Math is important for all students, not merely for those who aspire to a profession that will require its use. Indeed, the primary reason for studying math is its proven role in a liberal arts education, not its utility. Math helps students develop into clear and logical thinkers and to recognize systemic and dynamic relationships in the world. These relationships are closely connected to the order and beauty in creation. Typically, studies in math are a student’s first introduction to abstract thought. This prepares students well for the rigors of later studies in philosophy. The famous inscription above Plato’s academy recalls this relationship between math and philosophy, “If you do not know geometry, you cannot enter here.”

 

The math curriculum at The Heights School is strongly influenced by the Saxon textbooks series. The Saxon program helps students master the math by doing a carefully designed series of cumulative problem sets. Even in classes that use texts other than Saxon, the focus of the course is on mastery demonstrated by the successful completion of math problems.

 

Course offerings:

•   Algebra I – This course is offered for 9th grade students who need one more year to master the concepts in Algebra I before moving on to higher math.

•   Algebra II – Many freshmen take this course on the honors level.

•   Geometry (honors and standard)

•   Pre-Calculus (honors and standard)

•   Calculus I: AP AB

•   Calculus II: AP BC

•   Calculus III: Differential Equations / Multi-Variable Calculus – This course is offered on a need basis for extremely advanced students.

•   AP Statistics – This is an elective math course that is open to juniors and seniors.