Math
Math
We strive to create an environment where every student is actively engaged in building his/her own mathematical understanding. There are high expectations for all students to reason, explain, apply, and connect mathematical knowledge through a variety of rigorous learning tasks. Teachers act as facilitators and implement equitable mathematics experiences that allow students to explore, communicate, and represent their ideas in different ways as well as value the ideas and thinking of all learners.
Welcome to CCS Mathematics
At Charlottesville City Schools, mathematics instruction is grounded in an equitable, active-learning framework designed to foster deep conceptual understanding. We believe that every student can construct their own mathematical knowledge, build confidence, and achieve long-term quantitative literacy.
Our instructional philosphy
- Equitable & Active Learning: Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding students to reason, communicate, and represent mathematical relationships in multiple ways while maintaining high expectations for all learners.
- Early Algebraic Thinking: The division emphasizes algebraic thinking from kindergarten onward to ensure equal access to grade-level standards and rigorous problem-solving tasks.
- Support for Every Student: Supported by a tiered system of individualized academic interventions and practical workforce applications, we meet every learner where they are.
New Math Curriculum in Place at CCS
Following an extensive evaluation and adoption process, we are now using new, high-quality instructional materials for mathematics this year. The new math programs aim to build strong conceptual understanding, fluency, and real-world problem-solving skills for students at every stage:
- Early Elementary (Grades K–3) — Bridges in Mathematics: This program uses a visual, hands-on approach with physical manipulatives and daily skill-building tools like "Number Corner" to build foundational number sense and active problem-solving skills.
- Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5) — STEMscopes Math: Built around a 5E lesson model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), STEMscopes uses real-world scenarios and phenomena to spur curiosity, critical thinking, and advanced mathematical reasoning.
- Secondary Math (Grades 6–Algebra II) — Mathspace: Adopted by more than 50% of Virginia school divisions, Mathspace offers highly adaptable digital and print resources aligned to the rigor of VA standards.
Algebra Readiness and Mastery
The successful mastery of Algebra I is widely considered to be the gatekeeper to success in the study of upper-level mathematics. “Algebra readiness” describes the mastery of, and the ability to apply, the Mathematics Standards of Learning, including the Mathematical Process Goals for Students, for kindergarten through grade eight. The study of algebraic thinking begins in kindergarten and is progressively formalized prior to the study of the algebraic content found in the Algebra I Standards of Learning. Included in the progression of algebraic content is patterning, the generalization of arithmetic concepts, proportional reasoning, and representing mathematical relationships using tables, symbols, and graphs. The K-8 Mathematics Standards of Learning form a progression of content knowledge and develop the reasoning necessary to be well-prepared for mathematics courses beyond Algebra I, including Geometry and Statistics (VDOE, 2016).
Course Offerings in Grades 5-12:
See “Math” in Program of Studies.
Procedure for Taking High School Math Courses in Middle School
Before a student may enroll in a high school level math course (Algebra I or above) in middle school, the student must meet eligibility requirements as determined by the division. CCS Math Course Pathways Trajectories/ Placement Criteria is reviewed by instructional leaders and published annually. Any student who meets the criteria as a sixth grader may enroll in Algebra I in seventh grade. Students have the opportunity to qualify for Algebra I in eighth grade by meeting the criteria set for seventh graders. For any student to enroll in Geometry in middle school, they must successfully complete Algebra I, in person, at the middle school.