Math

The multi-disciplinary focus of the Vermont Commons School curriculum necessitates an approach to the teaching of mathematics beyond the traditional breakdown of courses. As such, students do not learn one year of Pre-Algebra, followed by a year of Algebra, a year of Geometry, and a year of Algebra II. Rather, all branches of mathematics from basic math and algebra to geometry, trigonometry and statistics are taught in increasing levels of complexity throughout the years at Vermont Commons School. In this learning environment, students learn how mathematics works and understand the connections between different types of math. Furthermore, rather than polarizing mathematics into skills development vs. problems solving, our curriculum is designed to give the students the tools necessary, through skills development, that are required to solve the complex problems of our unit-based approach.

We do realize, however, that complex problems cannot be solved without the ability to consistently perform mathematical algorithms and calculations. As such, we de-emphasize the use of calculators in class until students show a strong understanding of and confidence in basic skills and numerical computation. After such competency has been achieved, we teach students to use calculators as tools to more efficiently arrive at an answer and to expand one’s understanding with graphical analysis. Once completing our core math curriculum—Math 1 through Math 4—students can choose from a variety of upper level courses, including Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, Applied Mathematics and AP Calculus.