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Mathematics
In grades 9-12, each student is required to complete three years of mathematics courses. The beginning course is determined by placement test scores, teacher recommendation, and previous courses completed. Placement may be reevaluated based on academic progress. Students are encouraged to take four years of mathematics courses during grades 9-12.
Algebra Concepts (YR)
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to take more time with algebraic concepts that may be difficult and to give students more individualized attention. This course is less rigorous than Algebra, but covers the same topics.
A scientific calculator is required, TI-30 recommended.
Prerequisite: Grade school teacher recommendation, student’s Explore test scores.
Two semesters, two credits.
Geometry Concepts (YR)
This course is designed to provide students more time with difficult geometric concepts and to give students more individualized attention. While the deductive character of geometry is preserved, emphasis is shifted from formal proofs to practical application and strengthening algebraic skills.
A protractor, ruler, compass, and scientific calculator are required, TI-30 recommended.
Prerequisite: Algebra or Algebra Concepts.
Two semesters, two credits.
Intermediate Algebra (YR)
This course offers an in-depth review of algebra with an introduction to many Advanced Algebra topics. Advanced topics include matrices, polynomials, logarithms, and exponential functions. The course is designed primarily to meet the needs of two groups of students: those who have completed the Algebra Concepts and Geometry Concepts sequence and who need to complete a third year of mathematics; or those students who need to strengthen their algebra skills before taking the Advanced Algebra course.
A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: Geometry Concepts or Formal Geometry.
Two semesters, two credits.
Algebra (YR)
This is an introductory algebra course that will also cover aspects of geometry, trigonometry, probability, and statistics. Students will learn a variety of methods to solve basic and complex equations and inequalities, graph relations and functions, use proportions, and analyze polynomials (including use of the quadratic formula). Students will apply these topics to real world situations as they learn problem-solving techniques.
A scientific calculator is required, TI-30 recommended.
Prerequisite: Grade school teacher recommendation, student’s Explore test scores.
Two semesters, two credits.
Formal Geometry (YR)
This course presents coordinates, transformations, measurement formulas, and three-dimensional figures. Concentrated work with proof-writing follows a carefully sequenced development of the logic of geometry. A protractor, compass, and scientific calculator are required, TI-30 recommended.
Prerequisite: Full year of Algebra.
Two semesters, two credits.
Advanced Algebra (YR)
This course is designed for those who wish to continue the traditional college preparatory sequence in mathematics. A strong algebra background is essential for success. This course emphasizes facility with algebraic expressions and forms, especially linear and quadratic forms, powers and roots, and functions based on these concepts. Students study logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial, and other special functions both for their abstract properties and as tools for modeling real-world situations.
A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: Formal Geometry or Intermediate Algebra.
Two semesters, two credits.
Functions and Trigonometry (S1)
A less rigorous alternative to precalculus, this one semester course integrates statistical graphic and algebraic concepts to study functions and transformations of functions. The course previews Precalculus in work in Functions, Logarithms, and Trigonometry. A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required. Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra.
A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra.
One semester, one credit.
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Statistics (S2)
This one-semester course offers an in-depth introduction to the field of statistics. Students will learn how to organize, interpret, and display numerical data. Data will be analyzed using statistical tools such as the normal distribution, the binomial distribution, and measures of center and spread. Students will also be introduced to probability theory as it relates to statistics.
A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra.
One semester, one credit.
Precalculus (YR)
This course is intended for students with a strong background in advanced algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Attention is focused on the understanding of concepts, both old and new, as well as on the refinement of manipulative skills. The precalculus course provides work in varied mathematical areas such as functions, logarithms, trigonometry, sequences, combinations, probability and conics. An emphasis is placed on integration and application of concepts.
A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: An average grade of “B” in Advanced Algebra is strongly recommended or completion of both Functions and Trigonometry and Statistics with a minimum grade of “B”.
Two semesters, two credits.
Mathematics Advanced Placement and Honors
Student registration in an Advanced Placement (AP) or honors course is based on academic record, teacher recommendation, and student motivation. AP courses are designed in conjunction with the curriculum expectations of the College Board's AP Program and also seek to prepare students to take the AP exams in May. Students may receive credit and/or AP standing at the college or university they plan to attend. Students and parents must be aware that AP and honors courses are quite rigorous and require a great deal of self-directed study and additional out-of-class time. Prerequisites must be met before a student can enroll in an AP or honors course. A student may enroll in an honors course only at the beginning of a school year. A student will be transferred from an honors level course to a regular level course at the semester if he or she is not maintaining a grade of "C" or better.
Honors Geometry (YR)
Honors Geometry provides an in-depth and very challenging study of geometry including rigorous proof and logic based problems. Strong algebra skills are essential.
A protractor, compass, and scientific calculator are required, TI-30 recommended.
Prerequisite: Completion of a yearlong Algebra course with a minimum grade of an “A” for at least one semester.
Two semesters, two credits.
Honors Advanced Algebra (YR)
This course provides an in-depth and very challenging study of advanced algebra.
A TI-83+ OR TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or higher in Honors Geometry for both semesters or a grade of “A” in Formal Geometry for at least one semester.
Two semesters, two credits.
Honors Precalculus (YR)
This course provides an in-depth and very challenging study of precalculus at an accelerated pace.
A TI-83+ OR TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or higher in Honors Advanced Algebra for both semesters or a grade of “A” in Advanced Algebra for at least one semester.
Two semesters, two credits.
AP Calculus AB (YR)
This is a rigorous course designed to reinforce and utilize the content of previous courses while acquiring the skills of differentiation and integration and an in-depth application of these concepts. The course includes, but is not limited to, all topics in the current Advanced Placement Calculus curriculum.
A TI-83+ OR TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: An average grade for the year of “B” in Precalculus or “B-” in Honors Precalculus.
Two semesters, two credits.
AP Calculus BC (YR)
This rigorous course covers the same differential and integral calculus topics that are included in the AP Calculus AB curriculum, plus many additional topics in differential and integral calculus including polynomial approximations and series. This is material that would be included in a two-semester calculus sequence at the college level. The course includes, but is not limited to, all topics in the current AP Calculus BC curriculum.
A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: an average grade of “B” for the year in AP Calculus AB.
Two semesters, two credits.
AP Statistics (YR)
This is a rigorous course designed to teach students how to organize, display, and interpret numerical data. An emphasis will be placed on the four major themes of the AP Statistics curriculum: exploring data, experimental design, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Topics beyond the AP curriculum will also be covered.
A TI-83+ OR TI-84+ calculator is required.
Prerequisite: An average grade for the year of “C+” in Precalculus or “C“ in Honors Precalculus.
Two semesters, two credits.
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