Bishop Seabury Academy

The Math Department’s goal is to teach each student to his or her highest ability. Each student will master fundamental algebraic skills including simplifying expressions, solving equations, graphing and modeling. Every student is expected to take six years of math. Teachers strive to make the material accessible to all students.

A graphing calculator is required in all classes, although there are times when it is not used. These occasions vary according to teachers and topics.

Incoming seventh grade students are placed into either Prealgebra or Algebra I by the math department chair. Placement is made based on a combination of factors including standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, student comments in their application and sometimes student interviews.

Students usually follow one of two course sequences. The standard sequence is Prealgebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus and Calculus. Better prepared students take Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus, Honors Calculus 1 and Honors Calculus 2. Students who enter the school in other than seventh grade may follow a different sequence depending on their experience. Students who are not ready for AP Calculus may take an alternative senior level math course.

The math department currently consists of four teachers, two full-time and two part-time. The teachers are knowledgeable and experienced.

The teachers truly care about their students and are committed to helping them master the material.
The curriculum is advanced in that nearly every student gets six years of math and most take at least one calculus course.

The curriculum and the teachers accommodate the different ability levels of students.

The math department continues to seek strong coordination with the science department regarding math topics in the science curriculum. The math department uses technology, particularly calculators and computers, in instruction but is always looking for new ways to include technology to support the curriculum.

FACULTY

Arnold A. Knudson, Chair

Mathematics Graduate program, University of Kansas

B.A., cum laude, Bethany College
Appointed 1997

Dan Huffman
Masters in Science, Wichita State
Appointed 2010

Christina Leuty
B.A. General Studies, University of Kansas
Sports Management Degree (pending)
Appointed 2010

Orlando Ventura
B.A. in Mathematics, University of Kansas
Appointed 2003

COURSES                                     (Click for printable graph paper)