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MATHEMATICS
The goal of mathematics instruction in the Upper School is to teach students to reason inductively and deductively, to analyze, to synthesize, to model mathematical concepts, and to use technology effectively and appropriately. Courses offered fit the learning styles, abilities, and interest levels of a variety of students.

Methodologies include daily warm-up exercises, homework, problem solving, discovery learning, discussion of correct as well as incorrect answers, frequent quizzes, group work, projects, lectures, and discussions. Students learn to use graphing calculators and computer technology in the application of mathematical principles in most courses.

THE SEQUENCE BEGINS with Algebra 1 for those students with little or no algebra background. The course introduces algebraic concepts and helps all students achieve comfortable mastery of the material as they build a foundation for future math courses.

STUDENTS who have successfully completed Algebra 1 in Middle School or ninth grade continue their math studies with Geometry. This course presents and explores the properties of shapes in space; it also helps students develop critical thinking and visualization skills. Concepts from Algebra 1 are reinforced as students learn to solve geometry problems with algebra. Each student is expected to complete a project for the annual Geometry Fair.

SECOND-YEAR  ALGEBRA is taught in two different courses. Intermediate Algebra is designed for those students who need more support for math mastery and do not plan on studying trigonometry and calculus. It includes a review of Algebra 1. Algebra 2 continues the progression from Algebra 1 and integrates concepts from geometry to prepare students for more advanced math courses. Students learn to solve more complex mathematical equations while they explore various functions.

BEYOND the second-year algebra graduation requirement, most students elect to continue their math studies, either taking Probability and Statistics (which covers such topics as sample spaces, distributions, permutations, combinations, mathematical expectations, samplings, estimates, tests of significance, variances, and correlations) or Trigonometry/Precalculus (which includes both trigonometric and higher order functions, their inverses and limits). The latter course prepares students for calculus. Honors and advanced placement courses offered to qualified students include: Algebra 2 Honors, Geometry Honors, Trigonometry/Calculus A, AP Calculus BC, and Advanced Placement Statistics.

COMPUTER  SCIENCE  PROGRAM:  At Crossroads the Computer Science Program is part of the math department. Through this program students gain an understanding of computer programming. They are encouraged to go as far as they can in the application of contemporary generations of computer languages in order to create their own computer programs. Computer Science 1 gives students an introduction to and basic understanding of the Internet, HTML, and the history of computers. They concentrate on learning the C++ programming language. Computer Science 2 continues the study of C++ while students learn higher-level programming skills and techniques. Advanced Placement Computer Science is designed to prepare advanced students for one of two AP Computer Science examinations in the spring.