Mathematics

A traditional educational approach is used at St. Joseph Catholic School for math instruction. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of the basic mathematical skill concepts, then the application of the concepts. Students in grades K-5 receive instruction in the basic skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and decimals. Drill and practice are used for automaticity of basic facts during the lower grade years.

During the middle school years, math instruction reinforces and enhances basic math concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Other concepts such as integers, equations, geometry, probability, statistics, the conversion and usage of percents, equations and functions, fractions, decimals and proportions are also covered.

Pre-Algebra students learn the fundamental concepts of Algebra. This includes properties, rational numbers, equations, functions, percents, proportions, inequalities, statistics, and geometry. Pre-Algebra is taught as an honors class in seventh grade and as an on grade-level class in eighth grade.

Algebra 1 is a flexible program with solid content to strengthen student’s understanding and provide the tools students need to succeed. The vocabulary of Algebra is a constant focus while attending to the areas of: expressions and equations; linear functions; polynomials and nonlinear functions; and radical and rational functions.

For our highest achieving math students an Honor’s Math course rounds out the math curriculum at the school. In an age appropriate manner, these students are expected to work beyond the content of their classroom text, to develop mathematical habits of mind, to become more mathematically literate, and to solve problems with reason, insight, inventiveness, and technical proficiency.