Academics
Curriculum
Mathematics
Department: Mathematics
The Mathematics Department offers a comprehensive curriculum where students are developmentally placed and appropriately challenged. Mathematical thinking and reasoning skills, including making conjectures and developing sound deductive arguments, are critical, as they serve as a basis for developing new insights and promoting further study.
Course Listings
List of 18 items.
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Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry
Students continue their study of Algebra II, including factoring, quadratics, rational expressions and equations, and transformations of functions. Students learn new topics of conics, matrices, probability and statistics, sequences and series, and trigonometry. Students continue to learn to use the graphing calculator and to develop abstract thinking skills to apply mathematics to real-life situations. Prerequisite: Algebra II or Intermediate Algebra. -
Algebra
Students expand their capability in using variables to represent numbers and master the procedures involved in solving algebraic equations, inequalities, and their applications. Students perform basic operations using rational algebraic expressions. Students continue to expand their work with functions and graphs. There is an emphasis on factoring, solving polynomial equations, and graphing quadratic functions. Students will learn to work with radicals, focusing on simplification, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. -
Algebra 1 (College Prep)
Students gain a complete understanding of linear and quadratic functions and their applications and study topics including relations and functions, probability, linear and quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, rational and irrational expressions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, algebraic applications in geometry, logic and statistics. -
Algebra II
Students solve, interpret, and graph major functions such as: Linear, Polynomial (Quadratic, Cubic, and Quartic), Absolute Value, Radical, Reciprocal, Logarithmic, Exponential, and Rational Functions. Students work with functions in inequality form, solving a system of equations, imaginary numbers, inverse functions, conic sections, sequences and series, principles of counting, and basic probability. Additional topics for honors include: solving nonlinear systems of equations, systems of equations in three variables, conic sections centered off-origin, and binomial probability. -
AP Calculus AB & BC
AB:
Students examine all topics of a one semester college course in single-variable calculus with an emphasis on preparation for the AP Calculus AB exam. Students study differential calculus (including tangent lines, rates of change, and optimization); topics from integral calculus (including antiderivatives, area, volume, and differential equations); and review the entire course in preparation for the AP exam.
BC:
Students examine all topics of a two-semester college course in singlevariable calculus with an emphasis on preparation for the AP Calculus BC exam. Students study differential calculus (including parametric and polar functions, rates of change, and optimization); topics from integral calculus (including antiderivatives, arc length, volume, and differential equations); infinite series and Taylor series; and review the entire course in preparation for the AP exam. -
Calculus (Honors)
Students explore the fundamentals of Calculus. Students review functions and graphs including trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and study the derivative, its applications, the definite integral, antiderivatives. Students review all high school math skills to prepare them for University entrance exams. -
AP Statistics
Students learn an in-depth approach to analyzing data to reach conclusions using text and material written at the college level, including topics that are included in many undergraduate and graduate programs. Students study distributions and trends in single variable research, correlations and relationships found in multivariable research, and testing procedures used to calculate probability of significance. Students gain proficiency using their Texas Instrument Graphing Calculator’s statistical software. Finally, the students explore the use of statistics in many real life applications and various fields of study. Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus or Principles of Calculus and Statistics. -
Financial Math (College Prep)
During the first semester, students review functions and their graphs; and study the derivative and its applications. During second semester, students study practical applications of mathematics, engaging in a technologyrich curriculum to study financial and other utilitarian applications of mathematics. Topics include: the stock market, modeling a business, banking, budgeting, home ownership, auto ownership, taxes and planning for retirement. -
Geometry
This course includes an introduction to the basic concepts of point, line and plane. Students develop an understanding of logic using various forms of deductive arguments, and learn to apply concepts in writing formal geometric proofs. The relationships of angles and perpendicular lines are covered and there is an introduction of congruent triangles and their application to quadrilaterals. There is a presentation of similarities as applied to triangles, especially right triangles and its application to trigonometry. Students apply the concepts of congruent triangles and similar triangles to problems involving circles and related lines. -
Geometry (College Prep & Honors)
