Learning Math at True North: building logical thinking and creativity

Posted On: 24 July, 2025

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Math is not just about numbers and models...

Aside from the foundations of math, TNIS’s international math program is aligned with the Common Core Standards and is certified by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).  We would also like to offer special thanks to our dedicated math educators, Mr. Arsenii Paramonov, Mr. Peter Jurovich, Mr Hung Do Quang,  their work ensures that students not only learn math but also learn to love it.

 

The elementary mathematics program is built on the foundation of the Common Core State Standards, ensuring a rigorous and consistent framework for learning. We implement this through platforms such as Reveal Math and IXL, which support differentiated instruction and personalized growth. Beyond digital tools, our approach emphasizes real-world applications, play-based learning, and hands-on experiences to deepen conceptual understanding. For example, students explore geometry through their environment and engage in spatial awareness activities using a variety of math manipulatives such as tangrams, Unifix cubes, Magna-Tiles, and geoboards. By embedding mathematics in meaningful contexts, we empower students to transfer their skills across subject areas, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong appreciation for the role of math in everyday life.
 

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In Grades 1-5, students use  Reveal Math (K–5) crafted by McGraw Hill. TNIS educators will benefit from two flexible lesson design options, Activity-Based Exploration and Guided Exploration that are fully aligned with the K–5 curriculum and promote a smooth transition to middle school. During in-class practice, students complete On My Own activities to apply what they’ve learned and become more comfortable working with the math concepts. For additional support, Math Replay Videos provide quick recaps of key concepts for students to reference during independent study time, and each lesson includes  practice pages with embedded learning aids. Fluency in Reveal Math is more than just memorization, it emphasizes strategic thinking and conceptual mastery through daily routines, spiral reviews, and engaging, game-based learning activities. As for assessment, Reveal Math’s The Exit Ticket includes a daily formative assessment to check students’ understanding while also supplying teachers with data and recommendations for further instruction.

 

In addition to the Reveal Math program, teachers use hands-on exploration and real world experiences to introduce math concepts at TNIS. Beyond digital tools, our approach emphasizes real-world applications, play-based learning, and hands-on experiences to deepen conceptual understanding. For example, students explore geometry through their environment and engage in spatial awareness activities using a variety of math manipulatives such as tangrams, Unifix cubes, Magna-Tiles, and geoboards. By embedding mathematics in meaningful contexts, we empower students to transfer their skills across subject areas, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong appreciation for the role of math in everyday life.
 

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Reveal Math also emphasizes STEAM integration, helping students see that math is everywhere and applicable in the real world. STEAM-focused units across Grades K–8 encourage students to observe and make sense of the math in the world around them and authentic tasks that connect learning to their own experiences. Students grades 6-8 will be able to engage in rich, contextual problem-solving tasks to explore real-world concepts through recognizable STEAM scenarios. To further support personalized learning and measurable growth. The school also utilizes another practice platform ALEKS, an adaptive artificial intelligent, online math solution for Grades 3–12 designed to follow the curriculum. The ALEKS website identifies the topics each student is most ready to learn and delivers individualized instruction through assessment, learning, and reinforcement. With features such as periodic reassessment, customizable course content, and curriculum-aligned lessons, ALEKS accommodates diverse learning needs and helps build both confidence and mastery in math. 

 

As students transition into their highschool years, Reveal Math continues to support their growth with a research-based curriculum designed to engage learners through productive struggle, rich tasks, and mathematical discourse. This high school math program empowers educators to uncover the mathematician in every student by promoting deep conceptual understanding through powerful explorations, robust technology, and timely, insightful differentiation. The unique approach of Reveal Math ensures that students don’t just meet academic standards, but master them, preparing confidently for future learning and real-world application. Reveal Math Integrated offers tools like Web Sketchpad, allowing students to visual math concepts by exploring their relationships. These include drag-and-drop questions, equation editor problems, multiselect, and open response formats, ensuring that students gain both conceptual mastery and the practical skills needed for digital assessments. 


As for high school seniors, TNIS offers a range of math classes like AP Calculus AB & BC or AP Statistics. In addition to AP Classes, students are able to take Advanced Math Applications, a course that incorporates EVERFI’s Financial Literacy for High School; a digital education program designed to equip students with essential life skills. Through EVERFI’s interactive, student-centered modules, complex financial concepts are translated into practical, real-world strategies that help learners build financial literacy and confidence. This course empowers students to make informed, responsible financial decisions that support their long-term well-being and financial independence. EVERFI is a digital platform, so students engage with interactive, tech-enhanced learning tools. 
 

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