Intermediate Algebra encourages and enables students to use the language, symbols and notation of mathematics, to be confident using mathematics to analyze and solve problems both in and out of school, and to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further studies in mathematics. The course includes a thorough review of linear relationships, an introduction to exponential and quadratic relationships, a survey of transformations and a solid study of secondary level statistics and probability.

Geometry students will study points, lines, line segments, rays, planes, and vectors in their exploration of angles, polygons, circles, lengths, areas, and volumes. Mathematical patterns and life’s patterns will also be explored. Emphasis will be placed on congruent figures, as well as similar figures and their ratios, and right triangle trigonometric ratios. The concept of proof will be investigated, and the utility of logic will be emphasized. Algebraic skills will be used to build further understanding of the interconnectedness of mathematics.

Advanced Algebra students will learn how to recognize, describe and generalize patterns to make predictions; use algebraic symbols and operations to represent and analyze mathematical structures and relationships; analyze the relationships and interactions between quantities to model and compare patterns of change for complex functions. Students will study sequence, linear, polynomial, and exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and the graphs that correspond to them, transformations, growth, and decay models; explore data through statistical graphs, measures of central tendency, and lines of best fit; learn how to factor, solve radicals, and understand complex numbers, trigonometric functions; and use graphing calculators to solve problems. In addition, students will review and prepare for the Math portion of the MCA III (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment).

Topics covered include concepts previously covered in Intermediate Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra.  Graphing calculators are used as tools for learning and problem solving.  Review high school math topics in preparation for your post-secondary plans.  This course earns elective credit.   

This course recognizes the need for analytical expertise in a world where innovation is increasingly dependent on a deep understanding of mathematics. This course includes topics that are both traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course (for example, functions, trigonometry, calculus) as well as topics that are amenable to investigation, conjecture and proof, for instance the study of sequences and series.

The course makes extensive use of technology to allow students to explore and construct mathematical models. Mathematics: applications and interpretation will develop mathematical thinking, often in the context of a practical problem and using technology to justify conjectures.

This is a two-year course open to 11th and 12th grade students who have successfully completed Advanced Algebra with a grade of C or better. It will cover material that is similar to a combination of Pre-Calculus and CIS Calculus and University of Minnesota assessments. The course culminates with students taking the IB SL Mathematics Analysis & Approaches Exam in the spring of the second year of the course; a student who earns a grade of 4 or higher on the IB exams may be granted college credit or advanced standing at many colleges and universities.

This course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modelling. To give this understanding a firm base, this course also includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics.

The course allows the use of technology, as fluency in relevant mathematical software and hand-held technology is important regardless of choice of course. However, Mathematics: Application and Interpretation has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical models and arguments. Successful students will be ones who get pleasure and satisfaction when exploring challenging problems and who are comfortable using technology to explore mathematical questions. The course culminates with students taking the IB SL Mathematics Application and Interpretation Exam in the spring of the second year of the course; a student who earns a grade of 4 or higher on the IB exams may be granted college credit or advanced standing at many colleges and universities.

AP Statistics is the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college statistics course. In this course, students develop strategies for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will learn how to design, administer, and tabulate results from surveys and experiments, probability and simulations will aid students in constructing models for chance phenomena, and the understanding of sampling distributions will provide the logical structure for confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. To develop effective statistical communication skills, students are required to prepare frequent written and oral analyses of real data.  Students should be able to solve equations; represent and solve real-world problems using equations and diagrams; display data in histograms, boxplots, and scatterplots; have a strong understanding of probability. The course culminates with students taking the AP Statistics Exam in the spring; depending on test score results and university requirements, college credit or advanced standing may be awarded.

Would you like to do better in math?   Do you often make mistakes in calculations? Does math make you feel anxious?   Focus math helps students who have consistently struggled with mathematics improve their skills.   The goal of the class is to help improve student skills with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and proportions.    

Focus Math provides a small class size with lots of teacher support to help you get better at mathematics.   We nurture a community where it is safe to make mistakes and ask questions.   If you dream of attending college or a career in health care, construction, the trades, or running your own business, Focus Math will help you build the skills and confidence in basic mathematics to make your dreams come true.