• Community of Learners

  The teachers, as the senior members of this community, communicate knowledge and nurture a sense of wonder, gradually drawing students into the community of learners. [photo courtesy of Mark Reis, The Gazette]

• Sense of Wonder

  If students do not wonder about the "why" and the "how" behind what they study, they will likely find little delight in what they are learning.

• Orchestra for All

  All 6th-12th graders play a stringed instrument in the school orchestra every day. At Fine Arts Night, held twice a year, the various orchestras perform for family and friends.

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• Strong Math and Science Program

  Thomas MacLaren School offers a rigorous yet accessible math and science program to all students that culminates with Physics, Calculus and Advanced Topics.

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• Original Texts

  At Thomas MacLaren School, all high school students read, write and discuss original texts in Socratic seminar format two hours each day.

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Thomas MacLaren School Math Curriculum in Detail

6th Grade – Math:  Students work towards proficiency in the four operations – addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division – with the following: whole numbers, decimals,
fractions, ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students plan logically how to solve word
problems. Students use the text Math by McDougal Littell.

7th Grade – Prealgebra: The study of whole numbers, decimals, fractions and their
arithmetic operations along with the study of ratios, proportions and percents. Basic
geometric concepts such as properties of points, lines and planes are introduced. Students
use the text Prealgebra by McDougal Littell.

8th Grade – Algebra: A comprehensive study that includes topics such as linear and
quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, polynomials, fractional equations and
the study of the coordinate plane and graphing. Students use the text Algebra by
McDougal Littell.

9th Grade – Geometry/Precalculus: The first semester is the study of geometry with
emphasis on geometric relationships through constructions. The second semester begins
the study of precalculus that continues through the tenth grade. This first semester
focuses on the language of functions. Students use graphing calculators (TI-83’s) to
assist them in their study. Students use the text Discovering Geometry by Key
Curriculum Press and Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic by
Pearson/Addison-Wesley.

10th Grade – Precalculus: A continuation of the study of functions. Topics include
trigonometry, matrices, systems of linear equations, vectors, conic sections, exponents
and logarithms. The students continue to use their graphing calculators (TI-83’s).
Students continue to use the text Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic by
Prentice Hall.

11th Grade – Calculus: The first semester focuses on functions used in calculus,
derivatives, slope of a tangent, and the limit of slopes of secants. The second semester
includes the study of integrals, sequences and series, and differential equations. There is a
heavy emphasis on graphs and the use of graphing calculators (TI-83’s). Students use the
text Calculus from Graphical, Numerical and Symbolic Points of View by Houghton
Mifflin.

12th Grade – Calculus/Advanced Topics: This third semester of calculus focuses on the
study of multi-dimensional calculus. Topics include directional derivatives, line and
surface integrals, Green’s Theorem and Stokes’ Theorem. The second semester covers
non-calculus math topics such as group theory, set theory, number theory, fractals and
non-Euclidian geometry. Students use the text Multivariable Calculus by Houghton
Mifflin.