Students use algebraic skills to solve geometric problems and expand their reasoning powers. Students explore undefined terms and learn the theorems, postulates and corollaries associated with Euclidean two and three dimensional geometry. Topics include: triangle congruence, properties of quadrilaterals, proportion and similarity, special right triangles, right triangle trigonometry, circles, polygonal areas, surface area, and volume of solids. Students use visualization, spatial reasoning and geometric modeling to solve problems. Honors students produce logical arguments by engaging in paragraph and flowchart proofs. -
Intermediate Algebra
This course highlights key concepts covered in a traditional Algebra II course and is followed by the Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry course. Students begin with an overview of algebraic concepts, focusing on multistep equations and inequalities with one variable, equations of lines, and quadratics. Topics include linear relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials and radical expressions, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, and rational expressions. Students develop graphic calculator skills. -
Math 6
Students reinforce and build upon mathematical skills taught in 5th grade mathematics with advanced computation, including an emphasis on skill acquisition. There is an emphasis on building students’ previous understanding of working with fractions to explain why the division of fractions makes sense. Students extend their understanding of the number system, the ordering of numbers, to include the system of rational numbers, while focusing on negative integers. Students continue to develop their understanding of a variable and work with writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations. Students begin to develop their ability to think statistically, focusing on measures of central tendency and measures of variability while summarizing data. Problems involving area, surface area, and volume will also be explored. -
Pre-Algebra
Students review fractions, decimals, percents, positive and negative integers, rational numbers, ratios, proportions and solve algebraic equations. Additional topics include surface area, volume, linear and nonlinear functions, and data sets. Students expand problem solving skills in order to apply mathematical skills to real-world scenarios. Successful completion of this course prepares students for success in Algebra. -
Precalculus
Students explore the nature and properties of graphs; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; trigonometric functions and their graphs; matrices; Students learn to use the graphing calculator. Students develop abstract thinking skills and apply mathematics to real-life situations. Honors students engage in direct and indirect proofs of theorems and trigonometric identities, and topics are presented in greater depth and concentrate on problem-solving skills and critical thinking. -
Principles of Pre-Algebra
Students reinforce and build upon mathematical skills taught in 6th grade mathematics using advanced computation. Students review fractions, decimals, percents, positive and negative integers, rational numbers, ratios, proportions and equations. Additional topics include surface area, volume, linear and nonlinear functions, and data sets. Students develop problem solving skills in order to apply mathematical skills to real-world scenarios. Successful completion of this course prepares students for Pre-Algebra. -
Principles of Algebra
Students reinforce and build upon mathematical skills taught in 7th grade mathematics using advanced computation, with an emphasis on formulating algebraic concepts. Students review fractions, decimals, percents, rational numbers, ratios, proportions and linear equations. Additional topics include linear inequalities, compound inequalities, absolute value, and systems of linear equations. Students expand problem solving skills in order to apply mathematical skills to real-world scenarios. -
Principles of Calculus & Statistics
Students receive an introduction to the concepts of Calculus and Statistics. Students learn to reach conclusions by analyzing data, study distributions and trends in single variable research, correlations and relationships found in multivariable research, and testing procedures used to calculate probability of significance. Students develop proficiency with the Texas Instrument Graphing Calculator’s statistical software, explore the use of statistics in real life applications and various fields of study. Additionally, students review previously learned high school math skills to prepare them for University entrance exams. -
Topics in Adv Mathematics
Students explore a broad range of upper level mathematics topics in order to introduce themselves to the expanse of mathematical knowledge, with a focus on core mathematical processes across topics and interesting problems and results. Students ask deep questions and persevere in looking for solutions.
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Mathematics Department Faculty
List of 13 members.
Finance + Entrepreneurship Signature Program
The Finance and Entrepreneurship Program thrives with a spirit of innovation, attuning students to the needs of a changing marketplace and equipping them with skills of creative problem solving, leadership and innovation. Students who are bold, brave, think out of the box and seek academically rigorous elective courses are perfect candidates for this program. They have the opportunity to explore finance and investing at an introductory level or dive deeply into advanced investing and/or entrepreneurship.
