Mathematics

Class of 2028 and beyond: Students are required to earn 4.0 credits in math at the high school to earn an SKHS diploma.

The South Kingstown High School mathematics department believes that mathematics can and must be learned by all students.  To accomplish this, we have created an environment that has high expectations for all and provides needed support to students and their families. Teachers challenge all students to work to their highest potential and produce their best work. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are embedded in the curriculum for each math course defining what students should understand and be able to do in their study of mathematics.    

Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 are the primary focus for the first three years of high school, continuing through College Math, Pre-Calculus and Calculus depending on a student’s point of entry in 9th grade. In addition, students may choose from a variety of electives offered.   Mathematics teachers will make course recommendations based on which course is the most appropriate for each student to ensure the best opportunity for future success.

This course offers a conceptual study of Algebra I and its operations. The topics include but are not limited to simplifying expressions and equations, solving equations and inequalities (linear and quadratic), writing equations (linear and quadratic), understanding functions, solving systems of equations and inequalities, modeling with linear, exponential, and quadratic functions, polynomial operations and factoring.  Organization and communication skills are reinforced.  Improving skills, developing problem-solving strategies, and real-world applications are emphasized.

This is an accelerated course in Algebra 1.  This course offers a rigorous and theoretical study of algebra concepts. Parent functions are studied extensively. Students will compare, analyze, transform and use linear, quadratic and exponential functions to model and solve problems. Students will also apply these functions to data and real-world applications. Fluency with fractions, decimals and exponent operations is required. This course is designed for the student who has been successful in mathematics and is highly motivated to learn.  Abstract reasoning, modeling with functions, problem-solving and real-world applications are emphasized and extended.

Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of B in Math 8 or successful completion of Accelerated Math 8.

This course offers a conceptual study of geometry. Topics include basic geometric figures, triangle relationships, congruence, similarity, parallel and perpendicular lines, quadrilateral properties, perimeter, area, surface area, volume and formal proofs. Visualization and reasoning abilities are developed. Organization and communication skills are reinforced.  Improving skills, developing problem-solving strategies and real-world applications are emphasized. 

This course offers a conceptual study of geometry. Topics include basic geometric figures, triangle relationships, congruence, similarity, parallel and perpendicular lines, quadrilateral properties, perimeter, area, surface area, volume and formal proofs. Visualization and reasoning abilities are developed. Organization and communication skills are reinforced.  Improving skills, developing problem-solving strategies and real-world applications are emphasized. 

This course offers a conceptual study of Algebra II.  Topics studied include equations with two or three variables, linear programming, complex numbers, functions (polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational and radical), and trigonometry.  Abstract reasoning, modeling with functions, problem-solving and real-world applications are emphasized.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra 1.

This is an accelerated course in Algebra which rigorously delves into abstract algebraic concepts and applications. In addition to the content listed in Algebra 2, Honors Algebra 2 includes greater emphasis on complex numbers, logarithms and exponential functions, conics and matrices.  This course is designed for the student who has been extremely successful in mathematics and is highly motivated to learn.  Abstract reasoning, modeling with functions, problem-solving and real-world applications are emphasized and extended.

Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of B+ in Honors Geometry or an A in Geometry and Algebra 1 along with teacher recommendation.

This is an honors level math course that compresses essential concepts from Algebra 2 and Pre Calculus into one year. The goal of the course is to prepare students for success in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and potentially AP Multivariable Calculus. Coursework will include developing an understanding of functions and their properties, building and transforming functions, modeling with trigonometric functions, and studying other essential topics from Precalculus.   

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry with teacher recommendation. Students should be willing to complete work outside of class. 

This course is appropriate for students who are considering further education in mathematics, business, science or engineering.  It covers topics in advanced algebra, trigonometry and analytic geometry.  Graphing calculators are used to explore mathematical relationships and to solve problems.  Note: A graphing calculator is recommended.  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation. 

This course prepares students for the study of AP Calculus and are considering further education in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Topics include the continued development of the concept of a function from multiple perspectives; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; analytic geometry; polar coordinates, equations and graphs; parametric equations; sequences and series; and limits. Abstract reasoning, modeling with functions, problem-solving and real-world applications are emphasized and extended. Graphing calculators are used to explore mathematical relationships and to solve problems.  

