Mathematics

The Upper School mathematics curriculum at Providence Academy follows a logical sequence, beginning with Algebra I in 8th grade and progressing through Algebra II, Geometry, and Precalculus. Our current elective offerings available for juniors and seniors include Calculus and Personal Finance. The primary goals of our mathematics department are to advance the students well past a mere memorization of formulas and the mundane computing of equations, but instead, foster a deep engagement with the nature of numbers, proof writing, and the historical context from which mathematics has developed.

In a world that seems increasingly disordered, mathematics possesses an inherent order that can be fervently studied and tested both here at Providence Academy, and then after graduation, as our students strive to be life-long seekers of Truth. Through our intense study of mathematical order, this curriculum directs our students towards attaining the all-important end goal of a stellar education: To know, love, and serve God – the God who created an ordered world.

Courses and Central Texts

Algebra II (Math I) 

  • Algebra 2 and Trigonometry, Dolciani, Graham, Swanson, & Sharron

Geometry (Math II) 

  • The Elements, Euclid

Pre-Calculus (Math III) 

  • Precalculus, 7th Ed., Barnett, Ziegler, Byleen, & Sobecki

Calculus (Math IV) 

  • Calculus Early Transcendentals, 6th ed., James Stewart

Personal Finance (Math Elective)

  • Focus on Personal Finance, Kapoor, Dlabay, & Hughes