Math

In response to research about how students learn best, the Bosque School math department grounds core skill development in inquiry and exploration. Robust student engagement with mathematical thinking is essential to our approach.In the math department, our teaching emphasizes collaboration and creates an intentional balance between challenge and support. Our approach instills the confidence that leads to transformative math learning — in our classrooms, MATH stands for “Mistakes Allow Thinking to Happen.” Bosque School math students ask questions and take risks, becoming independent thinkers and resilient problem-solvers. Our intentional methodology arises from the most recent research and initiatives in mathematics education, such as YouCubed (initiated by Jo Boaler at the Stanford Graduate School of Education), Illustrative Mathematics, the MidSchoolMath Conference, and Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics.

From 6th through 12th grade, students master technical skills and develop problem-solving strategies. All students are required to complete three years of math in middle school and at least three in upper school. Upper school students are required to add a fourth year of either math or science, and most students complete four years or more in math. The many entry points to our advanced math program allow students to be placed in the course that is best for them at each stage of their development. Our two-year, integrated Geometry/Algebra 2 program positions students to apply developing skills and understanding to solve real-world problems and prepares them to succeed in upper-level math courses. Students who participate in our most advanced math program graduate having completed Calculus 2. Many students choose to "double up" in math by adding an elective math class beyond the regular or advanced course sequence.