Math

At Shady Hill, students experience mathematics as a way of thinking. We strive to develop logical and creative problem solvers who approach mathematics through a spirit of inquiry. In that math has its own vocabulary and structures, our students develop numerical, algebraic, and geometric skills that they can apply to a variety of problems. Some of these problems are familiar, thereby developing an understanding of routines and when to use them. Some are unfamiliar, allowing students to experiment, to play, and to make connections.

Students communicate their ideas orally, in writing and visually. By collaborating with others, they incorporate alternative strategies into their own thinking and develop flexibility. By investigating a problem from multiple perspectives, students deepen their understanding of its ideas. Students distill skills from the conceptual understanding they develop, and from the explicit instruction that follows; the interplay of concepts and skill instruction ensures retention.

With enough experience, they come to recognize and appreciate efficient solutions.

Our goal is to provide each student a meaningful mathematical experience every day. Among our hopes are that students will trust in their own thinking, find engagement in math, and discover its intrinsic beauty.