Mathematics & Computer Science

The Overlake Mathematics and Computer Science Department delivers a rigorous curriculum which provides students with the foundations necessary for college as well as 21st century careers. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are emphasized throughout our modern, streamlined curriculum. Overlake Math and Computer Science teachers ensure that our students develop an understanding of both the computational skills and theory in all concepts that are presented; we care about not just the “how” in mathematics, but also the “why.”

Mathematics Program

In the Middle School, students work together in a differentiated math classroom as a single community in 5th and 6th grade. In 7th and 8th grade, students are placed into either a 2-year Algebra sequence or a 2-year Algebra/Geometry sequence. All Overlake Middle School students leave 8th grade with a rigorous course in Algebra, and all Upper School students have the opportunity to explore math electives, such as Calculus, Statistics, Linear Algebra, or Discrete Math, by their senior year.

In the Upper School, students will complete (or will have already completed prior to admission) a traditional progression of Geometry and Algebra 2.  After this point, students will have the choice between several paths of electives (see Mathematics and Computer Science Department Program Map). 

Most of the Upper School Math courses have two tracks: Traditional or Honors/AP. Students are placed in the Traditional or Honors/AP course based upon teacher recommendations as well as student interest. Both tracks cover the foundational material required for success in college mathematics and 21st century careers. Honors and AP (Advanced Placement) courses are intended for students who show special interest and aptitude in math. To earn a placement in an Honors/AP course, students must demonstrate the ability to master concepts quickly, be independent learners, and perform at the top level in prerequisite courses. Honors/AP courses are significantly more challenging than the Traditional courses and demand more from students in terms of homework, independent study skills, and intellectual focus. Placement in the Honors/AP track one year does not guarantee the same placement the following year, and students may transition between the two tracks at any point in the program.  Both mathematics tracks are considered highly rigorous by colleges and universities, and students should consider their own interests, course load, and extra-curricular demands when evaluating the pros and cons of each track.

Computer Science Program

There are opportunities for students with any level of experience in computer science and programming to explore and enrich their understanding of these subjects at The Overlake School. “Computer Science Foundations” and “Computer Science Principles” are introductory courses for middle-school and high-school students, respectively. No prior computer science knowledge is expected; in fact, we work to prioritize access for students with no background in programming.  AP Computer Science A is offered in the high school, and while no previous programming experience is required, students with any level of background are welcome to take the course. For Upper School students, we also offer a wide array of electives in computer science topics, from mobile app development to data visualization.

For more information on course sequencing, please see the Mathematics and Computer Science Department Program Map.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from The Overlake School, students must earn a minimum of three credits in core Math courses (Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, Linear Algebra, Discrete Math) in the Upper School. Almost all recent Overlake graduates have completed four or more credits in Math. Students who have completed high-school-level mathematics courses in Middle School (either at Overlake or another school) cannot use those courses towards graduation and must still earn three Math credits in the Upper School. Computer Science courses are not core math courses and may not be used to satisfy the mathematics graduation requirements.

The Overlake School offers a Summer Accelerated Geometry course for current or incoming Upper School students who have completed their first course of Algebra. At this time, this is the only accelerated course we allow for students in our program. This accelerated course does not count towards the graduation requirement and is only intended to allow students to reach advanced electives such as Calculus by their senior year however, students will receive a grade for the course, and it will appear on the student’s high school transcript.

The Mathematics Department believes in the quality of our courses and teachers. Students are not allowed to accelerate or test out of courses once they are placed in an upper school math course. Per school policy, no non-Overlake course credit will be accepted for graduation or acceleration purposes without prior approval from the department chair and Upper School Head. This happens only on exceedingly rare occasions, when a student has extenuating circumstances that prevent them from following our prescribed curriculum.

Students wishing to engage in extra math outside their classwork or over their breaks are encouraged to engage with enrichment programs, either locally or otherwise. Our teachers are happy to provide them with such resources and program listings.

Math 5

Mathematics & Computer Science

All fifth grade students take Math 5. Computation with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions is honed. Keen attention is paid to understanding the effect of operations on quantities in order to develop estimation skills and improve number sense. Students examine algorithms and number composition to enhance understanding of arithmetic properties. Geometry, number theory, ratio, percent, measurement, and pre-algebra concepts are explored through hands-on activities, problem solving, and practice workbooks. Fifth graders also have math labs during which they explore open-ended problems, participate in Math Olympiad contests, and extend their study of topics. Students are regularly prompted to reflect on, prove, or justify solutions during focused discussions. Whole class instruction and smaller skill-group lessons meet varied student abilities. Students continually revisit learned concepts through classroom routines and mathematical games.

