Mathematics & Computer Science

Mathematics

The study of mathematics improves skills like problem solving, visual attention, and decision making, alongside teaching students about its real world applications. At Newton North students study mathematics not just to fulfill course requirements but also as a tool for effective citizenship, as a universal language which helps them understand the world better.

Newton North supports students in these endeavors through courses that cater to a variety of interests and learning styles. All courses support students’ advancement in their knowledge of mathematical content and equally, if not more importantly, their development and mastery of the Standards of Mathematical Practice. Based on the Common Core State Standards, our courses prepare students for state assessments and expose students to the content assessed on college entrance and Advanced Placement exams (when applicable). While progression through the content is an important part of the experience, our courses emphasize the importance of deepening students’ knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and skills as well as their ability to thoughtfully communicate what they have learned.

Throughout their experience at Newton North, students will have opportunities to explore different branches of mathematics: algebra, geometry, statistics, computer science, calculus, and data science. Students explore these topics by working collaboratively, using inquiry based exploratory lessons, and using technology in a variety of ways from emphasizing the visual aspects of mathematics to efficiently completing complex calculations.

New registrants take a placement test upon registration to designate appropriate placement in courses. Students in Newton Public Schools go through a placement process at their respective Middle Schools in collaboration with the High School. Generally students in Grade 9 take a Math 1 course and progress through Math 2-4. Some students may show advanced readiness on math placement assessments and receive approval to accelerate their math pathway. There are opportunities to access courses at different curriculum levels (CP, ACP, Accelerated, and Honors) depending on student skill development and mastery. Some math classes are offered in a multilevel format in order to provide students with equitable access and opportunity to study mathematics at increasing levels of complexity with the right amount of support, challenge, and flexibility. Descriptions of all course offerings, including electives, are listed in the course catalogue.

Computer Science

For students planning to take all of our Computer Science courses, the most logical sequence would be Introduction to Computer Science, followed by Computer Programming, and then Computer Science Principles. However, students can take any combination of the courses, in any order, provided they meet the prerequisites.

Scope, Sequence, and Course Placement Philosophy:

Newton North has a commitment to opportunity, access, and excellence for all students. The scope and sequence of courses in each department has been designed to support these overarching goals. Courses include an articulation of content and skills that can be developed and learned within a developmentally appropriate community of learners at each grade level. The curriculum is designed to support the continuous academic, social, and skill development growth for all students. A core value at Newton North is that all students are appropriately challenged and supported both in terms of the work in individual classes and more broadly across a student’s schedule. As students consider their course load, we support them in finding an appropriate level of stretch and balance within their classes. Teachers consider this placement philosophy when making course level recommendations.

Placement in leveled courses requires teacher recommendation.

Course level expectations

College Prep (CP)-Students will be supported in developing their ability to handle abstraction during problem solving. Students will make connections in their learning with structures designed to build their independence.
Advanced College Prep (ACP)-Students will be supported in handling abstractions and problem solving with structures designed to build their independence. Students in this course respond when given a challenge, can articulate their struggles, and can realistically apply feedback.
Advanced College Prep, Accelerated (ACP Acc)-Students will be supported and encouraged to challenge themselves while handling abstractions of concepts and problems and while making connections with previous content knowledge and experience. Students will engage in problem solving with independence and increasing efficiency.
Honors (H)-Students will be supported and encouraged to seek out and challenge themselves with problems, to ask questions that deepen/extend their learning and to make connections with previous content knowledge and experience. Students will regularly seek the most efficient methods in problem-solving practices, and will be expected to synthesize the big picture in concepts they are learning.

Search by Grade