Mathematics

“Who would ever use this?” and “Why would I ever want to do that?” These are questions commonly overheard by high school mathematics teachers. So, how is the study of mathematics relevant to a high-school student? The interdisciplinary approach at Renaissance School allows us to answer this question from at least three different perspectives.

First of all, we study mathematics for the pure joy of it. Hidden under the veneer of equations and word problems are beautiful truths and fascinating paradoxes. We may discover these by studying the lives and motives of the people who invented or discovered them, by expressing them in works of art or by discussing and solving old problems and inventing new ones. We are open to many avenues for expression and combinations of approaches to help our students find the joy in being able to do mathematics.

Secondly, mathematics is important in developing the ability to think logically and symbolically. From developing a geometrical proof to solving a definite integral in Calculus, students practice following logical progressions of ideas. Thinking is very hard work and is something that we usually avoid when possible. At Renaissance School we do our best to push students to really think and to develop confidence in their ability to think. Whatever a student’s interests or career path, tomorrow’s citizens will need to be thinkers and problem solvers.

Third and most practically, we teach mathematics as the language of science and a necessity for business. Any student who wants to pursue a career in the natural, physical, or social sciences needs to be well grounded in the language of mathematics. Truly, anyone at all concerned about their ability or their family’s ability to enjoy retirement should understand the power of an exponential equation.

We currently offer five different mathematics classes – Algebra I and Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus — and we work to determine which sequence would be best for the growth of each entering student. Our flexibility achieved through the curricular stream structure allows for the appropriate level of study for each student. For more details, select “Curriculum” from the menu bar above.