Mathematics
The Mathematics curriculum teaches Bishop’s students to think logically, critically, and analytically, and maintain a positive open attitude toward solving unfamiliar problems. Students are taught how to work independently with resourcefulness and creativity, as well as in a collaborative setting. They learn to communicate math concepts effectively, to assess correctness and appropriateness of solutions, and to use technology as an aid to understanding while appreciating its power and limitations.
All new students take a mathematics placement test and are placed in an appropriate course in either the regular track or the accelerated track. Most students are placed in the regular track. Both tracks provide an excellent foundation for college. AP (Advanced Placement) courses in Calculus and Statistics are available to students in both tracks.
All middle school students must take mathematics. Upper school students must take three additional years of mathematics, including Intermediate Mathematics 5, Mathematics 5 or Mathematics 5 Accelerated. (Mathematics 5 is our second year algebra course.) We participate in the California Mathematics League (six contests per year), American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME etc) and the UCSD Honors Mathematics contest.