The School of St. Mary middle school math department has determined that all students will complete Algebra I by the end of 8th grade. Our Math department works closely with Lake Forest High School and its feeder schools to create common curriculum goals for Algebra 1 and Algebra II that are consistent across these schools and for our students. In addition to creating these goals, we have met with the feeder schools and Lake Forest High School to create a pacing guide for Algebra II.
We offer both accelerated and on-level Math opportunities. The on-level classes offer instruction and mastery of 6-8th grade standards, with half of pre-algebra being taught in 6th grade, the second half in 7th grade, and Algebra I in 8th grade.
The accelerated classes complete each grade level’s standards but also complete Pre-Algebra in 6th grade, Algebra I in 7th grade, and Algebra II with Trigonometry in 8th grade.
The Math team focuses on skill mastery at every level. We offer three leveled classes per grade, allowing for smaller class sizes and individualized instruction. The integration of graphing calculators begins in 6th grade, so students have a mastery before moving into high school.
