MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Department offers a wide variety of sequential courses. Students should select these courses according to their demonstrated performance in previous courses, teacher recommendations, their personal motivation, career goals / interests, and their mathematical aptitudes.  Students requiring extra support in Algebra I and Geometry will be recommended to an appropriate math lab.

The honors mathematics curriculum is conceptually equivalent to a four-course, advanced placement sequence with very high expectations. Only students who have a special desire to be pushed beyond the routine and are highly motivated in mathematics should consider honors courses. Students enrolled in honors classes are expected to think creatively and to extend concepts beyond basic ideas with very little time spent on drill and practice.

An integral part of the honors program is participation in Math Team. Honors students, starting in grade 9, are strongly encouraged to be active members of the Math Team. This activity exposes younger students to topics and techniques that will challenge them in future courses. Upperclassmen have an opportunity to stay current on all areas of math, not just those covered in their present math course. Participation in Math Team provides students with a definite advantage in current and future math studies.

Graphing calculators are used in a variety of math courses. The math department uses and supports the TI-83/84 graphing calculator in their classroom instruction. 

This course is a first year algebra course designed to build upon the student’s understanding of basic algebraic concepts. The course focuses on linear functions, equations and inequalities, and systems of linear equations.  In addition, the course includes an introduction to a variety of topics such as quadratic and exponential functions, and probability and statistics which are then explored in more depth and detail in Geometry and Algebra II.   Applications of concepts are included throughout the course in order to offer a concrete learning experience.
 

This is a first-year accelerated algebra course designed to build upon, and enrich, the student's understanding of basic algebraic concepts. This course will look at algebra from a concrete, problem-solving approach as well as from a conceptual point of view.  Students will solve equations and inequalities, and make graphs of families of functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, radical, and rational).  Success in this fast-paced course depends on diligent effort outside of class hours.
 

This course covers the basic concepts of Euclidean geometry, including some introductory proof writing. Also included are other topics such as coordinate geometry, right triangle trigonometry, and area and volume of two- and three- dimensional shapes and objects.
 

The core content of this course is typical of traditional Euclidean Geometry courses, with strong emphasis on deductive proofs. The honors class is significantly more demanding than the Geometry class with emphasis on more abstract reasoning and challenging non-routine problem solving.
 

Students enrolled in this second year algebra class will spend significant time on a variety of functions such as exponential, quadratic, and logarithmic. Matrices, systems of equations, and trigonometry are also covered.
 

Students will spend extensive time on analyzing, graphing and solving a variety of equations, such as exponential, quadratic, polynomial, logarithmic and periodic. Matrices, systems of equations, and trigonometry are also covered. The honors class will focus on advanced problems and applications and students are expected to challenge themselves on non-routine problems.
 

Honors Precalculus synthesizes work completed in previous honors math courses. It focuses on understanding the relationship between different functions such as exponential and logarithmic using their equations, graphs and applications. A comprehensive study of trigonometric functions is central to the course along with further work in areas of discrete mathematics covering areas such as sequences and series and probability. The course also introduces students to the basic concepts of calculus.
 

This course is recommended for students whose first college math course may be linked to the social sciences or business majors. The course will be an introduction to statistics covering topics including descriptive statistics, experimental design, simulations and introductory probability.
 

This class is a sequel to Statistics I. The class will go more deeply into the topics in semester I, particularly simulations and modeling. The class will also cover introductory inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Students will design their own statistical studies and report on the use of statistics in research.
 

This course is a semester course designed for students who have completed Statistics I and plan to enroll in a Pre-Calculus/Calculus sequence in college. The course focuses on a comprehensive study of trigonometry and functions. Students will also work to strengthen algebraic skills associated with these topics.

This class strictly follows the Advanced Placement curriculum outlined by the College Board. All students will be required to take the AP Exam in May. Students will work with one- and two-variable data, correlation, regression, normal and non-normal distributions, experimental design, inference and confidence intervals. The course contains extensive writing and justification of student work. Students should be prepared to commit time outside of class in studying for the AP Exam.
 

This course is offered to students who have pursued an accelerated program of studies in mathematics. The content is similar to that normally encountered in the first semester or two of college Calculus. Students are required to take the AP Calculus AB exam at the end of this course.