Math
The current graduation requirement is three years (six semesters) of high school level mathematics. All four-year Washington State colleges require the completion of Algebra 2, or the approved equivalent, as a minimum. To enable students to be competitive in the marketplace of the future, four years of mathematics are strongly recommended, through Pre-calculus preferred.
Placement of ninth grade students will be determined by teacher recommendation and previous math course placement.
The sequential nature of mathematics requires that students demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills at each level to ensure they have the necessary foundation upon which to build continued success at each level. Student will be better prepared to address the new skills and content of each subsequent math class if they meet the standard of passing each prior mathematics class with a C or better.
Students are required to pass Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (or approved equivalent), before progressing to the next course in the sequence. Students taking advanced classes (Statistics, Calculus, Pre-Calculus) are required to pass each semester of the course before moving on to the next semester.
Calculators are available in the classroom for student use. We encourage all students to purchase their own calculator to use at home. We currently teach with the TI-83 and TI-84 graphing calculator, which is used in all math classes (and many of the science classes).
Algebra 1
Grades: 9-11
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Math Year 1
Description: This first course of Algebra explores algebraic expressions, solving multi-step equations and inequalities, linear systems, quadratics, exponential and rational functions. Manipulation of polynomials, factoring, and elementary statistics and probability are also studied.
Geometry
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or equivalent
Graduation requirement: Math Year 2
Description: This course develops geometric reasoning and understanding of relationships between points, lines, and angles. Students will study perpendicular and parallel lines, triangle similarity, congruence and trigonometry, and properties of polygons and circles.
Geometry/Alg 2 Advanced
Grades: 9-10
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 with a B or better and teacher recommendation
Graduation requirement: Math Year 2
Description: This course develops geometric reasoning and understanding of relationships between points, lines, and angles. Students will study perpendicular and parallel lines, triangle similarity, congruence and trigonometry, and properties of polygons and circles.
Students will learn how to analyze linear, quadratic, polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Solving systems of equations, linear programming, trigonometric identities, and probability and statistics will also be studied.
This course will be taught consecutively within one school year at an accelerated pace.
Algebra 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Geometry or equivalent
Graduation requirement: Math Year 3
Description: Students will learn how to analyze linear, quadratic, polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Solving systems of equations, linear programming, trigonometric identities, conic sections, and probability and statistics will also be studied.
Math 120: UW Precalculus
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or equivalent
Graduation requirement: Math
Description: This course covers basic properties of functions, graphs; with emphasis on linear, quadratic, trigonometric, exponential functions and their inverses. The emphasis is on multi-step problem-solving. This is a more accelerated course than AP Precalculus; in addition to the content covered in AP Precalculus, students in UW Math 120 will also learn about parametrics, vectors, inverses and circular motion.
Courses offered through UWHS are actual credit-bearing college courses, meaning you can earn college credit by successfully completing the course. AP courses are college-level courses that prepare students to take the corresponding AP exam, and your exam score may allow you to earn college credit at the college or university you attend. With UWHS, your grade is based on the work you do throughout the course, not just one high-stakes exam at the end. More than 90% of students who take a course through UWHS successfully earn UW credit.
Math 124: UW Calculus I
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Math 120 or equivalent
Graduation requirement: Math
Description: This course is the first course in a three-course sequence on the calculus of functions of a single variable. It emphasizes differential calculus and applications and problem-solving using the tools of calculus.
Courses offered through UWHS are actual credit-bearing college courses, meaning you can earn college credit by successfully completing the course. AP courses are college-level courses that prepare students to take the corresponding AP exam, and your exam score may allow you to earn college credit at the college or university you attend. With UWHS, your grade is based on the work you do throughout the course, not just one high-stakes exam at the end. More than 90% of students who take a course through UWHS successfully earn UW credit.
AP Calculus BC
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB
Graduation requirement: Math
Description: This course covers the second 2 quarters of a college calculus course. Students will review the basic applications of integration, and then be introduced to improper integrals, infinite series, conics and vectors. Students may earn college credit by earning a 3 or better on the AP Calculus BC exam in May.
