mathematics

Prerequisite: recommendation of Grade 8 teacher.

Algebra I CP1 reinforces the algebraic skills acquired previously and connects this knowledge to new topics. In this CP1 level course, students gain fluency in solving linear equations and linear systems and are introduced to quadratic and exponential functions. Students are also introduced to arithmetic sequences. They develop their ability to represent real-life phenomena with mathematical models. Models used include linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Where appropriate, students use writing, hands-on activities, and technology to develop conceptual understanding.

Prerequisite: recommendation of Grade 8 teacher.

Algebra I CP2 extends the algebraic concepts acquired in previous courses. Students develop fluency in writing, interpreting, and translating among various representations of functions, including linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Arithmetic and geometric sequences are introduced and explored. Students strengthen their ability to model with mathematics and see structure in linear, quadratic and exponential expressions. Appropriate use of technology will be modeled throughout the course.

Prerequisite: Recommendation of Grade 8 teacher.

Algebra I Honors extends the algebraic concepts acquired in previous courses and introduces students to the concept of algebraic proof. Only students who have excelled in eighth grade mathematics and have obtained the recommendation of their 8th grade teacher should be enrolled in Algebra I at the honors level. In this course, students develop fluency writing, interpreting, and translating among various forms of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.  Arithmetic and geometric sequences are introduced and explored. Students strengthen their ability to model with mathematics and see structure in linear, quadratic and exponential expressions. Appropriate use of technology will be modeled throughout the course.

Prerequisite: Approval by ELL Program

Using a sheltered English approach, this course establishes core understandings necessary to succeed in algebra. Emphasis will be on mastery of basic algebra skills and problem solving strategies. It covers patterns and sequences, linear equations and inequalities in one variable, systems of equations, and an introduction to quadratic and exponential functions. Additionally, the course seeks to strengthen students’ foundational skills and may include topics in operations with integers and rational numbers, percents, organizing data, and graphs. Placement in this course is by EL recommendation only. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be ready to take Geometry.

Prerequisite: CP2 Algebra I (passing grade) 

Geometry CP2 explores congruence, similarity, transformations and properties of triangles, polygons and circles. Algebraic connections are made as students apply geometric concepts in solving unknown values. Students use trigonometric ratios to solve for unknown sides and angles of right triangles and to model real-life situations. Logical reasoning is developed as students use postulates and theorems to develop formal proofs. Students expand their ability to compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities for compound events.

Prerequisite: Recommendation of Grade 8 teacher or Honors Algebra I (87 or above) or CP2 Algebra (93 or above)

In Geometry Honors, students explore congruence, similarity, transformations and properties of triangles, polygons and circles. Algebraic connections are made as students apply geometric concepts in solving unknown values. Students use trigonometric ratios to solve for unknown sides and angles of triangles and model real-life situations. Logical reasoning is developed as students use postulates and theorems to develop formal proofs based on complex and three-dimensional diagrams. Coordinate proofs using variables allows students to generalize their findings and write proofs based on deductive reasoning. Students expand their ability to compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities for compound events.

Prerequisite: Geometry CP2 (passing grade) AND Algebra I CP1 (passing grade) or Algebra I CP2 (passing grade)

In Concepts of Algebra II, students create and solve equations, graph functions (including polynomial, rational, radical and exponential) and apply the concept of functions to solve problems. As students refine and expand their algebraic skills, they draw analogies between the operations and properties of real numbers and those of complex numbers and algebraic expressions. The course begins with a review of functions studied in previous algebra courses and then moves on to new function types. Students make connections between verbal, numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of functions, and apply this knowledge as they create equations and inequalities that can be used to model and solve mathematical and real world problems. Throughout the course, students use technology, where appropriate, to support problem solving and conceptual understanding.

Prerequisite: Geometry CP2 (73 or above) AND Algebra I CP2 (73 or above) or Algebra I CP1 (93 or above)

In Algebra II, students gain skills and conceptual understanding of functions, polynomial, rational and radical expressions, data collection and analysis. The course begins with a review of linear, quadratic and exponential functions to solidify a foundation for learning about new function types. Students make connections between verbal, numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of functions, and apply this knowledge as they create equations and inequalities that can be used to model and solve mathematical and real world problems. Building on earlier training in statistics and probability, students learn to describe data sets and draw conclusions from sample surveys, experiments and observational studies.

Prerequisite: Geometry Honors (83 or above) OR Geometry CP2 (93 or above) and Algebra I Honors (87 or above) OR Algebra I CP2 (93 or above)

In Algebra II Honors, students develop fluency and conceptual understanding of functions, polynomial, rational and radical expressions, periodic phenomenon, data collection and analysis. In addition, honors students are introduced to algebraic proof and number theory concepts. Students make connections between verbal, numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of functions, and apply this knowledge as they create equations and inequalities that can be used to model and solve mathematical and real world problems. Building on earlier training in statistics and probability, students learn to describe data sets and draw conclusions from sample surveys, experiments and observational studies.

