Math Curriculum: Grades K-5
The K-5 Math curriculum at Philo Classical Academy lays a strong foundation for mathematical thinking within a classical education framework. Starting in Kindergarten, students develop number sense through hands-on activities using Singapore Math. Grades 1-3 build arithmetic fluency and problem-solving skills, introducing bar modeling for word problems. In grades 4-5, students transition to pre-algebra concepts, supplemented with Beast Academy to foster creative problem-solving, preparing them for the rigorous middle school curriculum.
Kindergarten: Early Numeracy
Students engage with "Singapore Math: Primary Mathematics Kindergarten (Standards or U.S. Edition)", focusing on foundational number sense. The course covers counting to 20, number recognition, basic addition and subtraction (within 10), shapes (circles, squares, triangles), patterns, comparisons (more/less, same/different), ordinal numbers, and early measurement (length, weight). Hands-on activities emphasize concrete understanding and mathematical curiosity.
1st Grade: Arithmetic Foundations
Using "Singapore Math: Primary Mathematics 1 (Standards or U.S. Edition)", students build arithmetic skills with numbers to 100, addition and subtraction (within 40), place value (tens and ones), basic multiplication (as repeated addition), division (as sharing), shapes, length measurement, time (hours), money, and simple word problems. The course emphasizes mental math strategies to develop fluency.
2nd Grade: Arithmetic and Problem-Solving
Students study "Singapore Math: Primary Mathematics 2 (Standards or U.S. Edition)", covering numbers to 1,000, addition and subtraction (within 1,000), multiplication and division (tables of 2, 3, 4, 5, 10), fractions (halves, quarters), time (minutes), money, length, weight, volume, bar graphs, and multi-step word problems. Bar modeling is introduced as a powerful problem-solving tool.
3rd Grade: Advanced Arithmetic
With "Singapore Math: Primary Mathematics 3 (Standards or U.S. Edition)", students tackle numbers to 10,000, addition and subtraction (within 10,000), multiplication and division (up to 2-digit by 1-digit), fractions (equivalent fractions, addition/subtraction), area and perimeter, angles, parallel/perpendicular lines, time intervals, and challenging word problems. Mental math and bar modeling skills are strengthened.
4th Grade: Pre-Algebra Preparation
Students use "Singapore Math: Primary Mathematics 4 (Standards or U.S. Edition)", supplemented with "Beast Academy Level 3 or 4" (selected units), to explore whole numbers (to 100,000), multiplication/division (up to 3-digit by 1-digit), fractions (mixed numbers, addition/subtraction), decimals (to hundredths), geometry (angles, triangles, quadrilaterals), area/perimeter, data analysis (tables, graphs), and advanced word problems. Beast Academy introduces creative problem-solving with logic and number theory.
5th Grade: Pre-Algebra Foundations
Using "Singapore Math: Primary Mathematics 5 (Standards or U.S. Edition)", supplemented with "Beast Academy Level 4 or 5" (selected units), students master whole numbers (to 10,000,000), fractions/decimals (all operations), percentages, ratios, rates, geometry (triangles, quadrilaterals, volume), averages, data analysis, and complex word problems. Beast Academy reinforces algebraic thinking, exponents, and creative problem-solving, preparing for 6th-grade Beast Academy Level 5.