Math Courses
Students earning a standard diploma complete two math courses from among Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II. Students complete one additional math elective.
Students earning an advanced diploma complete three math courses from among Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Students complete one additional math elective.
Math Course Options for Graduation
Algebra I
Prerequisite: Math 7 Extended or Math 8 (Pre-Algebra)
Algebra provides a systematic way to represent mathematical relationships and analyze change. Students will make connections and build relationships between algebra and arithmetic, geometry, and probability and statistics. Connections will also be made to other subject areas through practical applications. Students are required to use algebra as a tool for representing and solving a variety of practical problems. Tables and graphs will be used to interpret algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities and to analyze behaviors of functions. Graphing calculators, computers, and other appropriate technology tools will be used to assist in teaching and learning. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test.
Adv. Algebra I:
Prerequisite: Math 7 Extended or Math 8 (Pre-Algebra)
This course is designed for those students who have completed the Middle School Extended Mathematics curriculum prior to 8th grade or completed 8th grade Pre-algebra with a “B” or better. Advanced Algebra I students are expected to master all of the Algebra I objectives as well as some of the Algebra II objectives. Students taking this course are expected to continue their studies with an Advanced Geometry course followed by Algebra II/Trigonometry. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test.
Algebra I Double Block
Prerequisite: None
Algebra 1 Double Block takes place over two periods for the year, so students have math every day (instead of every other day). This course is great for students to get more support in building their foundational math knowledge, before moving on to more advanced math classes throughout high school. In Semester 1, students earn an elective credit for Algebra 1 Part 1 and in semester 2, students earn a math credit for Algebra 1.
Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra I or Algebra I, Parts 1 and 2
All students are expected to successfully complete Geometry. This course includes emphasis on two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. A variety of real-world applications and general problem-solving techniques, including algebra skills, are used to implement these standards. Calculators, computers, graphing utilities (graphing calculators or computer graphing simulators), dynamic geometry software, and other appropriate technology tools will be used.
Adv. Geometry:
Prerequisite: Adv. Algebra I
This course includes emphasis on two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. Students will use a variety of applications and problem-solving techniques including algebraic skills. The intent of this course is to provide students with many opportunities to explore, conjecture, reason logically, formulate and solve problems, and communicate mathematically. Calculators, computers, graphing calculators or computer graphing simulators, dynamic geometry software, and other appropriate technology tools will be used to assist in teaching and learning.
AFDA (Algebra, Functions, Data Analysis)
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course is designed for students who have completed Algebra I but need time to further develop algebraic to ensure success in Algebra II. Within the context of mathematical modeling and data analysis, students will study functions and their behaviors, inequalities, probability, experimental design, and analysis of data. Data will be generated by practical applications arising from science, business, and finance. Students will solve problems that require the formulation of linear, quadratic, exponential, or logarithmic equations or a system of equations.
Algebra II:
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry
All students preparing for post-secondary and advanced technical studies are expected to achieve the Algebra II standards. A thorough treatment of advanced algebraic concepts will be provided through the study of functions, “families of functions,” equations, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational and radical equations, complex numbers, and sequences and series. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications and modeling throughout the course of study. Graphing utilities (graphing calculators or computer graphing simulators), computers, spreadsheets, and other appropriate technology tools will be used to assist in teaching and learning.
Adv. Algebra II
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra I, Advanced Geometry, and teacher recommendation
Advanced Algebra II is taught at an accelerated pace. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Students will participate in these tests only when they have not yet earned sufficient credit for graduation and/or satisfied federal testing requirements. Algebra II is required for the Advanced Studies Diploma.
Students do not use a calculator for half of the course
Extended Math Courses
Algebra III with Trigonometry
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Advanced Mathematics extends both algebra and trigonometry topics. Emphasis is on functions and their inverses, equations and inequalities, graph theory, matrices, sequences and series, conic sections, and logarithms. Trigonometry topics include triangular and circular definitions of the trig functions, trig identities, and solutions of trig equations. This course does not meet the prerequisite for Calculus AB or BC.
