Russian Math: Grades 7-8 A (Wednesdays, In-Person)

Grade 7 is the start of FORMAL ALGEBRA — the moment "math" becomes thinking with symbols. It introduces the function concept, equivalent transformations as named rules, polynomial arithmetic, and the first formal proof methods. Grade 8 deepens algebra and begins the formal language of mathematics: quadratics, radicals, systems, and the beginnings of trigonometry.

Taught through Peterson's Activity Method, the reasoning-first approach behind the world's strongest math programs. Peterson notes the 7th grader's "feeling of adulthood" makes them especially responsive to being taken seriously as a thinker — so the conversation in this classroom is peer-level mathematical work, not diminutives and drills.

How the classroom actually works

• Every step is checked for equivalence — the student names which rule of equivalent transformation justifies each move. The classic Grade 7 error is a non-equivalent step (dividing by an expression that could be zero, squaring both sides, losing solutions). Catching these requires naming the rule.
• When a function appears, the student describes it in words before manipulating symbols — "for each x, the function gives back…" — because the mapping intuition is the foundation. Symbol-pushing without it produces fragile knowledge that collapses in Grade 8.
• For algebraic fractions: "what values of the variable are allowed?" (the domain of definition) is asked before solving. Most fractional-equation errors come from clean algebra producing a "solution" that makes the denominator zero.
• Multiple solution paths and choosing the most efficient are routine. Elegant solutions are celebrated by name.

What your child will learn

Integer divisibility (congruences, Euclidean algorithm, fundamental theorem of arithmetic) · Monomials and polynomials in standard form · Abbreviated multiplication formulas (a±b)², a²−b², (a±b)³ + Pascal's triangle · Factoring (common factor, grouping, formulas, complete the square) · Equivalent equations and transformations · Linear equations, modulus equations, systems (graphical + algebraic) · Fractional-rational equations · Linear inequalities · The function concept, direct proportionality, linear and piecewise-linear · Proof by contradiction · Euler-Venn diagrams.

Class format

Up to 8 students. 90 minutes weekly, in-person at our Bernal Road classroom in South San Jose. Your first evaluation lesson is free.