Course Descriptions

Required and elective courses offered for the school year are listed in this section. Most, but not all, courses will also be offered in subsequent years. Course availability depends on enrollment. 

Explore Our Secondary Curriculum

Math

Please note for middle school students: Mathematics placement examinations are administered in May to all incoming 7th graders and new 8th graders. The criteria used for mathematics placement are as follows: Campbell Hall placement examination; teacher recommendation, standardized test scores; and past performance (report cards).

  • Principles of Pre-Algebra

    The Principles of Pre-Algebra course is to serve as a bridge between elementary mathematics and algebra. This course will build a foundation of algebraic concepts through the use of technology, manipulatives, problem solving, and cooperative learning. Students begin the year with an overview of all arithmetic operations, including whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Concepts include algebraic expressions, rational numbers, linear equations, prime factorization, ratio, proportion, inequalities, geometry, statistics, and graphing. Projects, group activities, and computer software will be used to enhance and illustrate the topics covered throughout the year. Problem solving, reasoning, estimation, and connections between math and everyday applications will be emphasized throughout this course. (A one year course for 7th grade students.)

  • Pre-Algebra

    This is a one year traditional foundation course requiring a strong mastery in all areas of basic mathematics. Students review arithmetic skills, properties of numbers, and number theory using whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Linear equations, coordinate graphing, square roots, exponents and properties of equality will be studied. Students will also solve ratio, proportion and percentage problems. Students are encouraged to explore these topics by interpreting real world data into mathematical statements and analyzing the answers based upon realistic context. Projects, group activities, and computer software will be used to enhance and illustrate the topics covered throughout the year. The curriculum emphasizes connections within mathematics and to other disciplines. The course develops concepts through real world applications, and encourages independent and cooperative learning. (A one-year course for 7th grade students.)

  • Principles of Algebra

    This course starts with a review of percentages, fractions, decimals, ratio, and proportion. Students apply previously learned concepts to word problems and real-life applications. Basic algebra techniques and problem-solving strategies will be covered in Principles of Algebra, which include solving algebraic equations, using properties in simplifying algebraic expressions, performing operations using signed numbers, and graphing on the number line and Cartesian coordinate plane. Radical expressions and equations will also be explored. Students will be introduced to factoring polynomials, multiplying polynomials and systems of equations. (Prerequisites: Successful completion of Principles of PreAlgebra or teacher recommendation.)

  • Algebra IA

    This is a one-year foundation course designed to cover all aspects of Algebra I in a less theoretical approach. Students will review integer operations, linear equations and properties of equality. Concepts include the study of functions, systems of linear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, factoring polynomials, and radicals. In addition, students will solve multiple step equations and inequalities including absolute value. The curriculum emphasizes connections within mathematics and to other disciplines. The course develops concepts through real world applications, and encourages independent and cooperative learning. (Prerequisites: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra.)

  • Algebra IB

    This is a one-year foundation course designed to cover all aspects of Algebra I. Students will learn and explore the concepts of functions, systems of linear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, factoring polynomials, and radicals. In addition, students will solve multiple step equations and inequalities including absolute value. Topics are presented in more depth and students are presented with problems on assessments that require synthesizing concepts and making conjectures. Group activities using an abstract approach to problem-solving are emphasized in this course. The curriculum emphasizes connections within mathematics and to other disciplines. The course develops concepts through real world applications, and encourages independent and cooperative learning. (Prerequisites: Grade of B+ or higher in Pre-Algebra.)

  • Pre-Algebra Honors

    This course offers a challenging study of topics designed for students who have done exemplary work and showed mastery of sixth grade mathematics topics. Students begin the year with a quick overview of arithmetic operations, properties of numbers, and number theory using whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Linear equations, coordinate graphing, square roots and exponents will be studied as well as translating word statements into algebraic language and multiple-step equations. Students are encouraged to explore these topics by interpreting real world data into mathematical statements and analyzing the answers based upon realistic context. Projects, group activities, and computer software will be used to enhance and illustrate the topics covered throughout the year. Topics are presented in more depth and assessments require students to synthesize information and use critical thinking to answer open-ended questions. (A one-year course for 7th grade students.)

  • Algebra I Honors

    Algebra I Honors in the middle school curriculum is a one year course designed for students who have demonstrated strength in Pre-Algebra and the commitment to succeed at an accelerated level. This is a challenging one-year course designed for mathematically talented students who performed at an exemplary level in Pre-Algebra. This course stresses both the symbolic structure of algebra and the development of problem-solving models. Students become adept at solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities involving one or two variables and compound sentences. Students are introduced to solving absolute value equations and inequalities, rational and radical equations, as well as quadratic functions with the incorporation of geometric foundations. Topics are presented in more depth and assessments require students to apply concepts to real-world applications and synthesize information. (Prerequisites: 97.5% or higher in Pre-Algebra; B or higher in Honors Pre-Algebra; Mathematics Department Chair approval)

  • Geometry Honors

    Geometry Honors is the second course in a challenging 5-course series designed for students seeking a more rigorous approach to mathematics. This Euclidean plane and solid geometry course extensively studies the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, planes, angles, 2-dimensional shapes, and 3-dimensional solids. Special attention is given continually to the reasoning and logic needed to understand and display proof. Throughout the year, this course is infused with algebra and enriched with geometry’s historical origins and contemporary applications. Transformational geometry, the foundations of trigonometry, and an in-depth study of coordinate geometry are included. Computer applications and the graphing calculator assist in discovering, visualizing and verifying results. Topics are presented in more depth and assessments require students to think critically and synthesize information. (Prerequisites: A- or higher in Algebra 1B or a B or higher in Algebra I Honors; Mathematics Department Chair approval)

Prerequisites + Recommendation for Courses

Some courses have prerequisites and/or require recommendation from the teacher and department chair. Students should direct questions regarding their course placement to their teachers in the spring, before or after their individual course request meetings with a principal, dean, or college counselor. Most honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses require certain grades in previous courses. A student must earn a grade of A- or higher (as determined by averaging the percentages of T1 and T2 grades) in a regular class in order to be granted the option to enroll in the next level of advanced study (usually honors or AP; in math, the next tier up of three).

Honors + Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

  • Generally move at a quicker pace and cover more material than regular college-prep courses of the same subject/name, with often higher expectations in terms of homework load
  • Are exempt from the policy that a student must have two or fewer major assessments on a day
  • Have prerequisite courses and/or grades for entry 

University of California (UC) Approved Courses

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are approved by the UC, meaning that a C- or higher in that course counts towards satisfying UC requirements and count towards a student’s UC GPA. Many courses without the mark are pending approval. These courses also marked with a (†) have an Honors/AP designation (extra GPA point) with the UC. Read more details on UC requirements
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Campbell Hall is a K-12 independent, Episcopal, gender-inclusive day school. We are a community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.

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