In accordance to its commitment to S.T.E.M., Saint Luke School provides a minimum of 60 minutes of mathematics instruction per day for students in grades K-5 and 45 minutes per day for grades 6-8. There is considerable emphasis on the integrating of mathematical concepts within the science and technology curriculum. In addition, students are assessed using Accelerated Math and Terra Nova standardized testing. In keeping with the National Council of Mathematics Guidelines, all students are taught to use calculators. In the fall of 1995, the students began to use calculators for designated portions of their standardized tests.

The normal progression of math places the emphasis on the multiplication tables in the third grade. The primary thrust of fourth grade math is Long Division, as well as two and three digit multiplication. The four operations of fractions are in the fifth grade and the conceptualization of decimals is taught in the sixth grade.

Students must satisfy the following criteria necessary to qualify for Pre-Algebra in the 7 th Grade:

• 93% or better final average in Math 6
• A minimum of 90th percentile  in Math Composite on 7th grade standardized testing
• Comparable 4th and 5th Grade standardized test scores and class grades
• Teacher recommendation
• All Pre-Algebra students must maintain an average of 85% or higher to remain in this course. If, at the end of the first quarter, a student has less than the required 85% average, and is inconsistent in homework, s/he will be automatically placed in Math

Students must satisfy the following criteria to be place in Algebra I:  

• Math Composite standardized test score
• National Percentile: 90 or above
• Class grade in Math: 90 or above
• Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test results:  A Stanine of 8 or above
• (Recommended time of testing – May of seventh grade year)
• Teacher evaluation/recommendation
  

(Because the Algebra I course incorporates numerous word problems that students need to solve, a teacher’s recommendation should take into consideration the reading comprehension standardized test score when making a final decision for placement in Algebra I.)

A student who does not meet this criterion must receive a favorable teacher recommendation to be considered for placement in Algebra I.
Prior to entering Algebra I as an eighth grader, the student will have mastered all Diocesan Mathematics Curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through pre-algebra.
Students who participate in summer programs for Algebra I are not guaranteed placement in Algebra I.
 
The students, who have completed Algebra in the eighth grade, are given placement tests by their chosen high schools prior to receiving credit for Algebra and then can be placed in Geometry as freshmen with the understanding that they complete Calculus in high school. Students completing Algebra I will receive credit for having completed that course on their high school transcripts. This however, does dot affect the high school grade point average. This math division splits the classes for science. There is NO difference in the science curriculum between the two classes. While one group is in science; the other is in math.

The Principal and the Math teacher have final discretion on the placement of all seventh and eighth grade math students.