Algebra 1
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Grade 9 - Teacher recommendation, Grades 10-12 - Pre-Algebra
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Algebra 1 is the first course in abstract mathematics and the initial step in the regular sequence of high school mathematics. It provides the student with fundamental tools to explore mathematical concepts, search for patterns, and solve problems. Topics include simplifying expressions, solving equations and inequalities, translating mathematical sentences, graphing, solving systems of equations, and investigating the relationship between various quantities. Special attention is given to the study of linear and quadratic functions. A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned. The appropriate model of graphing calculator will be recommended during the first week of the course.
General Algebra 1
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: General Pre-Algebra
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
General Algebra 1 continues the study of variables, constants, expressions and equations. This course will provide students with fundamental tools to explore mathematical concepts, search for patterns, and solve problems. Topics covered include solving equations and inequalities, translating mathematical sentences, graphing, solving systems of equations, and investigating the relationship between various quantities. Teachers and counselors will determine placement.
Geometry
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Teacher Recommendation
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Geometry provides students with the essentials of geometry along with the reinforcement of algebraic concepts. Emphasis will be placed on discovering of the principles of geometry, logical thinking, and visualization of 2 and 3 dimensional objects. Topics include parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships within triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, area, surface area, volume, and circles. The course will be closely aligned with local and national standards, which fosters the use of real-world problems to make concepts more meaningful for students. The use of technology will be an integral part of this course.
Advanced Geometry
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Teacher Recommendation
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Advanced Geometry provides students an opportunity to formulate conjectures using inductive reasoning and construct proofs using deductive reasoning. Students will study the properties of points, lines, planes, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, circles, constructions, and triangle inequalities with an emphasis on logical arguments. The course provides extensive work using the Pythagorean Theorem in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. The course also covers the topics of area, volume, and linear measure of standard geometric figures along with a strong review of Algebra 1 using coordinate geometry. Students will be able to manipulate figures and discover geometric properties using the Geometer's Sketchpad.
General Geometry
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: General Algebra 1
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
General Geometry provides the students with the essentials of geometry along with reinforcement of algebraic concepts. Emphasis will be placed on discovery of the principles of geometry, logical thinking, and visualization of 2 and 3 dimensional objects. The course is a blend of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Each chapter ends with a review of not only the current chapter, but also every chapter from the beginning of the book. Teachers and counselors will determine placement.
Algebra 2
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Teacher Recommendation
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
This course is designed for students intending to satisfy a third year math requirement for colleges, but who will not be taking Pre-calculus. Together with Functions and Trigonometry, it provides a sound foundation in advanced algebra concepts with less rigorous pace than Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. A review of Algebra 1 is included along with new topics such as arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, a study of function families and their graphs, graphical transformations of function graphs, introduction to trigonometry, exponential functions, logarithms, polynomials, systems of equations, and probability and statistics. Triangle trigonometry will be emphasized with an introduction to circular trigonometric functions. A strong emphasis will be placed on using real-world data and hands-on explorations to investigate the topics mentioned above. A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry
Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Teacher Recommendation
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry is a transitional course between elementary studies in mathematics and more analytical and graphical reasoning. It builds on the concepts that are taught in Algebra 1. New topics that are introduced are complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational and irrational numbers and functions, trigonometric and circular functions, conic sections, and probability. Graphing functional relationships will be emphasized and problem solving based on real-world applications of these functional relationships is a central part of the course. Successful completion of this course will allow students to study advanced math in which trigonometry is used. A graphing calculator is required, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
Mathematical Problem Solving
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry
One semester, One credit
Non-routine and word problems are especially challenging for high school students. Our society has an increasing number of problems that demand a higher level of reasoning and problem solving skills. In this course, students will be encouraged to think "outside the box." Students will solve mathematical problems through the use of a variety of techniques, such as backwards reasoning, visual and organizational representations, modeling, changing perspectives, logic, unit analysis, and inductive and deductive reasoning. An emphasis will be placed on verbal and written communication of mathematics.
