for grades K-12. Since 1709, Trinity has provided a world-class education to its students with rigorous academics and outstanding programs in athletics, the arts, peer leadership, and global travel.