Mathematics Course Descriptions

FOUNDATIONS OF MATH I (If needed, typically taken in the 9th grade) 

This course is a preparatory course for Math I. Students are introduced to algebra, geometry, and other mathematical topics that are integrated in a format that connects mathematics to students’ lives and the world of work.

NC MATH I (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 9th grade)

Math I provides students the opportunity to study concepts of algebra, geometry, functions, number and operations, statistics and modeling throughout the course. These concepts include expressions in the real number system, creating and reasoning with equations and inequalities, interpreting and building simple functions, expressing geometric properties and interpreting categorical and quantitative data.  The final exam is the North Carolina End-of-Course (EOC) Test based on the Common Core Math 1 Standards.

NC MATH I HONORS (Fulfills Math 1 Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 9th grade)

This is an accelerated, expanded, and demanding course designed to cover the topics of Math I in depth.  The final exam is the North Carolina End-of-Course (EOC) Test based on the Common Core Math 1 Standards.

MATH II- Prerequisite: Math I or Math I Honors.  (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 10th grade)

This course continues a progression of the standards established in Math I. In addition to these standards, Math II includes: polynomials, congruence and similarity of figures, trigonometry with triangles, modeling with geometry, probability, making inferences and justify conclusions. 

MATH II HONORS- Prerequisite: Math I or Math I Honors (Fulfills Math II Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 10th grade)

This is an accelerated, expanded, and demanding course designed to cover the topics of Math II in depth.  “B” in Math I and/or Level IV on EOC recommended. 

NC MATH III- Prerequisite: Math II or Math II Honors (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 11th grade)

Progresses from the standards learned in Math I and Math II. In addition to these standards, Math III extends to include algebraic concepts such as: the complex number system, inverse functions, trigonometric functions and the unit circle. Math III also includes the geometric concepts of conics and circles. The final exam is the North Carolina End-of-Course (EOC) test.

NC MATH III HONORS- Prerequisite: Math II or Math II Honors (Fulfills Math III Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 11th grade)

Designed for those students who have potential for outstanding performance in mathematics, Math III Honors is an accelerated, expanded, and demanding course. Students will work with real, irrational and imaginary numbers, solving systems of equations, problem solving with logarithms, conic sections and polynomials. The final exam is the North Carolina End-of-Course (EOC) test.

NC MATH IV- Prerequisite: Math III or Math III Honors (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 12th grade)

This course provides an in-depth study of modeling and applying function. Home, work, recreation, consumer issues, public policy, and scientific investigations are areas from which applications should originate. The student will analyze data and apply probability concepts to solve problems and use functions to solve problems. Content is half algebra, half statistics. This course satisfies the 4th math requirement for the public universities in the UNC system.

AP PRECALCULUS Prerequisite: Math III or Math III Honors, Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 required. (Fulfills 4th Math Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in the 11th or 12th grade)

AP Precalculus prepares students for other college-level mathematics and science courses. Through regular practice, students build deep mastery of modeling and functions, and they examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework delineates content and skills common to college precalculus courses that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science.  Final grades in Math I, Math II with A or B recommended.

CALCULUS HONORS (FALL SEMESTER) (Elective) Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors

Calculus focuses on the solution of problems which cannot be solved by algebra or trigonometry. Finding the slope of the tangent to a curve, areas of planar and spatial surfaces, the volume of solids, and the mathematics of speed and acceleration are examples. The ability to construct and interpret graphs is a necessary component of many solutions. Calculus is intended for students with a high aptitude in mathematics who intend to pursue fields related to mathematics, physics, and engineering while in college. Graphing calculators are used on a regular basis.

AP CALCULUS AB (SPRING)* (Elective) Prerequisite: Calculus Honors (Fall), Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 required. *In person course offerings are dependent upon student enrollment.  After completing Calculus Honors in the fall, students who wish to pursue Advanced Placement credit will continue calculus instruction for a second semester. This is a college level course and is offered for students who will take the AP exam. The course emphasizes a multi representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. This course satisfies the 4th math requirement for the public universities in the UNC system.

AP STATISTICS*- (Elective) Prerequisite: Completion of Math 3 (Honors) with a B or higher. *In person course offerings are dependent upon student enrollment. Advanced Placement Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will observe patterns and departures from patterns, decide what and how to measure, produce models using probability and simulation, and confirm models. Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and application software, should be used regularly for instruction and assessment. 

*In person course offerings are dependent upon student enrollment. 

More Higher Level Math Options are offered through the NCSSM Connect Program and the CCP/Dual Enrollment Program.