Math
CURRICULUM
The Corte Madera Math curriculum is developed based on the California State Standards and aligns with PVSD's goals and priorities. All students receive a high-quality program that motivates, engages, and challenges them to become critical thinkers and problem solvers.
6th Grade Math
The Math 6 class delves deep into foundational math concepts while introducing students to new areas like statistics, probability, and algebraic equations. Building on what was learned in the 4th and 5th grades, students tackle more complex topics such as powers, exponents, numerical expressions, and inequalities. Students are also provided ample opportunities to sharpen their number sense by working on real-life word problems. Math 6 follows the State Standards in the Big Ideas Math Course 1 Book and ensures students are well-prepared for future mathematical challenges.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math Course 1
6th Grade Math+
The 6+ curriculum prepares students for future, more in-depth mathematics courses. The Big Ideas Math program addresses the Common Core California State Standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice. We will work through the Course 1 book and begin work on 7th Grade Topics in preparation for the 7+ class in the Spring. This class covers a wide range of mathematics topics, focused on mathematics that will prepare them for Algebra 1 in 8th Grade and Geometry and beyond in High School.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math Course 1
6th Grade 6 Advanced
The course covers the most important elements of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math to prepare students for Algebra 1 in 7th grade. The course moves at a very quick pace, often covering two lessons in a single day. Independent learning, participation, and 30 minutes of daily homework completion are all expectations of the course. Since the textbook primarily covers skills, problem solving and challenge problems will be added in as enrichment.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math:
7th Grade Math 7
The Math 7 curriculum prepares students for future, more in-depth mathematics courses. The Big Ideas Math program addresses the Common Core California State Standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice. We will work through the Course 2 Textbook. This class covers a wide range of mathematics topics, focused on mathematics that will prepare them for 8th Grade Math, Algebra 1 in 9th Grade, Geometry, and beyond.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math Course 2
7th Grade Math 7+
The Accelerated Math 7 class delves deep into the 7th and 8th-grade math curricula. The 7th-grade curriculum includes a rigorous study of operations using rational numbers, solving multi-step linear equations as well as linear inequalities, percents, markups/markdowns, scale drawing, and much more. The 8th-grade curriculum enables the students to build a strong foundation in preparation for Algebra. Students will write and graph linear equations, and learn about exponent rules, the Pythagorean Theorem, and the volume and surface area of various 3-dimensional shapes. The fast pace also helps prepare the students for more complex mathematical challenges in Algebra and beyond.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math Course 2 Accelerated
7th Grade Algebra 1 & 8th Grade Algebra 1
Algebra 1 is the foundational course that introduces students to working with variables, equations, and functions—the symbolic language used throughout all higher-level mathematics. It teaches core skills like solving linear and quadratic equations, graphing functions, manipulating expressions, and understanding relationships between quantities, moving students beyond concrete arithmetic into abstract, generalized problem-solving. This shift in thinking is essential: it builds the logical reasoning and pattern-recognition skills that underpin geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, while also giving students the tools to interpret data, model real-world relationships, and solve problems systematically. Beyond math itself, Algebra 1 is critical to success in the sciences—physics relies on algebraic manipulation of formulas, chemistry uses it for stoichiometry and reaction rates, and biology and environmental science depend on it for statistical and quantitative analysis. Because so many advanced courses and standardized tests assume algebraic fluency, mastering Algebra 1 in high school directly shapes a student's readiness for STEM coursework and opens doors to a wide range of academic and career paths.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math Algebra
8th Grade Math 8
This class covers a wide range of topics in mathematics, focusing on concepts that will prepare students for Algebra 1 and Geometry in High School.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math Course 3
8th Grade Geometry
Geometry, one of the oldest branches of mathematics, focuses on the study of lines, angles, surfaces, solids, and points. Its purpose goes beyond understanding shapes—it develops students' visual reasoning skills and enhances their ability to manipulate two- and three-dimensional objects to gather information. The introduction to proofs is particularly valuable, teaching students the importance of logical thinking and step-by-step reasoning to reach conclusions. Given its complexity and the new way of thinking it requires, Geometry is rightly considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding courses in both middle and high school.
Textbook used: Big Ideas Math Geometry
Useful Links
Mathematics Teacher Directory
Denise White
Math 6+
Math 7+
Math 8 Geometry
Azadeh Malek
Math 6+
Math 7
Math 8
Rupal Sutaria
Math 6 Advanced
Math 7 Algebra 1
Math 8 Algebra 1