Mathematics

Senior High Curriculum

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. Beginning with the 2012 school year, this course no longer meets NCAA core course requirements.

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. Beginning with the 2012 school year, this course no longer meets NCAA core course requirements.

Prerequisite: Algebra (8th grade) or Algebra Plus.

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. Beginning with the 2012 school year, this course no longer meets NCAA core course requirements.

Prerequisite: Geometry Concepts or Formal Geometry.

Two semesters, two credits.

Algebra Plus (YR)

This course is designed for those students who completed an Algebra I course including only linear equations and exponential functions. This course will complete the Algebra I curriculum by covering quadratic, polynomial, rational, and radical equations and functions. Probability and statistics will also be covered. Additional topics may include piecewise linear functions, absolute value functions and transformations of all functions. A scientific calculator is required, TI-30 recommended.

Prerequisite: Algebra I.

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 (8th grade) or Algebra Plus.

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. A grade of “B” or higher in both semesters of Intermediate Algebra is strongly recommended.

Two semesters, two credits.

Functions & 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 work in Functions, Logarithms, and Trigonometry. A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required.

Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra.

One semester, one credit.

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: Completion of Advanced Algebra or completion of both Functions & Trigonometry and Statistics with an average grade of “B” is strongly recommended.

Two semesters, two credits.

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Mathematics Advanced Placement and Honors

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 is strongly recommended.

Two semesters, two credits.

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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 is strong recommended.

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 is strongly recommended.

Two semesters, two credits.

Jr. High Curriculum

Pre-Algebra

In this course students will investigate the multiple representations of numbers and work towards mastery of the computation of those numbers. Students will also learn how to solve many forms of linear equations and inequalities, including proportions and problems that require the application of percent. Connections between algebra, geometry, and data analysis will be examined throughout the year. In order to improve students’ abilities to communicate about mathematics, students will apply these pre-algebra topics to real-life problems as they learn problem-solving techniques. Students will also connect mathematics to technology through the introduction to graphing on computers and the use of spreadsheets.

Year-long course.

Algebra

This is an 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 linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and how to graph these functions. Students will apply these topics to real-life situations as they learn problem solving techniques. Students in Accelerated Algebra will cover additional concepts including use of the Quadratic Formula and performing operations on rational expressions. Students will use technology for math games, videos, introduction to graphing on computers and the use of spreadsheets.

Year-long course.

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