List of 3 items.
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Advanced Investment, Finance and Entrepreneurship (Middle School)
This course is designed to build upon many of the topics covered in the introductory course, as well as prepare students for further classes within our Signature Program: Finance & Entrepreneurship at the Upper School. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to apply their knowledge to the real world, be it in the realm of investments or entrepreneurship. The class will also weave in key elements from other disciplines that they are studying at Milken. Key Jewish Principles as well as core Milken Values, such Areivut (taking responsibility for self and others, Ahavat Yisrael (connecting to Israel and the Jewish People and of course Teshuva (reflecting and repairing with integrity will be incorporated into each unit and in the classroom discourse. Prerequisite: Investment, Finance and Entrepreneurship. -
Investment, Finance and Entrepreneurship (Middle School)
Who wants to be an entrepreneur? In this course students will learn the mathematics behind the investment and financial management strategies that guide today’s brokers, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs. This course will include a mix of games, role-play, and case studies, that aim to give students experiences where they will explore and discover financial lessons in a low-stakes environment. -
Personal Finance
Students will gain essential knowledge about personal finance matters such as earning an income, paying taxes, creating and monitoring a personal budget, using credit responsibly when necessary, and the role of saving and investing to build wealth. Students will also develop research and evaluative skills, using the internet, google sheets and google slides, to compare options and make informed decisions about personal finance matters based on their own personal values and goals. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to the real world, most notably in the realm of personal money management and finances. Students may also choose to participate in the CEE National Personal Finance Challenge team competition. This course is designed to create a foundation for further exploration within the Signature Program: Finance & Entrepreneurship. This is a UC-approved general elective.
List of 3 items.
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Entrepreneurship
Building upon the Personal Finance and Intro to Investing courses, students shift their lens from personal finances to creating and operating a business. This course introduces students to the principles of entrepreneurship, business and marketing. Students gain essential knowledge about how to transform an idea into a viable business. Students learn how a business generates income, creates and monitors a budget, and invests in future growth. Students work in groups to identify a product/service to solve a social problem and develop a business plan and pitch for this startup company, and use business concepts to craft the company’s marketing strategy and business plan. Students deepen research and analytical skills, refine presentation and collaboration skills, and develop business acumen. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to the real world, most notably in the realm of entrepreneurship, marketing and business. Students may also choose to participate in the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge competition. Prerequisite: Intro to Investing. -
Intro to Investing
Building upon the Personal Finance course, students will build their knowledge about five key investment vehicles: stocks, Index/ETF funds, bonds, savings accounts, and real estate. Students will understand the risks and expected returns associated with such investments, the role economic and political factors can have on investments, and resources to help them make sound investment decisions. Students will learn about tax incentives and taxation on investments. Students will develop research and evaluative skills to practice comparing and choosing investment options that best serve their own personal values and goals. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to the real world, most notably in the realm of personal finances and investments. Students may also choose to participate in the Stock Market Game National competition. This course is designed to deepen the foundation for further exploration within the Signature Program: Finance & Entrepreneurship. This is a UC-approved general elective. Prerequisite: Personal Finance. -
Investment Portfolio
Building upon the Personal Finance and Intro to Investing courses, students will deepen their knowledge about personal investments and learn how to build a diversified investment portfolio to suit their risk tolerance, personal values and life goals. Students will learn about investments as passive income generators and wealth growth vehicles. Students will research, monitor and analyze investment options, using the internet, data and modeling, to evaluate investments. Students will learn how to interpret financial reports and macroeconomic factors to forecast future performance to inform financial decisions. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to the real world, most notably in the realm of personal finances and investments. Students may also choose to participate in the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition. This course is designed to deepen the foundation for further exploration within the Signature Program: Finance & Entrepreneurship. Prerequisite: Intro to Investing.
At Milken Community School, we think education is more than what you know. Our School, founded on Jewish values, is about who our children can become and how they can help others become who they might be. Because the world our children will create tomorrow is born in the School we build today, our mission is to educate our children so they can surpass us.
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