The approach to teaching mathematics varies greatly from school to school and from country to country. At St. Ambrose we believe in a classical approach, striving to develop mathematical intuition and problem-solving skills in our students. Successful students approach mathematical problems as they would an investigation or puzzle. They ask questions, try out different approaches, and reflect and revisit their solutions. We do not want to limit ourselves to a cookbook-style approach in which students follow a prescribed set of steps by rote without a feeling for how the method works and why. For St. Ambrose math students, how one reaches a solution is as important as the solution itself.

We believe that problem solving is central to the teaching and learning of mathematics. Problem-solving involves logical reasoning; it is important to explore the reasons why step two follows step one; but successful students also understand the process of modifying, adapting, and combining mathematical tools to find new ways to reach a solution.

Our philosophy is to place students in the proper math sequence – one that provides enough challenge to reach their potential without needlessly pushing them beyond their means. 

Each student who comes to SAA is given our own in-house math placement exam in order to determine the best possible starting point. A student who begins with Math 2 and follows the courses sequentially will proceed through: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. 

Students entering in the 6th grade have been placed as high as Algebra, and students who are below grade level are supported through Learning Services. Students are re-evaluated prior to entering the Senior High, with some students starting with 9th grade Algebra in order to gain greater mastery and to be on the best math track for their upper-level courses. In the Senior High, Calculus II is available along with opportunities for independent studies or off-campus college courses for accelerated students. 

Math 1

Math 1 is designed to help students build a strong foundation in mathematics through rich tasks involving hands-on activities and explorations. This course focuses on comprehending mathematical concepts and operations, and procedural fluency. Students will also develop their organizational skills and practice presenting their work in a clear and legible manner. Math 1 & 2 students will take a mid-semester assessment that may result in a new placement to better meet their needs.

Topics covered in the course include:

• Whole numbers and number sense
• Ratio and proportion
• Operations with fractions, decimals, and percents
• Understanding the coordinate plane
• Algebraic thinking – Expressions and equations
• Geometric figures and measurements

A more detailed list of topics is here.

Math 2

Math 2 is designed to strengthen the student’s ability to perform arithmetical operations. Students will be expected to develop the ability to present their work in a clear and legible manner. The course will introduce students to more challenging problems and begin relating word problems to mathematical expressions and calculations. Math 2 covers the same ground as Math 1 but may do so at a faster pace with the expectation that students who complete Math 2 will be ready for Pre-Algebra. The idea of algebraic expressions and unknown quantities will be introduced. Math 1 & 2 students will take a mid-semester assessment that may result in a new placement to better meet their needs.

Topics to be covered in this course include:

• Numeric operations and order of operations
• Summary statistics including mean, median, and mode
• Prime Factorization, GCF, LCM
• Operations with fractions
• Calculations involving ratios and percentages
• Introduction to geometry: areas, volumes, angles, and symmetries
• Understanding the coordinate plane.

A more detailed list of topics is provided here.

Pre-Algebra

The Pre-Algebra course builds upon and expands topics introduced in Math 6 and prepares students for the more detailed treatment of Algebraic concepts in Algebra I. Students will learn how to work with factors and multiples. The application of percentage and ratios to financial problems will be covered. Algebraic notation and concepts will be introduced in a formal way.

Topics covered in the course include:

A more detailed list of topics is provided here.

Algebra

The Algebra course is designed for students who have demonstrated mastery of arithmetic and pre-algebra as outlined in the Math 6 and Pre-Algebra curriculum and shown the ability to engage in abstract mathematical reasoning.

Algebra provides the critical foundation for future math courses. The language and concepts are more formal than offered in Pre-Algebra and offer a more sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts.

Topics covered in the course include:

A more detailed list of topics is provided here.

For course descriptions of Algebra I and above, please see the Senior High Math Curriculum.