High School Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum provides all students with a comprehensive mathematics education. Students study a core of algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills needed for mathematical competence and for the study of advanced mathematics. Three years of mathematics to at least Algebra 2 level are required for graduation. Graphing calculators are required in all classes.

Geometry (full year - 1 credit):Geometry is the first course in the High School mathematics sequence. Students explore geometry topics using a textbook, constructions and Geometer’s Sketchpad (computer software). It includes topics such as inductive reasoning; constructions; the properties of lines, angles, polygons and circles; transformations; area; the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications; volume; similarity and basic trigonometry.

Introduction to Algebra 2 (full year - 1 credit):This course reinforces the material that students have learned in an Algebra 1 course and introduces students to a number of topics from Algebra 2, including solving and graphing linear inequalities and systems of linear equations and inequalities; solving quadratic equations, both graphically and algebraically; and studying powers.

Intermediate Algebra 2 (full year – 1 credit): This course is a continuation of the course Introduction to Algebra 2. It covers topics in advanced algebra, such as matrices, rational exponents, roots and radicals, polynomials and trigonometry.

Algebra 2 (full year - 1 credit):For students with sufficient knowledge of algebra, Algebra 2 is the second course in the High School mathematics sequence. It builds upon the concepts and techniques of Algebra 1 and provides a more rigorous conceptual grounding for the advanced mathematics courses. It includes topics such as properties of real numbers; solving and writing linear equations and functions; solving and graphing linear inequalities and systems of linear equations and inequalities; solving quadratic equations, both graphically and algebraically; studying powers, roots and radicals; polynomial functions; conic sections and trigonometry.

Pre-Calculus: Prerequisites - Algebra 2 (full year - 1 credit): This course, a preparation for the study of Calculus, is intended for students who have studied mathematics up to the Algebra 2 level. The major topics include the study of coordinate geometry and the analysis of rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Students who successfully complete this course should be equipped to take the SAT II, Level IC mathematics exam.

Discrete Mathematics: Prerequisites - Algebra 2 (full year - 1 credit): Discrete Mathematics is a unique course that explores mathematics from a practical, real-world point of view. It has become popular in recent decades because of its applications to computer science and business management. The course primarily focuses on problem-solving skills and does not necessarily require a strong background in algebra. Topics explored may include democratic voting methods, network and routing problems, fair division of resources, task scheduling, statistics and probability, and fractal geometry.

Calculus I: Prerequisites - Pre-Calculus (full year - 1 credit): Calculus is a major area in mathematics. It builds heavily on the concepts developed in Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus, and is used to solve problems in mathematics, science, and engineering, many of which cannot be solved using algebra alone. The course is divided into two major branches, differential calculus and integral calculus. Applications of differential calculus include computations involving velocity and acceleration, the instantaneous rate of change, and optimization of functions. Some applications of integrals include finding the area under a curved function and calculating the volume of three-dimensional solids.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB: Prerequisites - Pre-Calculus (full year - 1 credit): This advanced level course prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in AB Calculus. This is an enhanced version of Calculus I and explores the concepts and techniques of calculus with greater complexity and rigor. Students are required to take the AP Calculus AB exam in May.

Statistics/AP Statistics: Prerequisites - Pre-Calculus (full year - 1 credit): The Statistics course includes topics such as Describing Data, Experiment Design, Probability, and Statistical Inference. Optional supported study outside the regular course is available for students who wish to prepare for the AP Statistics exam.