The goal of the Mathematics Department curriculum is for our students to develop computational skill, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving ability. The mathematics curriculum at Castilleja blends these three areas throughout each student’s career with slightly different emphases each year.
Graduation Requirements and Suggested Courses for College Matriculation
Castilleja Graduation Requirements
UC System Minimum Course Requirements
Non-UC System Suggested Course Requirements
Geometry, Algebra II and one additional year of mathematics
3 years required, 4 years recommended
3-4 years, taken in grades 9-12, through Precalculus or Calculus
The Middle School curriculum begins with Math 6, which is directed
toward mastery of a body of computational skills and laying the
foundation for the Pre-Algebra and Algebra courses. Pre-Algebra builds
on the students computational skills and helps them develop a more
solid conceptual understanding while preparing them for the more
abstract concepts in Algebra. Throughout each student’s middle school
experience, they are introduced to a variety of problem-solving
strategies using a wide variety of problems.
The Upper School
curriculum provides each student with rigorous skill development
combined with significant problem-solving experience that together form
a strong college preparatory background in mathematics. Geometry and
Algebra II courses are problem-based and exploratory in nature.
Students develop and refine their problem-solving ability while
learning a wide range of new mathematical concepts. Over 90% of our
students take Advanced Placement (AP) exams in Calculus and/or
Statistics. Our most advanced students can take Calculus Theory which
is a two year calculus sequence that is equivalent to taking a year of
Honors Calculus in college. As a department, our philosophy is to take
our advanced students deeper into each subject rather than try to move
them through the material faster.
Beginning with Algebra I, the
Mathematics Department provides both college preparatory and honors
sections so that students can receive appropriate challenge and support
from peers at a similar developmental level. New students are placed in
mathematics courses according to their entrance test results and the
recommendations of previous teachers.
Electives, Advanced and AP Courses
• Calculus Theory I Honors • Calculus AB AP • Calculus BC AP • Calculus Theory II Honors (BC equivalent) • Statistics AP • Advanced Topics: Mathematical Modeling • Advanced Topics: Probability Additional electives or independent study courses may be offered in future years depending on student interest.
AP results
Over the last 12 years, the number of students taking the AP Calculus
exam has risen from approximately 50% of the student population to over
80% of students. In spite of national trends that have shown a decline
in AP test scores, our AP Calculus results have improved even with this
larger base of students. Our most advanced students take Calculus Theory which is the equivalent of 1 year of Honors College Calculus.
Our students' performance on the AP exams continues to rise with the vast majority scoring 4 or 5 on the exam (5 point scale, with a score of 3 or more passing.) Simply put, our students excel in mathematics.
