Mathematics

The Mathematics curriculum is a standards-based program, with all Algebra and Geometry courses aligned to the Common Core State Standards as required by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Courses are intended to help students develop numeracy, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Placement is based upon previous coursework completed as well as teacher recommendations. Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 are the primary focus in the first three years of high school, continuing on through Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus, depending upon a student’s point of entry in grade 9 and/or their willingness to double up and move ahead. In addition, students may pursue a variety of elective courses offered.

All students must take and receive credit for a minimum of one mathematics or math related course each year. Students requiring Extended School Year classes for failed courses must do so during the summer immediately following the school year in which they did not pass the class. The chart on the next page shows various pathways a student can follow in mathematics as they progress through all grades, as well as the sequence of math courses and available math electives (in italics) by grade level. This is NOT designed to be a rigid structure, rather a guide for commonly taken pathways. H represents Honors course. AP® represents Advanced Placement courses, which counts as Honors credit. EEP represents Early Enrollment Program.

Note Regarding Required Math Courses

Students must earn at least 1 Math credit to become a junior and at least 2 Math credits to become a senior, this protects students from getting too far behind in Math. Regulations adopted by the RI Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Schools regarding high school reform mandates that all students take math all four years and earn four credits. However, certain senior Science classes may be considered a “math-related” class. So, in addition to any of the math courses listed in the math section, seniors may take any of the following math-related courses to satisfy this requirement:

Chemistry 2 Engineering Design Physics 1 Physics II

*In addition, the math-related provision for the programs listed below only applies to those seniors who successfully complete three years in the CTE programs listed.

Carpentry 1, 2, AND 3 Automotive 1, 2, AND MATHEMATICS

Common pathways