Mathematics
The 3rd-grade program includes small- and whole-group activities and uses a variety of manipulatives to introduce concepts, then moves to written mathematical forms. Individual assignments allow for both practice and enrichment of the concepts being studied. The curriculum includes a wide variety of explorations, including number relations, memorization techniques for the basic facts and operations of arithmetic, logic, measurement, graphing, geometry, and algebra. The program is often directly integrated with unit studies.
The 4th- and 5th-grade programs include the mastery of basic arithmetic facts and operations and further develop fundamental concepts. The basic curriculum includes the study of number theory, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, geometry, algebra, and measurement. New topics are introduced through appropriate manipulatives. Each of these curricular topics is reviewed and extended through problem-solving activities, math games, cooperative group activities, and real-life applications. Various mental math techniques, calculators, and computers also enrich the basic concepts. The 4th- and 5th-grade math program is periodically integrated with language arts, science, and social studies through real-life situations, computer applications, and measurement.