Math
Understanding not just the how, but the why.
Critical thinking, deep understanding, and communication are the cornerstones of our mathematics program. We work hard to help our students feel positive about themselves and their relationship with mathematics, and we strive to develop persistent, confident and creative problem solvers who see and appreciate both the beauty and the utility in mathematics.
"Middle School math at Penn Charter gave me the freedom to learn and to solve problems my own way. My eighth grade year culminated in spending countless hours working in the IdeaLab to create a large-scale Roman aqueduct that will be used by middle schoolers for years to come." Liam La Barge, Class of 2020
Key Characteristics
The Mathematics Department attempts to provide every student with an appropriate level of both intellectual challenge and success.
Some key components of the Middle School Math program include direct instruction, discovery learning, small group work where students work together to solve problems, calculator- and web-based technology, daily homework assignments and a variety of problems to provide a challenge for all students.
Curricular Highlights
Extracurriculars. Each year our Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in math contests, including Math Counts and the Pennsylvania Math League, pitting themselves against middle schoolers from all over the country.
Cross-disciplinary connections. Our geometry course provides opportunities for students to make cross-disciplinary connections with other courses like science and social studies.
Pi Day Celebration. The Middle School celebrates Pi Day each year, complete with pi-related classroom activities, a pie-eating contest and fundraising in which students are actively involved in choosing their philanthropy.
"The longer you puzzle over a difficult problem, the more fun you have when you finally solve it.” Charlie Brown, Middle School math teacher