Math 6

Mathematics & Computer Science

As students solidify a foundation in decimals, fractions, percent, ratio and proportion, they will become more comfortable with how variables can be incorporated within these concepts. Topics include operations with rational numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations and basic geometry. Problem solving techniques and algebraic processes are emphasized throughout the year as students learn to communicate their solutions. Reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills are stressed as students learn to express mathematical ideas just as they would in other subject areas. There is a focus on developing a breadth and depth of mathematical knowledge and skills, with a strong emphasis on conceptual understanding. An equal emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding and skill development – the "why" as well as the "how".

Algebra 7

Mathematics & Computer Science
One-year Algebra 1 course, to be taken in 7th grade.

There are two options for completing Algebra 1: a two-year course and a one-year course.  Placement into these courses is done by the middle school math faculty in conjunction with the department head.

This is a rigorous, complete Algebra 1 course. The course content includes solving of linear and quadratic equations, graphing linear equations and inequalities, exponents, radicals, polynomials, systems of equations, and some rational expressions. Because it includes all of the abstract concepts through the solving of quadratics, placement into this course is not solely based on strength in arithmetic, but is also based on evaluation of abstract thinking, academic maturity, and a student's intellectual drive. Applications to science, in addition to other real-world situations, are integrated throughout the course.

Algebra IA

Mathematics & Computer Science
Part one of a two-year course sequence, to be take in 7th grade.

There are two options for completing Algebra 1: a two-year course and a one-year course.  Placement into these courses is done by the middle school math faculty in conjunction with the department head.

This course provides exposure to the more concrete topics of Algebra. Students will explore the basic principles and skills of simplifying expressions, polynomials, exponents, radicals, and solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities.

Algebra 1B

Mathematics & Computer Science
Part two of a two-year course sequence, to be taken in 8th grade.

Algebra 1A.  There are two options for completing Algebra 1: a two-year course and a one-year course.  Placement into these courses is done by the middle school math faculty in conjunction with the department head.  

This course provides exposure to the more abstract topics of Algebra, building from the foundation created in Algebra 1A. The primary course content will be solving quadratics, graphing linear and quadratic equations, manipulating polynomials, solving systems of equations, and simplifying rational expressions.

Geometry 8

Mathematics & Computer Science

Algebra 7.

This course is for students who successfully complete Algebra 1 by the end of 7th grade. Through independent work, small group work, and guided lectures, students study the properties and relationships of points, lines, planes, circles, polygons and solids in both two and three dimensions. These topics are explored through the integration of arithmetic and algebraic properties along with deductive and inductive reasoning. As students study definitions, postulates, and theorems, they will develop logical and critical thinking skills that transfer to other academic studies. The first semester provides a thorough exposure to using proofs as a means of drawing conclusions. The second semester is more computation and invokes key concepts from Algebra.

Computer Science Foundations

Mathematics & Computer Science
Offered both semesters for 7th and 8th graders. This course can be taken once in 7th or 8th grade, and must be paired with an Arts class for the other semester.

No prerequisite computer science or programming background required.

In this inspiring one-semester course students will be introduced to the idea of Computer Science as a field as well as algorithmic thinking – how can we learn to give instructions that someone else can follow to complete a task.  Students will have the opportunity to explore, problem solve, and create in the context of developing Android applications. Topics include event driven programming, basic algorithm development, abstraction, image manipulation, and error detection. Over the course of the semester students will use the Mobile CSP online curriculum and  MIT’s AppInventor online development environment to develop Android applications on their own physical devices.   

Algebra I

Mathematics & Computer Science

This course is designed for students who, for various reasons, have incomplete mastery of algebra entering the 9th Grade. Because algebra is the foundation for most mathematics they will encounter in the future, students who take this course benefit tremendously from securing these important concepts. Care is taken to enrich the familiar curriculum so that the experience feels less like repetition and more like extension. Instruction is varied to suit the needs of individual students. Topics include working with algebraic expressions, linear equations, systems of equations, quadratic equations and factoring, exponents, radicals, inequalities, and graphing. Applications, projects, and other special topics may be incorporated throughout the year at the instructor’s discretion.

Geometry

Mathematics & Computer Science

Proficiency in Algebra

The purpose of the traditional full-year course in Geometry is twofold. It is important that students learn the properties and relationships among geometric figures. Primarily, however, the study of geometry provides fundamental insight into how an axiomatic system works. Development of logical and critical thinking skills and communication with precise language and symbols is emphasized. Special attention is given to writing sound mathematical definitions, formulating reasonable postulates, and proving claims about geometric figures. Both the honors and the regular level classes provide review of algebraic concepts throughout the year in preparation for Algebra II.

