Academics
Upper School

Math

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Mathematics Overview

Students solidify their calculation and computation skills and broaden their repertoire of problem-solving skills through “real-world” applications of math. We emphasize the development of number sense by teaching estimation and encouraging students to check their answers for reasonableness. We strive to cultivate a growth mindset toward learning mathematics. Through exploration and activities, we encourage girls to think deeply, embrace mistakes, and work collaboratively.
 
Burke’s Math Team is designed to create a welcoming space for Upper School students to be curious, collaborative, and sharpen their math skills. The Math Team is a cross-grade collaboration led by the Upper School Math Specialist, a role created to offer more opportunities to further math skills and extend comprehension of concepts as well as to provide extra support and practice. Team members have competed in Girls' Adventures in Math and MathCounts. 

Grade Level Highlights

List of 4 items.

  • Fifth Grade Math

    Students apply computational skills with units on the perimeter, area, surface area and volume, percentages, ratios and rates, angles, and data analysis. Visual models and hands-on activities are used to solidify the understanding of concepts and number relationships. 
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  • Sixth Grade Math

    Units on data and probability, percentages, ratios and proportions, measurement, algebra, and geometry introduce new concepts and provide opportunities to apply computational skills. Visual models and hands-on activities are used to solidify understanding of concepts and number relationships.
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  • Seventh Grade Math

    The main goal of the seventh-grade math program is to develop each student’s ability to use mathematical thought to solve problems. Students concentrate on developing thinking skills, logic, the ability to make inferences, and the ability to use estimation to solve problems. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the verbal, numerical, symbolic, and graphical representations of equations.
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  • Eighth Grade Math

    Our students solidify their calculation and computation skills and broaden their repertoire of problem-solving skills through “real-world” applications of math. We emphasize the development of number sense, teaching estimation, and encouraging students to check their answers for reasonableness.
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Math Faculty

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Joy Cooper

    Joy Cooper 

    Upper School Math Teacher
    415.751.0187, ext. 366
  • Photo of May Wong

    May Wong 

    Upper School Math Specialist, National Board Certified Teacher
    415-751-0187, ext. 323
  • Photo of Hudson Dougan

    Hudson Dougan 

    Upper School Math Teacher
    415-751-0187, ext. 261
  • Photo of Michael Janeš

    Michael Janeš 

    Upper School Math Teacher
    415-751-0187, ext. 323
Burke's mission is to educate, encourage and empower girls. Our school combines academic excellence with an appreciation for childhood so that students thrive as learners, develop a strong sense of self, contribute to community, and fulfill their potential, now and throughout life.
Burke's admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.