Mathematics Department

Mathematics courses support boys as they construct a conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas and build procedural fluency of computation skills to accurately solve rich mathematical tasks. Our goal is that each boy develops self-confidence and a growth mindset to persevere through problem-solving, reason with and about abstract concepts, and construct and critique arguments. Boys learn to use technology when appropriate, but also learn to reason with number and operation sense. Students have ample opportunities to study higher-level concepts with our advanced math courses offered in each grade, and course sequences are designed to meet the boys’ specific developmental and learning needs. All courses set the stage for successful Upper School and post-secondary mathematics experiences.

GRADE 5
Two courses are offered: MS Math Course 1 and MS Math Accelerated: Course 1 & 2. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigation, analyzing critically gathered evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. Students develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. They estimate and solve equations involving  addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; develop strategies to extend their understanding of each operation, and work with various geometry concepts. A key focus is a deep understanding of the how and why of mathematics. In MS Math Accelerated: Course 1 & 2, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous and students explore more complex activities related to the topics, have additional challenges in class and in homework, and extend learning to proportions, integers, and rates.

GRADE 6 
Two courses are offered in 6th grade: MS Math: Course 2 and MS Math: Accelerated Course 2. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. The courses help students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. Students explore the topics of area and perimeter, representation, portions, integers, and operations with integers, variables, ratios, fractions, and operations with rational numbers, expressions, rates, the order of operations, inverse operations, statistics, volume, percentages, and probability. In Accelerated Math Foundations 1, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous, and students explore more complex activities related to the topics and have additional challenges in class and in homework.

 


GRADE 7
Two courses are offered in 7th grade: MS Math: Course 3 and MS Math: Accelerated Course 3. Students in both courses use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. The courses help students to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and recognize the connections between concepts. Students explore the topics of expressions with variables, solving and graphing equations and equalities, systems of equations, proportions and percentages, statistics, angles, area, volume, transformations, slope, exponents, exponential functions, and the Pythagorean Theorem. In Accelerated Math Foundations 2, the daily pace of the course is more rigorous, and students explore more complex activities related to the topics and have additional challenges in class and in homework.


GRADE 8
Four courses are offered. Each course integrates algebra, statistics, geometry, and measurement. In Integrated Math 1, boys explore geometric relationships of segments and angles, linear equations and functions, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, deductive and inductive reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, and data analysis. In Accelerated Integrated Math 1, boys explore the Math 1 topics at a higher level and investigate exponential functions, transformations, and congruent triangles. In Accelerated Integrated Math 2, boys who have already completed Accelerated Math 1 examine probability and data and continue the study of functions to include quadratics, absolute value, and more on exponential functions. They explore geometric relationships of sides and angles and special segments. Similarity, trigonometry, and other geometric measurements of volume and surface area are investigated. In Honors Integrated Math 2, the Accelerated Math 2 topics are extended to include families of functions, generate knowledge through proof, and integrate topics with a focus on complex problem-solving.

Mathematics Chair

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Danny Jones

    Mr. Danny Jones 

    Middle School Math Department Chair, Middle School Math
    216-321-8206 x8351

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves over 850 boys in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. 
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