Pre-Calculus AB with Trigonometry
Prerequisite: Algebra II and teacher recommendation
Precalculus with Trigonometry for AB is a one-year preparatory course for AP Calculus AB. Basic course content is comprised of the algebra of real numbers, complex numbers and polynomials; exponential, polynomial and logarithmic functions; circular functions and trigonometry
Pre-Calculus BC
Prerequisite: Algebra II / Trigonometry and teacher recommendation
Precalculus for BC is a one-year preparatory course for AP Calculus BC. The course content is comprised of the algebra of real numbers, vectors, complex numbers and polynomials; exponential, polynomial and logarithmic functions; and analytic geometry.
Statistics
Prerequisite: Algebra II
This full year course course is an introduction to statistics that emphasizes working with data, graphs, and statistical ideas. Course content includes theory of probability, description of statistical measurements, sampling and experimental design, and the normal distribution. Optional topics include statistical inference involving two populations, linear regression, and correlation. Graphing utilities and other relevant technology tools will be used when appropriate to support instruction, especially to allow students to explore graphical, numerical, and symbolic relationships.
AP and Dual Enrollment Math Courses
AP Computer Science Principles
Prerequisite: Algebra I
The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests. Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society, and world. This course may not be used for a math credit. This course is equivalent to the Software Engineering (PLTW) course. Therefore, students who have taken the Software Engineering (PLTW) course should not enroll in this AP Computer Science course as additional credit will not be granted.
AP Computer Science A
Prerequisite: Geometry or Teacher Recommendation
The focus of this course is to provide students with a conceptual background in computer science. The major emphasis is on programming methodology, algorithms, and non-dynamic data structure in the JAVA language. This course prepares a student for advanced placement in computer science by means of the Advanced Placement Examination Level A in Computer Science of the College Entrance Board. Students are required to take the AP Computer Science A examination which is administered in May
AP Statistics
Prerequisite: Algebra II
The Advanced Placement Statistics course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: Exploring Data: observing patterns and departures from patterns, anticipating patterns Planning a Study: deciding what and how to measure Producing models using probability theory and simulation, Inference: drawing conclusions from sample data. Students are required to take the AP Statistics examination which is administered in May. Students who successfully complete the course and the AP Statistics Examination may receive credit for a one-semester introductory college statistics course.
AP Calculus BC
Prerequisite: Precalculus for BC and teacher recommendation
AP Calculus BC is intended for students who have a thorough knowledge of analytic geometry and elementary functions. Although all of the elements of the AP Calculus AB course are included, this course provides a more rigorous treatment of these introductory calculus topics. The course also includes the development of the additional topics required by the College Entrance Examination Board in its syllabus for AP Calculus BC. Among these are parametric, polar, and vector functions; the rigorous definition of limit; advanced integration techniques; Simpson’s Rule; length of curves; improper integrals; Hooke’s Law; and the study of sequences and series. The use of the graphing calculator will be fully integrated into instruction and students will be called upon to confirm and interpret results of problem situations that are solved using available technology. Students are required to take the AP Calculus BC examination which is administered in May. College credit and/or advanced placement in college is available to those students receiving a qualifying score on the AP Examination.
Pre-Calculus AB with Trigonometry Dual Enrollment
Prerequisite: Students will complete both MTH 161 and MTH 162
This course is a one-year dual enrollment preparatory course for AP Calculus AB. Basic course content is comprised of the Algebra of real numbers, complex numbers and polynomials; exponential determine whether or not a solution exists (existence problems), investigate how many solutions exist (counting problems), and focus on finding the best solution (optimization problems).
AP Calculus AB
Prerequisite: Precalculus with Trigonometry for AB or Precalculus for BC and teacher recommendation
AP Calculus AB explores the topics of limits/ continuity, derivatives, and integrals. These ideas are examined using a multi-layered approach including the verbal, numerical, analytical, and graphical analysis of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their inverses. The student will be expected to relate the connections among these approaches. Students will also be required to synthesize knowledge of the topics of the course to solve applications that model physical, social and/or economic situations. These applications emphasize derivatives as rates of change, local linear approximations, optimizations and curve analysis, and integrals as Riemann sums, area of regions, volume of solids with known cross sections, average value of functions, and rectilinear motions. As mandated by the College Board, graphing calculators will be required. Students are required to take the AP Calculus AB examination which is administered in May. College credit and/or advanced placement in college is available to students receiving a qualifying score on the AP Examination.