MATHEMATICS

The mathematics program is designed to support students with dyscalculia and advanced students who excel in memorization, but struggle with word problems and making sense of math. When first starting at MCS, students build a strong conceptual foundation of hands-on and visual representations of math. The curriculum address foundational and grade level content. Questions might be  presented in more accessible formats, including larger font, fewer symbols, and color coded. As they progress, students will connect what they build and draw to text based math, by visualizing the concept and explaining the procedure. By their final year, students will continue begin to transition to grade level content and text. This transition includes writing and using notes, making sense of directions, and  advocating for their needs. By the end of their 8th grade year, students will be prepared to take Algebra 1, unless otherwise noted, in 9th grade.

  • Develop a strong conceptual understanding of elementary mathematics

  • Dive into base-10 concepts to build connections between topics

  • Use hands-on and visual models to foster flexible thinking

  • Strengthen background knowledge in time, money, and measurement

  • Build a repertoire of strategies for solving a variety of word problems

Grades 4-5 Building Number Sense
Grades 6 - 8 Foundations of GEometry and aLGEBRA

  • Explore all pre-Algebra topics through hands-on and visual models

  • Develop “math comprehension” by integrating symbolic and concrete representations

  • Engage in mathematical discourse with peers to reinforce math vocabulary

  • Preview higher level topics in Data Science, Algebra, and Geometry 

  • Develop effective note-taking strategies 

  • Discover how mathematics connects to areas of personal interest

California Common Core Standards (CCCS)

Grounded in CCCS, our program moves systematically through grade level content presenting each content with physical, visual, and symbolic representations. Additionally, students review foundational content and preview high school material.

For the first trimester, students are immersed in data science. This prepares them with the math they need to successfully navigate their science fair topics.

SAn FRANCISCO SCIENCE FAIR

  • Intro to Data Collection and Analysis Project

  • Environmental Impact Math

  • SPARK: Community based student interest

Major Projects

Students are immersed in hands-on activities throughout the year. Everyone works on the same core topics, but how they are learning the material may look different. The math curriculum spirals through a specific progression every year, and it is responsive to an individual student’s needs. The main goal of the math program is to integrate the hands-on and visual aspect of conceptual math, to traditional multistep math. Students complete a reflection journal at the end of each year to consolidate their learning.