Note: A graphing calculator is suggested.

Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of B+ in Honors Algebra 2 or an A in Algebra 2 along with teacher recommendation. 

In this course, students study equations of first and second degree, systems of equations, inequalities, functions and graphs. They also study exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their applications. 

Prerequisites: Students must have passed Algebra 2. 

Students taking this course may be eligible for credit in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island. The Concurrent Enrollment Program at the University of Rhode Island is designed for motivated students who seek to get a head start on college credit and who are looking to be challenged academically while in high school. HS students must have a 3.0 minimum high school GPA. 

To receive a URI transcript for the HS course, students must follow all URI enrollment procedures and complete the enrollment process by the university registration dates. Student work will be assessed according to the university’s grading policy. The teacher will make recommendations at the end of semester 1 for completion of URI enrollment procedures for college credit.

Students must use this link to begin the enrollment process for this class: URI non matriculation form. Enrollment in this class at URI follows university deadlines. 

This course includes topics in calculus ranging from limits to differentiation and integration, focusing on polynomial, rational, radical, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions.  Related rates, area, and motion applications will be emphasized.   

Note: A graphing calculator is recommended.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Pre-calculus and teacher recommendation or successful completion of Honors Pre-calculus or Honors Algebra 2/Precalculus.

This course includes the specific topics outlined in the AP Calculus AB program including differentiation and integration of algebraic and trigonometric functions, logarithmic and exponential functions and applications, and plane curves.  

Note: A graphing calculator is suggested. 

Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May.  Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September.

Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of B in Honors Pre-calculus or an A in Pre-Calculus along with a teacher recommendation.             

This course includes the specific topics outlined in the AP Calculus BC program including differentiation and integration of algebraic and trigonometric functions, logarithmic and exponential functions and applications, plane curves and polar -coordinates, vectors and solid and analytic geometry, infinite series, complex numbers and introduction to differential equations. 

Note: A graphing calculator is suggested.  

Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May.  Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September. 

Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of B+ in Honors Pre-calculus.           

This course will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Four broad conceptual themes will be covered: (1) Exploring Data – Describing patterns and departures from patterns, (2) Sampling and Experimentation – Planning and conducting a study, (3) Anticipating Patterns – Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, (4) Statistical Inference – Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.  Writing skills and reading comprehension will be emphasized in order to prepare students for the AP Exam.   

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra 2 or successful completion of Geometry with instructor approval.

Note: A graphing calculator is suggested. 

Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May. Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September. 

This course is aimed at students looking to enrich their mathematical knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of how math is used in various professional fields. Ideal for those interested in fields such as engineering, architecture, finance, and data science, as well as for those looking to gain valuable life skills in financial management. In our Math Modeling course, we'll explore how mathematical concepts can be applied to real-world scenarios. This course is designed to provide seniors with practical applications of their mathematical knowledge.

Units will include Linear Programming, Statistics and Probability Models, Personal Finance, Geometry and Spatial Models, and Game Theory. Students will learn to optimize resources, make strategic decisions, plan and manage personal finances, and predict patterns and trends.

This course offers students the opportunity to apply probability and statistics concepts to the world of sports. Students will explore how professional teams are using data and statistical analysis to make decisions, including how to determine whether a player is worth the value of their contract. Students will study topics like one variable statistics, random variable distributions and linear regressions and use them to analyze a variety of sports and leagues including the NFL, WNBA, NBA, EPL, MLB and more.  We will learn about how baseball teams use WAR to determine the most effective players. How a football team’s DVOA can predict their future successes, or how Win Shares can tell us who the real MVP in the NBA is. 

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra 2 or successful completion of Geometry with instructor approval.

Throughout the Computer Science A course experience, students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development, and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for AP® Computer Science A (AP CS A). This endorsement affirms that all components of PLTW CS A’s offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CS A assessment. 

Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May.  Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September. 

