Integrated Math

At Roland Park Country School, we believe that mathematics is best learned through collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. We want to empower our students to feel confident in their mathematical abilities and achieve a deep level of mathematical understanding.
Our rigorous integrated math program develops strong mathematicians who can transfer their skills to become confident problem solvers and independent thinkers prepared to take on challenges in any field.

What does integrated math mean?

Instead of teaching math topics in isolation, the integrated math curriculum at RPCS connects multiple concepts into a cohesive learning experience. By emphasizing problem-solving, critical thinking, and the application of prior knowledge, it encourages deeper learning. Courses are integrated so that the study of math subjects like geometry, algebra, and statistics are woven together in a way that mirrors how these concepts naturally connect in the real world. Classes are structured as seminars where students present problems and discuss strategies, refining their understanding through teacher-facilitated discussions and direct instruction.

Why do we teach an integrated math curriculum?

The K-12 Integrated Math Program at RPCS encourages students to take risks, notice and test patterns, form conjectures, brainstorm strategies, analyze their responses for reasonableness, support their opinions and solutions, and consequently, develop solid problem-solving skills. By learning creative and flexible approaches to solving problems, students develop a deeper understanding of these math concepts and gain confidence and authority as mathematical thinkers. Integrated math also expands our students’ future possibilities in STEM fields.

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Integrated Math By Division

What Our Students Say About Our Math Program

“I’ve learned that there are a ton of different ways to solve the same problems. This is memorable to me because, in old math programs, I was always taught to do something in a specific way, but now I learn new methods from my peers.”

9th grader

“I’m enjoying integrated math. I like it because you’re in charge of your own learning. I love integrated math because each night when you’re doing the problems, you might not completely understand the topic yet, but you’re doing your best and putting in your best effort to complete the challenge. And then the next day you learn from everyone else how they tried to go at the problems…It’s also a different perspective on learning math and algebra.”

Erin, 8th grade

I love Harkness Math, it makes doing homework kind of like a puzzle for me because it's always just a little different or harder than the last assignment. Whenever I get a difficult problem correct, it feels so satisfying, especially because I know I could have just left an incorrect answer and gone over it in class. Instead, Harkness Math makes me want to keep trying on the problems I get wrong.

12th grader

“My favorite class is math because there are so many different ways to solve problems.”

Colbi, 5th grade

Learn More About Integrated Math

What is "Harkness"?

Harkness is a student-centered, discussion-based teaching method where students sit facing each other and collaboratively explore mathematical concepts. Our integrated, problem-based curriculum is designed so that each assignment contains all the information needed to solve the problems within the questions themselves. We follow an Experience First, Formalize Later (EFFL) model – students are expected to engage with the problems outside of class, before coming together to present their work in class, discuss their problem-solving approaches, and summarize key ideas. This method encourages students to take risks, notice and test patterns, form conjectures, brainstorm strategies, analyze their responses for reasonableness, support their opinions and solutions, and consequently, develop solid problem-solving skills.

Why Harkness Math at RPCS?

Harkness Math cultivates critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills – essential for success in college and beyond – while empowering students to become independent thinkers and confident problem solvers. Unlike a traditional math program, where students are often expected to follow a prescribed procedure, Harkness Math encourages creativity and exploration. Through Harkness, students move beyond rote memorization, gaining a deep and enduring understanding of mathematics by exploring, questioning, and reasoning together. At RPCS, this approach reflects our commitment to fostering an engaging, inclusive learning environment where every voice is valued, and students are challenged to reach their full potential. Students develop and share their unique problem-solving strategies, celebrating diverse approaches and deepening their understanding through discussion. Our integrated, problem-based curriculum enables students to uncover meaningful connections between mathematical concepts, with assignments designed to introduce and scaffold new ideas while building foundational problem-solving skills.

Do the students teach themselves?

