Overview

FAQs

How many credits of math does a student need to graduate?

While three credits of mathematics at the high school level are required for graduation, students are recommended to enroll in math courses during all four years of high school as part of a well-rounded education in preparation for college and careers. A variety of math courses at the College Prep, Honors, AP, and IB levels are offered to students. Additionally, several support courses are offered to provide students with intervention and/or remediation in mathematics.

What is the Integrated Math program?

For information, please visit the district website by using this direct link.

What distinguishes an Honors level course from a College Prep level course?

As with any course, student interest is a major factor. Courses labeled H (Honors) require that students be able to operate in an environment where both high degrees of independence and thoughtful collaboration is necessary. A prior demonstration of advanced mathematical reasoning and insight through a variety of measures and a record of high levels of achievement are indicators that a student is sufficiently prepared for the rigors of Honors level work. Appropriate formal mathematical and scientific language are used extensively. The honors course moves at a faster pace than the standard level course and is supplemented with additional content that allows students to access the concepts at a deeper level.

How will my child choose their class next year?

The current teacher’s recommendation, the student’s interest in a course, and a family’s decision about long term mathematics learning goals and overall academic schedule should determine what course a student ultimately chooses. There are guidelines to help a student find the best fit class.

Can a student double up in mathematics?

Yes! Students may take any of the courses from our elective options provided prerequisites (if any) have been met.

Helpful questions for student reflection when picking a mathematics class:

1. What is my confidence level with the class content (consider pacing, need for support, need for clarification, time spent on this class)?

2. What is my desire to learn this subject matter (Am I motivated to improve my proficiency or fluency in mathematics, Do I want to reach AP or IB)?

3. What is my commitment to the Mathematics class (self-motivation, work completed on time, need for prompting, strive for accuracy, self-correct work, etc)?

Talk to me about Computer Science.

We have a traditional sequence of computer science classes that can take students from Computer Science H 1 & 2 to AP Computer Science and into some of our newer electives, AI and Machine Learning or Cybersecurity. We are also offering AP Computer Science Principles. This course is open to anyone interested in learning more about computers while developing some coding skills.

I hear there are post-Calculus electives.

For students who have completed AP Calculus BC and wish to further study mathematics, we offer Senior Seminar, which is a pure maths course whose topics are driven by student interest. This course is designed for exceptionally capable students of mathematics. Some of the great theorems and ideas of mathematics will be studied. Additional topics will be selected from among the following: formal logic, math history, statistics theory, differential equations, linear algebra, complex numbers, as well as others. While some time will be spent in formal instruction, a significant portion of time will include student independent study and research. Students will explore topics and report their findings.

Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra is a relatively new course that is available to any student who has completed a Calculus course at any level. This course includes, but is not limited to, the study of systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vectors and vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and their applications.

Students who have completed Calculus CP and wish to continue their study of the topic at a deeper level are invited to register for AP Calculus AB.

Lastly, for students who have completed AP Calculus AB, and have an interest in studying Calculus even further, AP Calculus BC is an option. I would recommend this back to back study of calculus to those students who anticipate studying a field in college or university that is very calculus-heavy.

Mathematics: Applications and interpretation assumes a strong foundation in Integrated Math 2. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches assumes a strong foundation in Integrated Math 3H, though such students may opt to take Mathematics: Applications and interpretation instead. Students who complete Integrated Math 3H in 9^th grade may take Pre-Calculus Honors or Statistics in 10^th grade. There are other pathways to IB. Please reach out to Katherine Demaray (demarak@lmsd.org), the Maths Chair if you have any questions.

For more information on the International Baccalaureate Program, please visit the district website using this direct link.