Probability and Statistics
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry, teacher recommendation
Graduation requirement: Math Year 3
Description: Students will be introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The topics include, but are not limited to organization, display, and interpretation of data; producing data – samples, simulations, and experimental design; probability rules and sampling distribution; and inference study of distributions, proportions, and regression. Students will be required to communicate mathematical ideas both orally and in writing.
AP Computer Science A
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Indicator of success: Successful completion of Geometry
Graduation requirement: CTE and Math (dual requirement)
CTE dual college credit:
Introduction to Programming Bates TC SOFT 102 5 credits
Clover Park TC CPW 101 5 credits
Pierce College CSS 122 5 credits
Description: Equivalent to a first-semester college course, AP Computer Science introduces you to fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data, approaches to processing data, analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. Enrich your leadership, design, and innovation skills by actively participating in the student leadership organization TSA (Technology Student Association). Interested students should check out this course video.
NCAA approved for math.
AP Statistics
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Graduation requirement: Math
Description: This course is typical of an introductory college course in statistics. Students will be introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students may earn college credit by earning a 3 or better on the Advanced Placement test in May. In preparation for the AP exam the following topics need to be mastered:
Organization, Display, and Interpretation of Data
Producing Data: Samples, Simulations, and Experimental Design
Probability: Probability Rules and Sampling Distributions
Inference Study: Distributions, Proportions, Chi Square and Regression
Students will be required to communicate mathematical ideas both orally and in writing. Interested students should check out this course flyer.
Intro to Computer Science 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: CTE and Math (dual requirement)
Description: Want to better understand the technologies that surround us every day? Are you interested in learning about how computer technologies work and the ideas behind them? Introduction to Computer Science will provide the foundation for understanding computer graphics, robotics, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. You will learn to program and implement the ideas you learn into projects. Enrich your leadership, design, and innovation skills by actively participating in the student leadership organization TSA (Technology Student Association).
Not NCAA approved for math.
Intro to Computer Science 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Computer Science 1 or previous coding recommended
Graduation requirement: CTE and Math (dual requirement)
Description: Computing has changed the world in profound ways: it has opened wonderful new ways for people to connect, design, research, play, create, and express themselves. However, using the computer is just a small part. This course is introductory programming, using Python, a text-based programming language, that helps prepare students for more advanced programming courses. Students will enrich leadership, design, and innovation skills by actively participating in the student leadership organization TSA (Technology Student Association).
Not NCAA approved for math.
Physics
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Geometry or teacher approval
Graduation requirement: Lab Science or Math
Description: This is an algebra-based course taught to master the fundamental concepts of physics for students who are considering further study in technology, engineering and/or the physical sciences. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills through examinations of various phenomena. Additional units include introductions into astrophysics, geophysics and waves. Physics may fulfill the third math requirement after Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Mathematical Systems 1
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Geometry or equivalent
Graduation requirement: Math Year 3
Description: The content and instructional strategies support increased attainment of the common core high school content standards while developing the standards for mathematical practice. Students will begin with learning about numbers and operations. That knowledge will then be applied to algebra with equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, systems of linear equations, and systems of inequalities.
Mathematical Systems 2
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Geometry or equivalent
Graduation requirement: Math Year 3
Description: The content and instructional strategies support increased attainment of the common core high school content standards while developing the standards for mathematical practice. Students will continue learning Algebra with polynomials, especially quadratics. That knowledge will then be applied to personal finance, geometry, probability and statistics.
Financial Algebra
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Geometry or equivalent
Graduation requirement: CTE and Math Year 3 (dual requirement)
Description: Take control of your financial future with this engaging course covering topics from getting your first job to retirement and everything in between. Students will develop an understanding of wise credit use and learn the value of saving and investing. Topics include budgeting, paying for college, buying a house, getting a credit card and/or car loan, and much more. When included as a part of a student’s post-secondary plan, this course meets the third-year math graduation requirement.