Mathematical studies at the academy begin with gaining a proficiency in basic math concepts and then continue with two years of algebra and one year of Euclidean Geometry. The purposes of the algebra courses are to complete the students’ mastery of the concepts of high-school level algebra and to stress manipulative calculating skills rather than mere calculator practice. Students who show sufficient academic progress may be allowed, as schedules allow, to take an advanced math tutorial in trigonometry or calculus. However, we believe universities are the appropriate venue to teach advanced mathematics. We provide a solid and sufficient pre-college foundation in mathematics while remaining true to our commitment to a classical education in the liberal arts.
Testimonial from an Alumnus
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here is a growing opinion in modern education that, in order to excel in Mathematics, one must be training in high levels of the discipline in the High School environment. This type of thinking, however, seems to greatly misunderstand the discipline itself and the path by which one may become proficient in Mathematics. The most effective way to prepare oneself for the study of Mathematics at both the Undergraduate and Graduate levels, is to build a solid foundation of Mathematical tools and critical thinking. These two simple concepts are the core principles behind studying any area of higher level mathematics.
The emphasis that the faculty at Gregory the Great Academy place on teaching Euclidean Geometry and on helping students learn to think critically about Mathematics, without the use of high powered calculators, is critical to developing the tools necessary to excel in Mathematics at the collegiate level. I can very confidently say that it was my understanding of Algebra and Euclidean Geometry, which aided me most in the pursuit of my Mathematics degree and in fact prepared me better than most of my peers for the upper level courses, such as Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus.
I graduated from High School, having only taken Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Euclidean Geometry. I have since gone on to receive Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Mathematics and Economics, graduating with honors. I attribute most of the success and joy that I have experienced in the field of Mathematics to the great teachers that I had in High School and to the philosophy of teaching mathematics that is practiced by the Faculty of Gregory the Great Academy.
-Christopher Audino, Alumnus
Class of 2010