Our philosophy is to help every student grow in confidence and understanding as they explore mathematical ideas. We believe math should be accessible, meaningful, and connected to real life. Our teachers strive to create supportive classrooms where students feel comfortable asking questions and taking risks. We focus on building strong problem-solving skills that students can use beyond high school. The department provides clear instruction, helpful feedback, and multiple ways for students to learn new concepts. We offer a variety of courses so students can study math at the level that fits their needs and goals. Extra support is available through tutoring, review sessions, and opportunities for one-on-one help. We also encourage the use of technology and hands-on activities to deepen understanding. Collaboration is an important part of our approach, and we help students learn to work together to solve challenging problems. Overall, our goal is to prepare students not only for future math classes, but also for college, careers, and everyday decision-making.
Grade 9; Credits - 1
Algebra 1 is an interactive course that expands the concepts of linear equations and inequalities, relations and functions, and systems of equations and inequalities. In addition, students develop an understanding of polynomials, properties of exponents, probability, statistics, and rational expressions. Teachers of this course will analyze each student’s mathematical data and create an individualized enrichment plan to address every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Prerequisite: Math 8 and Proficient on 8th grade PSSA.
Grade 9-10; Credits - 1
Geometry is an interactive course that will introduce students to geometric proof and the study of plane figures. The major mathematical ideas in geometry include congruence and similarity, Pythagorean theorem, properties of quadrilaterals and polygons, geometric probability and the application of perimeter, area, and volume formulas. In addition, students will discover trigonometric relationships and solve problems with right triangles and explore circle relationships by finding arc lengths and areas of sectors of circles. Teachers of this course will analyze each student’s mathematical data and create an individualized enrichment plan to address every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Grade 9-10; Credits - 1
Honors Geometry is an interactive course that will introduce students to geometric proof and the study of plane figures. The mathematical ideas in geometry include congruence and similarity, Pythagorean theorem, properties of quadrilaterals and polygons, geometric probability, and the application of perimeter, area, and volume formulas. In addition, students will discover trigonometric relationships and solve problems with right triangles and explore circle relationships by finding arc lengths and areas of sectors of circles. Teachers of this course will analyze each student’s mathematical data and create an individualized enrichment plan to address every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Prerequisite: Algebra 1. Proficient or Advanced on Algebra Keystone Exam.
Grade 10-12; Credits - 1
Algebra 2 is an interactive algebra course that expands the concepts of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical functions and relations. In addition, students develop an understanding of solving systems of equations. Teachers of this course will analyze each student’s mathematical data and create an individualized enrichment plan to address every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Graphing calculator is required. The math department strongly recommends TI-84 graphing calculators. Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Grade 9-11; Credits - 1
Honors Algebra 2 is an interactive algebra course that expands the concepts of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical functions and relations. In addition, students develop an understanding of the complex number system, sequences, probability, conics, and how matrices can extend the understanding of solving systems of equations. The pace will be accelerated to allow for additional topics such as sequences and series, probability and matrices. Teachers of this course will analyze each student’s mathematical data and create an individualized enrichment plan to address every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Graphing calculator is required. The math department strongly recommends TI-84 graphing calculators. Prerequisite: Algebra 1. Proficient or Advanced on Algebra Keystone Exam.
Grade 10-12; Credits - 1
This course will integrate algebra and trigonometric concepts through its work with functions and analytic geometry. The students will display, describe, transform and interpret numerical information in tables, graphs and equations. The modeling of real life applications is emphasized throughout. Teachers of this course will analyze each student’s mathematical data and create an individualized enrichment plan to address every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Graphing calculator is required. The math department strongly recommends TI-84 graphing calculators. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry.
Grade 10-12; Credits - 1
Precalculus will provide preparation for college courses in calculus and abstract algebra. It should help the student to understand the deductive system of mathematics and will emphasize self-reliance, verbal precision plus a questioning attitude. The course will introduce the concepts of logic, ordered fields, induction, vectors, analytic geometry and functions. The other half of the year will be spent learning trigonometry so that the student can enroll in the full year college calculus the following year. Teachers of this course will analyze each student’s mathematical data and create an individualized enrichment plan to address every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Graphing calculator is required. The math department strongly recommends TI-84 graphing calculators. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry. Proficient or Advanced on Algebra Keystone Exam. College credit is available through WCCC.
Grade 11-12; Credits - 1
Honors Calculus is a study of functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and integration. Students will work with functions graphically, numerically, and analytically and understand the connections among these representations. Some of the topics covered include: limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives (rates of change, related rates and optimization), integrals, and techniques of integration. Honors calculus is a preparatory class intended for students who will take calculus in college. Prerequisite: Precalculus or Hon PreCalculus.
Grade 10-12; Credits - 1
College Statistics is a mathematics course for students planning a career in business, science, education, engineering, accounting, law, medicine, math, or communications, as well as those who have an interest in mathematics. An understanding of basic probability and statistics is vital for nearly all careers, as well as for most standardized testing. The course will focus on calculating, understanding, interpreting, and applying descriptive and inferential statistics, probabilities, experiment design, construction of confidence intervals, and tests of hypotheses with an overall emphasis on their applications in our world. A TI-83+ or TI-84+ calculator is required. Students may elect, for a fee, to enroll in the College in High School Program to earn four (4) college credits for STAT 200 at the University of Pittsburgh. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2 or Algebra 2
Grade 11-12; Credits - 1
A beginning course that will stress the basics of calculus and its many applications in engineering, science and mathematics curricula. A very strong Algebra background is recommended and methods of analysis and powers of comprehension will be reinforced. Applications of functions to limits, rates of change, integration, etc. will be introduced. Students may enroll in the College in High School Program to earn four (4) college credits for MATH 0220 at the University of Pittsburgh. In order to take the course for credit, students must pass the ALEKS placement test prior to the first day of school. ALEKS testing information can be found on the HS website. Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus or Precalculus
Grade 12; Credits - 1
This is the second course in a basic calculus sequence and is intended for all mathematics, science, engineering and statistics students. College Calculus 2 covers symbolic and numerical integration techniques and applications, modeling, differential equations, and Taylor series. Students may elect, for a fee, to enroll in the College in High School Program to earn four (4) college credits for MATH 0230 at the University of Pittsburgh. Prerequisite: College Calculus I. To take this course for credit you must have taken College Calculus I for credit and earned a “C” for those college credits. AP Physics is also recommended or it may be taken concurrently with College Calculus 2. Summer work is required for this class.