Honors Geometry

Mathematics & Computer Science

Proficiency in Algebra and current teacher's recommendation

The purpose of the traditional full-year course in Geometry is twofold. It is important that students learn the properties and relationships among geometric figures. Primarily, however, the study of geometry provides fundamental insight into how an axiomatic system works. Development of logical and critical thinking skills and communication with precise language and symbols is emphasized. Special attention is given to writing sound mathematical definitions, formulating reasonable postulates, and proving claims about geometric figures. Honors-level students are expected to achieve a high degree of mastery and be able to work independently. Advanced topics may be integrated into the honors course at the discretion of the instructor. Both the honors and the regular level classes provide review of algebraic concepts throughout the year in preparation for Algebra II.

Algebra II

Mathematics & Computer Science

Proficiency in Algebra and Geometry

This course is designed to greatly expand students’ understanding of functions and to broaden the algebraic skill set. Students explore polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational and radical functions as well as special functions and conic sections. Students deepen their understanding by investigating the inverses of functions. Properties and evaluation of functions, techniques in problem-solving, and inequalities are addressed throughout the year. All of the topics in this course are explored both analytically and graphically, with and without the aid of a graphing calculator. Both honors and regular Algebra II will address a core curriculum necessary to the study of Precalculus.

Honors Algebra II

Mathematics & Computer Science

Proficiency in Algebra and Geometry, and current teacher's recommendation

This course is designed to greatly expand students’ understanding of functions and to broaden the algebraic skill set. Students explore polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational and radical functions as well as special functions and conic sections. Students deepen their understanding by investigating the inverses of functions. Properties and evaluation of functions, techniques in problem-solving, and inequalities are addressed throughout the year. All of the topics in this course are explored both analytically and graphically, with and without the aid of a graphing calculator. Honors-level students are expected to achieve a high degree of mastery and be able to work independently. Advanced topics may be integrated into the honors course at the discretion of the instructor. Both levels of Algebra II will address a core curriculum necessary to the study of Precalculus.

Precalculus

Mathematics & Computer Science

Proficiency in Algebra II and Geometry

In the fall, students gain broader and deeper understanding of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions by further investigating their properties and applications. In the spring, a thorough study of trigonometric functions completes the skill set necessary for the study of calculus. Both honors and regular Precalculus will address a core curriculum necessary to the study of Calculus.

Honors Precalculus

Mathematics & Computer Science

Proficiency in Algebra II and Geometry, and current teacher's recommendation

In the fall, students gain broader and deeper understanding of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions by further investigating their properties and applications. In the spring, a thorough study of trigonometric functions completes the skill set necessary for the study of calculus. The honors-level class will apply skills to more difficult, multi-stage problems and move at a faster pace. Honors-level students are expected to achieve a high degree of mastery and be able to work independently. Advanced topics may be integrated into the honors course at the discretion of the instructor. Both levels of Precalculus will address a core curriculum necessary to the study of Calculus.

Calculus

Mathematics & Computer Science

Pre-calculus

This capstone course in high school mathematics introduces students to the concepts of differential and integral calculus. This course provides a rigorous alternative introduction to Calculus without the stress or focus on preparing for an AP exam.  Fall semester includes derivatives, related rates, curve-sketching and optimization. Spring semester introduces definite and indefinite integrals, area and volume. Through practice with applied problems, students learn to communicate their methods using appropriate language, symbols and units. A solid understanding of geometry, functions, and trigonometry is necessary for success in this course.  Students who complete this course can still elect to take AP Calculus AB the following year.  

AP Calculus (AB)

Mathematics & Computer Science

Precalculus and current teacher’s recommendation

The workload, pace, and content of this course is comparable to a college-level calculus course covering limits, continuity, differentiation, and an introduction to integral calculus. Topics in differential equations are also introduced. The College Board AP Calculus AB exam is administered nationally by all participating schools on a predetermined date in May. The College Board website provides the exam date and detailed description of the curriculum, which must be covered in its entirety. Students should expect a high degree of independent learning. Some colleges and universities offer college credit or advanced placement to students passing the exam at a high level. Students are encouraged to investigate these possibilities.

View the College Board AP Calculus (AB) Course Description.

AP Calculus (BC)

Mathematics & Computer Science

Calculus and current teacher’s recommendation

First-year concepts of differentiation and integration are extended to polar, parametric, and vector functions. Students master new methods for evaluating limits, evaluating integrals, and solving differential equations. Series and tests for their convergence as well as power series and polynomial approximations are studied. The workload, pace, and content of this course is comparable to a second or third semester course at colleges and universities.

View the College Board AP Calculus (BC) Course Description.

AP Statistics

Information Literacy & Technology
Mathematics & Computer Science
Full-year elective. This course is intended as a second math elective and cannot be taken in lieu of a course in the normal sequence until the senior year. Even seniors are strongly encouraged to take their regular math course concurrently.

