Discovery Academy of Science
Mathematics at Discovery Academy of Science
Building Confidence, Reasoning, and Problem-Solving Skills
Mathematics at Discovery Academy of Science is designed to help students build strong foundational skills while developing the confidence to tackle increasingly complex problems.
Students learn more than procedures. They explore mathematical ideas, explain their thinking, collaborate with others, and apply concepts to real-world situations. Our goal is to develop flexible thinkers who understand both how mathematics works and why it matters.
Our Approach to Mathematics
Understanding First. Fluency With Purpose.
At DAS, mathematics instruction combines conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, problem-solving, and meaningful application.
Students use models, discussion, hands-on activities, and structured practice to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Teachers use classroom performance and assessment data to provide targeted support, additional practice, or enrichment based on individual student needs.
As students progress, they are encouraged to explain their reasoning, compare strategies, persevere through challenging problems, and make connections between mathematical ideas.
What Students Build
Number Sense
Students develop a strong understanding of numbers, operations, relationships, and patterns.
Mathematical Reasoning
Students learn to analyze problems, identify strategies, and explain how they reached a solution.
Problem Solving
Students apply mathematical knowledge to unfamiliar problems and real-world situations.
Fluency
Students build accuracy and efficiency while maintaining an understanding of the concepts behind mathematical procedures.
Collaboration
Students discuss strategies, compare approaches, and learn from the mathematical thinking of others.
Real-World Application
Mathematics is connected to practical situations, STEM activities, data, measurement, and other areas of learning.
Core Math Programs
Elementary Grades
Go Math supports elementary students in developing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and the ability to apply mathematics in meaningful situations. Visual models, hands-on activities, guided practice, and problem-solving help students build a strong mathematical foundation.
Middle School
Illustrative Mathematics provides inquiry-based mathematics instruction that emphasizes reasoning, collaboration, problem-solving, and meaningful mathematical discussion. Students work through increasingly complex concepts while learning to explain their thinking and make connections across mathematical topics.
From Concepts to Solutions
Mathematics Through Exploration
Students learn mathematics best when they can see how ideas connect.
DAS classrooms give students opportunities to investigate patterns, use visual models, test strategies, discuss solutions, and apply mathematical concepts to practical situations. This approach helps students move beyond memorizing steps and toward understanding how and why a solution works.
Supporting Every Math Learner
Students enter the classroom with different strengths and levels of readiness.
Teachers use classroom observations, assessments, diagnostic information, and progress monitoring to identify where students may need additional support or greater challenge. Targeted instruction, small-group learning, supplemental practice, and enrichment opportunities help students continue progressing toward their individual goals.
Accelerated Math Pathways
Ready for the Next Challenge
Students who demonstrate readiness for advanced mathematics may have opportunities to move beyond grade-level coursework.
Accelerated pathways can include high-school-level courses such as Algebra I and Geometry, allowing eligible middle school students to earn high school credit while continuing to build the foundation needed for advanced mathematics in high school and beyond. Availability depends on student readiness, staffing, and scheduling.
Algebra I
High School Credit
Geometry
Advanced Coursework
Future Ready
Preparation for higher-level mathematics
Mathematics Across STEM+R
Math Is Everywhere
Mathematics plays an important role throughout the DAS STEM+R experience.
Students use mathematical thinking when analyzing scientific data, designing engineering solutions, working with technology, interpreting measurements, and solving real-world problems. Connecting mathematics to other disciplines helps students understand why the skills they learn in class matter.