St. Ann School’s Math Curriculum: A Proven Pathway to Student Achievement

At St. Ann School, we are committed to offering a math curriculum that not only challenges our students but also ensures they thrive academically. One of the most common questions we receive from prospective families is about our math program and how we support students at different speed levels. We are proud to say that our Saxon Math curriculum is a key ingredient in our students’ success.

A Proven Approach: Saxon Math

For years, we have chosen Saxon Math as the foundation of our math curriculum because it delivers results. While we have explored other programs, we consistently see outstanding growth with Saxon, both in terms of student performance and in our assessment scores. The Saxon program is designed to build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through consistent, rigorous practice. With its classical structure, it emphasizes continual skill review, weekly homework, and assessments every week and a half to ensure students stay on track.

Our students’ success is reflected not only in their classroom performance but also in our STAR math scores, where the majority of students consistently meet or exceed grade-level expectations during each testing period. These results are a testament to the effectiveness of the Saxon approach and the dedication of our teachers.

Tailoring the Learning Experience to Each Student

One of the key strengths of our math program is how we adapt to students’ individual needs. Our teachers take the time to look at each student’s progress in several areas to ensure they are on the right path:

1. Work Ethic: Daily homework completion is essential for reinforcing concepts and building a strong foundation in math. Students are expected to demonstrate a consistent work ethic.
2. Assessment Scores: Regular assessments help our teachers identify where students excel and where they may need additional support. A solid understanding of the material is crucial for advancement.
3. STAR Assessment Performance: Students who consistently score in high percentiles on the STAR assessments show they are ready for the next challenge in math.
4. Maturity & Peer Relationships: Students moving up in a grade level of math need to not only demonstrate academic ability but also the emotional maturity to handle the challenges of being in a class with older peers. We want students to succeed both academically and socially.
5. Parent Partnership: We firmly believe that success in math is a partnership between the school and the family. Our teachers work closely with parents to ensure students are meeting the necessary milestones.

Each year, we have students who are ready to progress faster than others. In fact, some of our 8th graders are already prepared to move into Algebra, demonstrating the advanced skill sets they’ve developed over the years. For instance, next year, we anticipate that 6 to 7 students will be ready to tackle Algebra.

This level of preparedness is a point of pride at St. Ann School. High school teachers consistently tell us that our students arrive ready for advanced math, which speaks volumes about the quality of education they receive here.

Extra Support & Resources to Ensure Success

One of the unique aspects of our Saxon Math program is how it allows our teachers to quickly pinpoint areas where students may struggle. When this happens, our dedicated teachers are proactive in offering additional support, whether through one-on-one help or small group sessions. Teachers take it upon themselves to ensure no student is left behind.

Our math classes are designed with a clear structure: they begin with a warm-up to get students' brains ready for math, followed by a review of the previous night’s homework, an introduction to the new lesson, and time for students to work in class while the teacher offers individual attention to those who need it.

For parents, we offer various online resources, such as websites to help reteach or reinforce skills. There are also many Saxon Math lessons available on YouTube, providing students and families with even more ways to engage with the material outside of school.

A Strong Math Foundation for the Future

At St. Ann School, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed in math, and our program is designed to meet each child where they are. By combining a rigorous curriculum, dedicated teachers, and strong parent involvement, we ensure that our students are not only prepared for high school but are also set up for success in the future.

We are incredibly proud of the growth our students make and the way our math curriculum supports them in reaching their full potential. If you're looking for a school where your child will be challenged, supported, and encouraged to excel in math, St. Ann School is the right place for you.