Mathematics Department

Student solving math problems on a white board in a classroom.

  • Our Mathematics Department offers a rich, standards-based math curriculum using the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards for Mathematics as a blueprint. As students progress through the elementary, middle, and high school levels, they are exposed to a wide variety of numeric, algebraic, and geometric concepts. At all levels, there is an emphasis on both computational/fact fluency and conceptual understanding so that students recognize mathematics in the world around them and are provided with the tools needed to become successful problem-solvers.

    Though many people may think of elementary school math as arithmetic, this is far from a complete picture. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are very important, of course. Hempfield’s elementary students are also exposed to a variety of concepts and skills related to algebra, geometry, number sense, measurement, and data.

    As students move into middle school and high school, they are offered a rigorous curriculum of Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, and Calculus courses, with the opportunity for electives in the fields of Statistics and Computer Science. Additionally, Hempfield offers Advanced Placement courses in Computer Science, Statistics, and Calculus.

    Outside of the classroom, Hempfield math students have opportunities to compete in regional, state, and sometimes national mathematics competitions. In grades 6 through 8, students have access to the MathCounts competition program. In high school, opportunities such as the Pennsylvania Math League contest and the American Mathematics Competition await those who are interested. Each year, Hempfield students are also invited to compete at local colleges and universities to test their mathematics and computer programming skills.