Middle School Curriculum

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Mathematics

More so than most other disciplines, mathematics is a subject where students develop skills sequentially and need time to consolidate their understanding. Through such a learning strategy, the Mathematics Department believes students will develop a strong problem solving aptitude. While students who demonstrate substantive advanced skills, may be placed in accelerated courses, it is important that students do not take courses prematurely which attempt to advance them beyond their current level of understanding. The foundations of pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry are essential to a good math program and the rapidity with which these foundations are acquired is secondary to the fact that they are indeed solidly acquired. Finally, the Mathematics Department prides itself on reducing the anxiety often associated with the study of math. Lessons are interesting, thought provoking, and grounded in real life experience so that math becomes intriguing and not an entity to be feared.

  • Adv. Pre Algebra 6

    This rigorous and in-depth accelerated course focuses on a abroad number of topics including the following:  algebraic integers, expressions, equations, formulas and inequalities, decimals, fractions and proportions, exponents and scientific notation, rational numbers, data collection, geometric formulas, graphical analysis, measurements statistical sampling and analysis, and mathematical probabilities through the application of mathematics to problem solving and critical thinking. Since this course places considerable emphasis on applying math skills to the real world, STEM, and readying the student for success in Algebra I Honors during 7th grade, students will need to have the ability to absorb and master large amounts of material quickly and with mastery. 

  • Adv. Pre-Algebra 7

    With emphasis on flexible learning styles, this course begins with an in-depth review of pre-algebra. Focus continues with the tools of algebra, functions and their graphs, algebraic concepts and simple equations, equations and inequalities, graphing and writing linear equations, and systems of equations and inequalities. The course places considerable emphasis on applying math skills to real world problems and applications. This course places considerable emphasis on applying math skills to the real world, STEM, and readying the student for success in Algebra I/Algebra 1 Honors during 8th grade.

    Prerequisite: Advanced 6th grade Mathematics   
     

  • Adv. Pre-Algebra 8

    With emphasis on flexible learning styles, this course begins with a review of pre-algebra basics. Focus continues with the tools of algebra, functions and their graphs, algebraic concepts and simple equations, equations and inequalities, graphing and writing linear equations, and systems of equations and inequalities. The course places considerable emphasis on applying math skills to real world problems
     

  • Alg 1 Hon 7

    This rigorous and in-depth algebra course involves simplifying expressions, operations with real and absolute numbers, factoring polynomials and quadratics, linear equations and inequalities, analytical geometry, probability and statistics, and polynomials and irrational numbers. Since this course explores all topics extensively, students will need to be able to absorb and master large amounts of material quickly and masterfully. In addition, students need to be proficient in applying word problems and problem-solving.

    Prerequisite:  Advanced Pre-Algebra:  A- or better in the second semester with department approval  

  • Alg I Hon 8

    This rigorous and in-depth algebra course involves simplifying expressions, operations with real and absolute numbers, factoring polynomials and quadratics, linear equations and inequalities, analytical geometry, probability and statistics, and polynomials and irrational numbers. Since this course explores all topics extensively, students will need to be able to absorb and master large amounts of material quickly and masterfully. In addition, students need to be proficient in applying word problems and problem-solving.

    Prerequisite:  Advanced Pre-Algebra:  A- or better in the second semester with department approval  

  • Algebra I 8

    This rigorous and in-depth algebra course involves simplifying expressions, operations with real and absolute numbers, factoring polynomials and quadratics, linear equations and inequalities, analytical geometry, probability and statistics, and polynomials and irrational numbers. Since this course explores all topics extensively, students will need to be able to absorb and master large amounts of material quickly and masterfully. In addition, students need to be proficient in applying word problems and problem-solving.

    Prerequisite:  Advanced Pre-Algebra:  A- or better in the second semester with department approval

  • Geometry Hon

    This course investigates logical structures involving the major postulates and theorems of Euclidean geometry while also emphasizing geometric constructions, coordinate geometry and non-Euclidean geometries. In addition, students apply trigonometry concepts to appropriate facets of geometry. The course explores all topics extensively.
     
    Prerequisite: Algebra I with departmental approval.

  • Math 6

    This course focuses on a broad number of topics including the following:  algebraic formulas and inequalities, calculating skills with decimals, fractions and proportions, exponents and scientific notation, rational numbers, data collection and household mathematics, geometric formulas, graphical analysis, measurements, statistical sampling and analysis, and mathematical probabilities. This course places considerable emphasis on applying math skills to the real world, STEM, and readying the student for success in Pre-Algebra during 7th grade.
     

  • Math 6 Advanced

    This course focuses on a broad number of topics including the following: algebraic formulas and inequalities, calculator skills with decimals, fractions and proportions, exponents and scientific notation, rational numbers, data collection and household mathematics, geometric formulas, graphical analysis, measurements, statistical sampling and analysis, and mathematical probabilities. Sixth Grade Advanced Mathematics reinforces previous learning from the Benjamin Lower School Mathematics Program, through the application of mathematics to problem solving and critical thinking.

  • Math 7

    This course emphasizes a narrower and deeper curriculum ensuring students spend time on major topics including ratios and proportional relationships; the number system; and expressions and equations.  In addition, students will cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers; equations and inequalities;ratios and proportions; percents; probability; statistics; geometric shapes and angles;and surface area and volume.  

    Students successfully completing this course will advance to Algebra I or Algebra I Honors (having earned an A-or better).  Students needing additional reinforcement will be placed in Math 8.
     

  • Math 8

    With emphasis on flexible learning styles, this course begins with a review of pre-algebra basics. Focus continues with the tools of algebra, functions and their graphs, algebraic concepts and simple equations, equations and inequalities, graphing and writing linear equations, and systems of equations and inequalities. The course places considerable emphasis on applying math skills to real world problems
     

  • Pre-Algebra 7

    This course emphasizes a narrower and deeper curriculum ensuring students spend time on major topics including ratios and proportional relationships; the number system; and expressions and equations.  In addition, students will cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers; equations and inequalities;ratios and proportions; percents; probability; statistics; geometric shapes and angles;and surface area and volume.  

    Students successfully completing this course will advance to Algebra I, or Algebra I Honors (having earned an A-or better).  Students needing additional reinforcement will be placed in Advanced Pre-Algebra 8.
     

Department Faculty

Main Address & Lower/Middle School

11000 Ellison Wilson Road
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Ph: 561.626.3747

Upper School

4875 Grandiflora Road 
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 
Ph: 561.472.5998
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
After hours emergency contact:
Leslie Downs/Chief Operating Officer
Ph:  561.657.0075 or 561.747.0585