No, students at RPCS do not teach themselves. While students do take an active role in their learning by discussing and solving problems together, the teacher plays a pivotal role in directing the learning process in a Harkness Math classroom. Teachers provide essential expertise, address misconceptions, emphasize key ideas, extend problems or give additional examples, and in many other ways help students cultivate a deep understanding of each problem. They also facilitate class discussions, ensuring every student contributes and maintaining a classroom atmosphere that promotes a growth mindset and respect and support for individual learning styles. By guiding and supporting the learning journey, they empower students to build confidence, think critically, embrace diverse perspectives, and take ownership of their learning.

Do students learn the same curriculum/standards that they learn in other programs?

Yes, students at Roland Park cover the topics covered in most traditional high school math curricula, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus. However, our integrated math approach weaves these topics together in a cohesive, problem-centered framework, helping students see connections between concepts. In addition to mastering content, students develop strong problem-solving, collaboration, and mathematical reasoning skills, preparing them for success in advanced coursework and beyond.

Is this program accessible for students with language-based learning differences?

Yes, the Harkness Math program is designed to support a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning differences (LBLD), and teachers provide individualized support as needed. Its discussion-based format provides multiple avenues for engagement, allowing students to participate in ways that suit their strengths. For example, for students with dyslexia or similar difficulties, oral communication offers an accessible alternative to process and express ideas. By discussing and explaining their thinking, students solidify their understanding of mathematical concepts while building confidence in their problem-solving abilities. Additionally, the collaborative nature of Harkness Math fosters a supportive, non-judgmental environment that can be an asset for students with LBLD. By working together, students benefit from exposure to diverse strategies, deepening their understanding and helping them feel valued as integral members of the learning community.

How do we help students with learning differences succeed within Harkness Math?

Students with learning differences consistently have their needs met in our program through cue cards that not only help the students learn how to study for math but also help them to chunk and organize the data in a fashion that they can easily mentally access. Teachers use color-coded techniques so that students can relate topics and find connections between them. When extra practice is needed to solidify a topic, the teacher will supplement materials to meet that need. Teachers work closely with the learning specialists to build a set of strategies that will benefit their students and align with their learning differences.

How does RPCS help students who are struggling in their math classes?

We provide a range of resources and accommodations to support students who may be struggling in math. One key resource is Math Workshop, a supportive space where students can work on assignments, receive extra help from teachers, and collaborate with peers. Many students, even those not currently struggling, attend Math Workshop regularly, finding it invaluable for deepening their understanding and building confidence. Additionally, our peer tutor program connects students with members of Mu Alpha Theta, our math honor society, for one-on-one support. We also offer all students the opportunity to complete test corrections to earn back ¼ of the points they lost, allowing them to deepen their understanding by learning from their mistakes and as well as raise their grade on the assessment.

What is the difference between Standard, Accelerated, and Honors?

The primary difference lies in the pacing, depth, complexity of the material, workload, and grading expectations.

Standard-level courses focus on building foundational skills at a steady pace, providing significant support and scaffolding.

Accelerated-level courses move at a faster pace, covering more material with less scaffolding to promote greater independence.

Honors-level courses are the most rigorous, emphasizing deep conceptual understanding and advanced problem-solving, with minimal scaffolding and a greater expectation of independence both in and out of the classroom.

Additionally, the workload increases with each level – Honors students typically have more challenging assignments with a higher volume of problems compared to Accelerated and Standard levels. Grading weightings also vary: Standard courses place equal emphasis on Habits of Learning (homework and classwork) as they do Assessments, while Accelerated and Honors courses place greater weight on assessments.

How much time do students spend on their math homework each night?

How do students’ standardized test scores compare?

At this moment, we do not have comprehensive data on standardized test scores. Our Harkness Math Program equips students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success on standardized tests like the SAT. Unlike traditional math programs focused on drill-and-skill practices, our approach encourages students to engage deeply with the problems. They learn to analyze given information, draw on prior knowledge, recognize patterns from similar problems, and apply appropriate strategies. This method not only strengthens their ability to solve complex, unfamiliar problems but also builds the resilience and confidence needed to tackle standardized tests with a thoughtful and strategic mindset.

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