Algebra II

The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:

  1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
  2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
  3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
  4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses

Successful AP statistics students have good quantitative reasoning, good reading comprehension, clear written communication and consistent study habits. Students will be challenged to think critically about data, to use statistical methods with a deep level of understanding, and to write persuasive responses to real-world questions. A graphing calculator will be the student’s constant companion.

View the College Board AP Statistics Course Description.

Linear Algebra

Mathematics & Computer Science
Semester elective

Precalculus or Precalculus Honors

Linear algebra is a branch of mathematics studying linear equations and their relationships to matrices and vector spaces.  This topic is a fundamental component of many important mathematical applications including finance, cryptography, artificial intelligence, web search, computer graphics and more.  The course will cover the basic elements of a college-level Introduction to Linear Algebra course, including: matrix algebra; determinants; elementary vector spaces; linear transformations; and characteristic equations and eigenvalues. As time and resources permit, students will use computing technologies to create and explore applications of linear algebra. 

Discrete Mathematics

Mathematics & Computer Science
Semester elective

Precalculus or Precalculus Honors

Discrete Mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are discrete, separated or distinct; in contrast with Calculus which deals with continuous change. It is an important area of pure and applied mathematics, as well as providing the mathematical basis for the understanding of computers and modern computation. Discrete Mathematics is also important in the sciences, where it has increasing application in many areas, an exemplar of which is the understanding of DNA sequences in molecular biology. This course will cover topics based on instructor and student interest such as Boolean logic; enumerative combinatorics; recurrence relations; relation theory and lattices; voting theory; theoretical computer science and computability theory; and graph theory.  

Computer Science Principles

Information Literacy & Technology
Mathematics & Computer Science
Not being offered for the 2024-2025 school year.

No computer science or programming prerequisite required.

 

Computer Science Principals is an introductory computer programming class.  Students are introduced to ideas and concepts and explore the development of projects based on student ideas. Students also develop a basic understanding of the underlying architecture of the internet and world-wide web. Topics include event-driven programming, data structures, networking architecture, cryptography, and data manipulation. Over the course of the semester students will use an online curriculum and an online development environment to develop Android applications on their own physical devices.  

AP Computer Science

Mathematics & Computer Science
Information Literacy & Technology
Full-year elective. 10th-12th grades only. This course is recommended as a second math elective. Seek departmental advice if taking this course in lieu of a course in the normal sequence.

Algebra II

AP Computer Science covers the course content defined by the College Board's AP curriculum and prepares students for the advanced placement exam in May. The course teaches the Java programming language and reviews and elaborates on the fundamental methods of object-oriented programming. Much of the material is based on the implementation and analysis of common data structures including arrays and array lists. Basic algorithms for sorting and searching are presented and their asymptotic behavior is analyzed. Students enhance their program design, implementation, testing, and debugging skills through frequent programming projects. Finally, they gain experience reading, understanding and modifying a substantial pre-existing program.

View the College Board AP Computer Science Course Description.

Post-AP CS: Data Structures

Information Literacy & Technology
Mathematics & Computer Science
Semester elective. 11th and 12th grades only.

Successful completion of AP Computer Science or equivalent. Questions about permission should be emailed to the department chair.

Programming Language: Java. The AP Computer Science prerequisite course prepares students with little to no prior experience to understand and engage in object-oriented programming with the Java language. This course gives students the skills generally attained during the second course in a college-level CS introductory sequence. The goals of this course build upon and extend the content from the AP course, requiring a thorough understanding of the previous learning objectives. This course primarily presents concepts of data abstraction and encapsulation. The structures taught and implemented include stacks, queues, linked lists and binary trees, as well as comparisons to arrays and array lists. Students also gain experience with recursion, analysis of complexity, and use of predefined collection classes. They use the concepts presented in class to create, debug, modify, and test a variety of programming projects of differing complexity.

 

Post-AP CS: App Development

Mathematics & Computer Science
Information Literacy & Technology
Semester elective. 11th and 12th grades only.

Successful completion of AP Computer Science or equivalent. Questions about permission should be emailed to the department chair.

Programming language: Java. Students with a working knowledge of object-oriented programming fundamentals in java will be given the opportunity to further practice and extend those skills in this applied course. This course focuses on student engagement in the learning process through a practical, collaborative approach that allows for a creative and authentic experience. The majority of activities will be centered around learning and practicing the details of developing mobile apps using core OOP principles and various APIs available. Concepts related to the process rather than coding, such as best practices of mobile development and strategies of completing large projects in teams, will be presented and implemented as well. The final goal of the course will be to complete, in a group, a thoroughly polished Android app incorporating all skills learned during the semester.

Contact

Rachel Vale
Mathematics Department Chair

rvale@overlake.org