Mathematics

Class of 2028: 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 course is a second-year algebra course with an overall theme of problem solving with applications to real world mathematics. The course reviews the basic principles of algebra and focuses on the foundational standards for Algebra 2. Topics studied include equations with two or three variables, linear programming, linear/quadratic review and profit functions, exponential functions, measures of central tendency and spread, graphical representations of data, statistics, and finance. Applications to real world mathematics and situations will be emphasized through project-based learning.

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. 

This course is one of a group of courses designed for SKHS students to take to build a strong academic foundation if they decide to pursue a career in the engineering field. The courses include URI MTH 111, PHY 109/110 and MCE 201. 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: To enroll in the course, students must have successfully passed Algebra 2. To earn URI credit,  students are required to pass URI’s Math Placement Test. 

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 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 taking this course in conjunction with URI Physics 111/185 may be eligible for Honors URI Engineering MCE 201 in the 2024-2025 school year. 

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.

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.   

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 Department Chair approval.

In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them. 

CTE Course (no concurrent enrollment).

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 may be eligible for 4 credits in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island’s CSC 211 course. 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 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. 

CTE Course 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Computer Science Principles