Students taking this course must enroll for credit in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island. The Concurrent Enrollment Program at the University of Rhode Island is designed for motivated students who seek to get a head start on college credit and who are looking to be challenged academically while in high school. High School students are expected to have a 3.0 minimum high school GPA. In order to receive a URI transcript for the HS course, students are required to follow all URI enrollment procedures and complete the enrollment process by the university registration dates. Student work will be assessed according to the university’s grading policy.

Students must use this link to begin the enrollment process for this class: URI non matriculation form. Enrollment in this class at URI follows university deadlines. 

CTE Course 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Computer Science Principles

RI-CSE is designed to meet the Rhode Island Computer Science proficiency requirements while fostering a fun and engaging learning experience suitable for students. Developed from the well-established URI Intro to Computing & Data Science (ICDS) curriculum, this course takes a foundational approach to ensure accessibility for all students. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including digital data, image creation, web development, networking, cybersecurity, programming, artificial intelligence, responsible computing, and data analysis. 

This course fulfills the RI Computer Science Graduation Requirement. 

Business

Do you want to start your own business? How about working in an office or helping the family business keep their books? This course provides a background in basic accounting principles and procedures with the complete accounting cycle being covered for small businesses.  An in-depth study of real financial statements for major corporations is also completed.  Manual accounting procedures are followed by a study of current software used (QuickBooks) in the public and private sectors including Microsoft Excel.  This course will serve as a sound background for those students majoring in business in college and for students preparing for employment in office positions. 

This course will prepare students for leadership roles both here at South Kingstown High School and the community. Class focuses on written, oral and visual communication using the latest productivity tools. Instruction will be provided using the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications; both of which include word processing, spreadsheets/worksheets, presentation applications and all that Google has to offer.  Basic computing hardware/operating systems, as well as troubleshooting is covered. Additional concepts include digital citizenship, internet research skills (Boolean Operators) and career exploration/planning (resumes, interview skills, “soft-skills”).  These technology and presentation skills are necessary for successfully completing a multitude of projects and presentations at South Kingstown High School.  Strategies include teacher demonstrations, collaborative instruction, interdisciplinary and/or anchor projects, problem-solving and critical-thinking activities.

If you want to understand the business world and be a success, this is the course for you. This course covers the topics of a college level Introduction to Business course and a college text is used.  Students will develop a working knowledge of the major aspects of business—organizing, managing, marketing, finance, economics, and entrepreneurship.  Students engage in a variety of group projects and presentations, study the parts of a business plan, and track stocks.  

Students taking this course must enroll for credit in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island. The Concurrent Enrollment Program at the University of Rhode Island is designed for motivated students who seek to get a head start on college credit and who are looking to be challenged academically while in high school. High School students are expected to have a 3.0 minimum high school GPA. In order to receive a URI transcript for the HS course, students are required to follow all URI enrollment procedures and complete the enrollment process by the university registration dates. Student work will be assessed according to the university’s grading policy.

Students must use this link to begin the enrollment process for this class: URI non matriculation form. Enrollment in this class at URI follows university deadlines. 

Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, insurance, taxes: finally find out how they fit into your future financial success. This course investigates important areas of interest that will enhance a student’s future financial security.  Students will examine the five-step plan with regards to financial planning.  Students will understand the benefits and the cost of career planning, budgeting, savings and investments, credit, and insurance.  Students will also be exposed to Quicken personal finance software to bring financial planning to life.  

Sports and Entertainment Marketing ranks among the most thrilling and competitive fields globally. This course will emphasize marketing within the sports and entertainment sectors, integrating modern marketing strategies tailored to these industries. Throughout the class, students will create their own "fantasy" professional sports teams and entertainment events. They will engage in marketing discussions, decisions, and projects centered around their teams and events.    

In this engaging and dynamic course, students will explore the fundamentals of sports marketing with a focus on promoting our high school team sports. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, students will learn various strategies to effectively market athletic programs. Key topics include brand development, social media engagement, event promotion, and community outreach. Students will work on real-world projects that involve creating marketing campaigns and designing promotional materials. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how to elevate their school’s sports programs and engage the community, while developing valuable skills in marketing and teamwork. Join us to turn passion for sports into powerful promotional strategies!