Mathematics

List of 4 items.

• Math 5

  Grade 5 is a year of transitions. As students enter Middle School, they begin to extend their understanding of numbers into the abstract realm. They represent and work with fractions, decimals, and percents, explore new geometric ideas, and master whole-number operations. Students develop effective and accurate computation strategies while building a strong conceptual understanding of why these procedures work. Students learn that explaining one's reasoning is just as important as getting the right answer.

• Math 6

  The core of the Math 6 course is developing an understanding of variables and building fluency with expressions and equations. Students continue their work with fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and percents within the context of algebraic reasoning. Their understanding of whole-number operations is extended to include operations with rational numbers. Hands-on materials, visual representations, and collaborative class activities support students in developing a flexible and conceptual understanding of these foundational skills. The course emphasizes clear and organized mathematical work, alongside the consistent use of estimation, approximation, and real-world problem solving.

• Math 7

  Math 7 marks the beginning of our Algebra I curriculum, with exposure to foundational Geometry topics. In this course, students deepen their understanding of algebra by simplifying and solving increasingly complex expressions and equations. They engage in an in-depth study of linear functions and systems, exploring all three forms of linear equations, multiple representations of linear relationships, and modeling real-world situations using linear functions and systems. Students also investigate key geometric concepts, including angle relationships, surface area, volume, rigid transformations, and dilations. Through exploration of carefully designed problems that gradually increase in complexity, students build their own conceptual understanding of this content. The multi-step problems in this course challenge students to strengthen their perseverance and problem-solving skills. Toward the end of the year, students are introduced to our problem-based, Harkness-style mathematics program, which they will continue to engage with throughout the remainder of their math careers at Spence.

• Integrated Math I

  This course is the first step in our Harkness-style mathematics program. Students engage in a rigorous study of Algebra I concepts using a problem-based approach. The emphasis is on careful reading, interpreting, and solving complex word problems; algebraic skills develop organically from the need to solve meaningful problems in context rather than through drill and practice alone. In our seminar-style classes, students lead discussions of challenging problems, articulating and defending their reasoning with precise mathematical language while responding thoughtfully to questions from their peers. The major ideas of the course emerge through those discussions. Topics covered in the course include solving linear equations, inequalities, and systems of equations; analyzing linear, absolute-value, and quadratic functions; solving quadratic equations; working with exponents and radicals; and other core Algebra I concepts. The course concludes with an introduction to essential statistical ideas, further broadening students’ quantitative reasoning.