Academics

Math

Math Philosophy

At SGS, math isn’t about memorization—it’s about understanding.
We focus on conceptual thinking: not just how to find the answer, but why it works. Math becomes an ongoing conversation between students and teachers, where curiosity leads and big questions are welcome.

This approach shifts students from simply learning math as a subject to thinking like mathematicians.


Applied Skills by Grade

List of 4 items.

  • 5th Grade

    • Fractions
    • Calculating perimeter
    • Multiplication
    • Subtraction
    • Division

  • 6th Grade

    • Simplifying multi-step equations
    • Ratios and proportional relationships
    • Analyzing and representing data
    • Scaling, measurement, and unit conversations

  • 7th Grade

    • Pythagorean Theorem
    • Combining like terms
    • Negative operations
    • Manipulating statements of equivalence
    • Solving and graphing inequalities
    • Input/output relationships
    • Linear inequalities

  • 8th Grade

    • Solving with substitution and eliminations
    • Exponential functions: growth and decay
    • Compound vs. simple interest
    • Polynomial operations
    • Quadratic formula

Learning Outcomes by Grade

List of 4 items.

  • 5th Grade

    • Concepts of unitizing, commutation and substitution

  • 6th Grade

    • Mathematical mindset, discourse, language and reasoning
    • The order of operations
    • Mathematical properties: substitution, commutation, distribution, and association
    • Defining relationships 

  • 7th Grade

    • Pythagorean theorem
    • Variables
    • Equality
    • Proportional relationships
    • Functions and linear relationships
    • Statistics 

  • 8th Grade

    • Systems of linear equations
    • Exponential thinking
    • Financial literacy
    • Quadratics

Four Principles of Math at SGS

List of 4 items.

  • 1

    Math is for everyone
    Girls and gender diverse students are math capable and deserve hard math; it’s our (teachers’, students’, families’) job to help each other believe that learners have a significant capacity for deep understanding.

  • 2

    Growth through Struggle
    Persevering and struggling productively are a part of the learning process; contributions are more valued for their reasonableness than for their accuracy.

  • 3

    Math as a conversation
    Collaborating, vocally agreeing and disagreeing, asking questions, reasoning, listening, understanding the thinking of others in community develops our deep understanding of math concepts.

  • 4

    Risk taking is necessary 
    Taking risks (sharing an idea when you’re not sure it’s correct, disagreeing publicly, trying something uncomfortable or challenging, admitting when you don’t know, asking questions to further your own and others’ understanding, struggling productively) strengthens our learning community.

Seattle Girls' School

Located in the Central District, Seattle Girls' School is an independent school for girls and gender nonconforming students in grades 5-8. Our mission is to inspire and develop courageous leaders who think independently, work collaboratively, learn joyfully, and champion change.

©2021 Seattle Girls’ School • All rights reserved.