Prerequisite: CP2 Algebra II (73 or above) OR Concepts of Algebra II and Quantitative Reasoning (93 or above in both)

The goals of Pre-calculus are to strengthen students’ reasoning and problem solving skills and provide the mathematical background necessary for the study of calculus. The course will cover advanced work with complex numbers and logarithms and multi-step applications of exponential, polynomial, rational and trigonometric functions. An introduction to vectors and matrices will be included in this course. Students will engage in mathematical tasks that connect concepts learned in their study of algebra, trigonometry and geometry.  In addition, students will begin a study of limits in preparation for calculus.

Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors (83 or above) OR Algebra II CP2 (93 or above) and Geometry Honors (83 or above) OR Geometry CP2 (93 or above)

The goals of Pre-calculus Honors are to strengthen students’ reasoning and problem solving skills and provide the mathematical background necessary for the study of calculus. Students advance their understanding of trigonometry, asymptotic behavior of functions. In addition, they are introduced to the concepts of a limit in preparation for calculus. Students engage in advanced problem solving and mathematical tasks that connect concepts learned in their study of algebra and geometry.

Prerequisite: Algebra II (passing grade) or Concepts of Algebra II (passing grade)

Quantitative Reasoning is offered to students who have completed Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Hands-on materials and data collection are used to demonstrate how the mathematical concepts students have learned throughout their schooling can be applied to solve problems they are likely to encounter in their professional and personal lives. In this course, students will learn to analyze information, model relationships mathematically and solve complex problems. Concepts from Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability will be incorporated. As a project-based course, students are expected to work with others, share ideas, make presentations and do their highest quality work.

Prerequisite: Algebra II (passing grade) or Concepts of Algebra II (87 or higher)

This course is designed for students who have completed Algebra II and want to learn more about applied statistics. Students will collect, analyze, present and interpret data. In this course we will explore the introductory concepts of Statistics to build a foundation for further study and application.

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II (83 or above) or CP2 Algebra II (93 or above) and department recommendation

This course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus issued by the College Board. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students will be exposed to four broad conceptual themes: describing data patterns and departures from patterns, planning and conducting a study; exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, and using sample data to draw inferences about a population. All students who take AP Statistics are required to take the AP exam in May

Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus (83 or above) or CP2 Pre-Calculus (93 or above) and department recommendation

This course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus issued by the College Board. Students who enroll in this course must have a strong Honors Algebra 2 and Honors Pre-Calculus background, excellent abstract reasoning skills, and study habits commensurate with the rigorous expectations of this course. In AP Calculus, students develop the skills and conceptual understandings acquired in a college-level Calculus 1 course. An intensive study of limits, derivatives, techniques of integration and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is combined with applications of these topics. All students who take AP Calculus AB are required to take the AP exam in May.

Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus (93 or above) and department recommendation

This is an intensive college-level course on differential and integral calculus, equivalent to the first two semesters of calculus at most universities. Topics include an introduction to limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, integrals and their applications, antiderivatives and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, an introduction to differential equations using slope fields and Euler’s Method, Taylor polynomials and series, and calculus using parametric, vector and polar equations. There is an emphasis on conceptual understanding and working with functions represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. All students who take AP Calculus BC are required to take the AP exam in May.

Prerequisites: Completed Geometry CP2 (80 or above) and English 9 (80 or above)

This course provides students with an introductory experience in computer programming using the Java language. Students will examine object-oriented principles (abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism), basic data structures, arrays, searching, sorting, and Boolean logic.  Other topics may be included as time allows. This course introduces students to programming without the burden of the AP Computer Science A course.

Prerequisite: 87 or above in Geometry Honors, and permission of the instructor.

This course follows the Advanced Placement© syllabus issued by the College Board each year and is implemented in the Java language. Current topics include object-oriented principles (abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism), arrays, searching, sorting, and recursion. Themes include communicating through documentation, reusability of code, and socio-ethical aspects of computing.  As time permits, students may explore applets, GUIs, and additional data structures.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Elective Course: Open to students in grades 10-12

AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to the underlying principles of computational thinking. Students are introduced to computational problem solving, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the internet, cybersecurity, basic programming, and the creative aspects of computer science. AP Computer Science Principles gives students the opportunity to use technology to solve problems of interest to the student. This course incorporates a great deal of independent work and collaboration with peers, so academic maturity is essential for success. No prior knowledge of computer science is required.

Prerequisite: Algebra I (passing grade, any level). Elective Course: Open to students in grades 10-12

Personal Finance provides students with many of the tools necessary to become financially responsible adults. Students will learn about the importance of setting financial goals, the power of compound interest, responsible use of credit and bank accounts, and how to budget and save money. The basics of taxes, investing, insurance, and how to evaluate a benefits package at work will also be explored. Personal Finance is highly recommended for all students who have completed Algebra I.

Elective Course: Open to students in grades 10-12

In this course, students learn the skills, attitudes, characteristics, and techniques necessary to become successful business owners or entrepreneurs. They explore the process of starting a business and learn about the operational issues and financial risks. Students will gain an understanding of business plans, start-up capital, and bookkeeping methods. Finally, students identify the risks, returns, and other aspects of entrepreneurship as a potential career.