Prime Math

Philosophy 

While The Sage School math curriculum is aligned with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) strands, it is enhanced with interdisciplinary connections to help students see math as part of the real world. By challenging gifted students with a rigorous, fast-paced, and in-depth learning experience, we encourage them to reach their full potential and push their limits. Students at all levels are expected to master basic skills, become creative problem solvers, and use abstract thinking at an appropriate developmental level. 

Topics 

The curriculum follows the NCTM Standards for School Mathematics. The standards portion of the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics center upon ten areas of mathematics curriculum development from pre-k to 12. We applied these standards up to the appropriate level for our students (at a minimum through eighth grade). The number assigned to each standard is for easy reference and is not part of each standard’s official title.

These ten major areas are integrated throughout the instructional programs.   

1. Number and Operations
2. Patterns, Relations, and Algebra
3. Geometry
4. Measurement
5. Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
6. Problem Solving
7. Reasoning and Proof
8. Communication
9. Connections
10. Representation

Goals

Our overall goal is to prepare students not just to be learners of math, but mathematicians. The program is based on the development of higher level thinking skills. It helps students develop flexibility and confidence while solving problems, fluency in using math skills and tools, and proficiency in evaluating their solutions. This includes being able to approach novel problems in creative ways, being able to apply knowledge/math skills, refining mental math skills, and understanding why and how the answer is correct or incorrect. Students also build a repertoire of ways to communicate their mathematical thinking while their enjoyment and appreciation of mathematics grows. The curriculum design thus emphasizes math experiences that help students develop their mathematical thinking and their ability to communicate their deductive reasoning, orally, and in writing. 

A range of math skills along a continuum may be presented in the Primes math program.  Individual skill levels determine a child’s placement at any given time.  Although there is an expectation to show mastery of each new skill, this is not the end of the real learning in that area.  Being able to demonstrate the skill once, for a test, is not enough.  We are looking to achieve a level of mastery which imparts the skills permanently and allows students to recall them quickly and comfortably and apply the skills in many different situations.

Content

Students in the Prime division will explore concepts at a different depth every year, so they have a strong foundation in the conceptual understanding that is required for the Junior division. Concepts will be presented through hands-on activities. Then they are practiced, reviewed, and revisited throughout the year. Usually, students are grouped by ability so they can proceed at an appropriate pace.