At Concord Hill, we believe that our core values—care, connection, curiosity, and courage—should be present in every aspect of our students’ learning experiences. These values are central to all we do each day, and math is no exception. Our dynamic and inclusive math program empowers students to develop their own mathematical understanding while embracing these values.

Curiosity that Sparks Deeper Understanding

Curiosity is at the heart of our approach to math. Beginning with hands-on learning in Preprimary and Primary, students are encouraged to wonder, ask questions, and experiment with ideas. This inquiry-driven approach continues in grades K–3, where our curricular resource, Illustrative Mathematics, presents real-world problems that prompt students to think creatively and reason deeply. Teachers introduce concepts in stages—from concrete, hands-on activities to pictorial representations, and finally to abstract reasoning—supporting a layered understanding that aligns with each student’s pace and interest. This approach helps students build a genuine curiosity about the “why” behind mathematical concepts.

Building Courage Through Challenge and Resilience

Math at Concord Hill is more than solving problems—it’s an opportunity to develop courage and resilience, supported by our commitment to integrating social-emotional and academic learning. Through both structured tasks and open-ended problems, students build confidence tackling complex ideas and see that working through challenges in a supportive environment helps them grow. This approach not only strengthens their math skills but also helps them develop the courage and persistence they’ll need to approach challenges in other areas of school and life.

Care and Connection Through Collaborative Learning

At Concord Hill, math is all about working and thinking together. In our classrooms, students regularly talk through math problems with partners and in groups, learning to explain their ideas and listen closely to each other. They practice sharing their thought processes, building on one another’s ideas, and even disagreeing respectfully, which helps them see that there are many ways to solve a problem. This focus on open discussion creates a classroom where everyone’s contributions are valued, and students feel supported by their peers as they learn and grow together.

Bringing the Math Experience Home

Families can get a taste of our dynamic math program by engaging in math conversations at home. One great way to do this is through the “IM Talking Math” series, which offers questions based on an image to spark curiosity and discussion. Another fun resource is “Esti-Mysteries,” where families can work together to make and refine estimates using clues. These activities not only make math enjoyable, but also help strengthen connections and deepen understanding of the concepts we explore at Concord Hill.

Through our math program, we aim to cultivate fluent mathematicians, creative thinkers, and resilient problem-solvers—all while staying true to our values of care, connection, curiosity, and courage. By embracing these values, we’re building a community of learners equipped with the tools to thrive both in school and beyond.