Functions and Trigonometry
Grade 11-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry
Semester 1, One credit
This is a one semester course that provides those students not taking Pre-calculus an opportunity to extend their mathematical skills and prepare for college level math. The use of various types of functions to model real-life data is examined. The study of trigonometry is continued, with an emphasis on circular trigonometric functions and their graphs. A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
Statistics
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry
Semester 2, One credit
This course helps students understand and appreciate the statistics around them, and to succeed in a college statistics class. Unlike AP Statistics, however, it does not lead to advanced placement credit. Crime, drug use, disease, pollution controls, real estate, extinction rates, survival rates, production, quality control, spending, earning, dieting, drinking, traveling – there isn't an issue relevant in our world today that doesn't have statistical data associated with it. In this course, students will explore the use of statistics in daily life, and will learn how to analyze data that appears in real-life situations. The validity of statistical reasoning and the basic ideas of statistical inference will be examined, covering topics such as populations, sampling parameters, point estimation, confidence intervals, and margins of error. Students will understand frequency distributions and their graphs and measures of central tendency and variability. A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
AP Statistics
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
This is a year-long course in statistics that will culminate in an AP test and advanced placement credit at many colleges and universities. (See counseling department for list and qualifying score.) In an ever-more technical world, it has become increasingly important for students to develop a serious understanding of the basics of statistics. This includes data collection and presentation, the planning of a statistical study, the use of probability models and simulation to predict occurrences of events, and statistical inferences via confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. This course will prepare students that will have college/university majors in social sciences, health sciences, education, or business for further studies in their field. Writing and problem solving skills are essential qualities for students that take this course. A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
Pre-calculus
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Pre-calculus is the study of functions, their graphs, and their applications. Students will learn how to approach problems numerically, graphically, algebraically, and verbally. Topics include function families, rates of change, transformations, composition, inverse functions, logic, trigonometry, vectors, polar graphs, parametric equations, optimization, and limits. Students will routinely use graphing calculators to investigate graphs, discuss real-world problems, and explore concepts which lay the foundation for calculus or another advanced mathematics course. A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
Advanced Pre-calculus
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: A- or better in Advanced Algebra 2 and Trigonometry and Teacher Recommendation
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
The intent of this course is to prepare students for taking AP Calculus BC the following year. The course is an in-depth and rigorous treatment of Pre-calculus and Trigonometry topics including challenging units in exponential functions, logarithms, sinusoidal functions, transformations of functions, polar equations, complex numbers, sequences and series, logistic functions, parametric equations, advanced graphing techniques, and symbolic logic. Initial topics in calculus are introduced and considerable work is done with limits. Like the regular Pre-calculus course, students learn how to approach problems numerically, graphically, algebraically, and verbally. A key difference from the regular Pre-calculus course is the greater depth of theory as well as a faster pace and a greater breadth of material. A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
AP Calculus AB
Grade 12
Prerequisites: Pre-calculus
Semester 1-2
One credit per semester
Through intuitive, analytic, numerical, and graphical thinking, students will explore the fundamental concepts of Calculus. Topics include limit theory, continuity, the derivative, the definite integral, techniques of integration, applications of the derivative and definite integral, and differential equations. The use of technology and applications will be discussed throughout the course. Upon successful completion of the course, students will take the College Board Calculus AB Advanced Placement Exam. Students with qualifying scores on this exam will receive equivalent credit for one semester of calculus at many colleges and universities. (See counseling department for list and qualifying score.) A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.
AP Calculus BC
Grade 12
Prerequisites: Advanced Pre-calculus or Teacher Recommendation
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
This course covers all of the topics in Calculus AB, but includes additional topics that prepare students to take the College Board Calculus BC Advanced Placement Exam. Additional topics include limit theory, techniques of integration, logistic functions, series, additional theory of calculus, derivatives of parametric and polar functions, and possibly systems of differential equations, partial derivatives, multiple integrals and vector calculus. Student with qualifying scores on this exam will receive equivalent credit for two semesters of calculus at many colleges and universities. (See counseling department for list and qualifying score.) A graphing calculator is required for this course, which allows students to more thoroughly investigate the mathematics being learned.