The chief goals of mathematics instruction at Hunter College High School are the development of problem solving abilities and understanding. We believe that these are at the heart of mathematics, and that they transfer to other academic areas and beyond. Thus, we emphasize creative and alternative methods of viewing and solving problems as opposed to a more mechanical, formula-oriented style of learning; in classroom instruction, we stress the why of mathematics, as opposed to a memory intensive approach.

Classroom instruction and homework assignments are structured to include problem solving so that students experience the satisfaction and joy of doing mathematics and achieve a sense of mathematical self-reliance.

Incoming 7th Grade
Placement test (given in May) plus Dept Evaluation. (Accelerated students to be re-evaluated after first marking period-end of the first quarter)

7th Graders seeking placement in 8E
Placement test (given in April) plus teacher evaluation.

8th and 9th Graders transfer from H to E
Students who receive an A+ in Mathematics will be considered by the Department for automatic transfer from H to E. Automatic transfer means that if a students chooses to transfer, he or she will not have to take a Proficiency Exam in September. Students who receive an A+ but are not selected by the Department for automatic transfer may take a Proficiency Exam in September.
Students who receive an A or higher in Mathematics qualify to take a Proficiency Exam in September.
A student who signs up to take a Proficiency Exam should obtain a copy of the syllabus for the appropriate course, and may borrow textbooks to study over the summer. We also suggest that the student borrow the class notes of a student who has taken that course.

Note: Minimum grade of B to stay in an E class

Acceleration (Skip a Grade)
A+ for the year and evaluation of results of Proficiency exam by the Department

Failures
To advance to the next grade: Pass Proficiency given in September (Reviewed by Dept) or pass an approved Summer School Program (Students taking Summer School at Hunter College High School must pass our Proficiency Exam given at the end of the program)

11th Graders to qualify for Calculus

From 11E to AB
Minimum grade of B- for year (no lower than a C per semester)
From 11H to AB
Minimum grade of B- for year (No lower than C+ per semester)
From 11H to BC
Minimum grade of A- for year (No lower than B+ per semester)
From 11E to BC
Minimum Grade of B+ for year (No lower than B per semester)

To qualify for AP Statistics

10th Grade
Minimum grade of B (no lower than a B per semester)
11th Grade
Minimum grade of C (No lower than C per semester)

To qualify for Intro to Calculus
From 11E to BC
Minimum Grade of B+ for year (No lower than B per semester)