Course Descriptions

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.  All students must take and receive credit for a minimum of one mathematics course each year.  Mathematics teachers will make course recommendations based on which course is the most appropriate for each student to ensure his/her best opportunity for future success.

Core Math Courses

Algebra I 11312 1 credit Grade 9

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.

Geometry 11322 1 credit Grades 9-10

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.

Honors Geometry 11323 1 credit Grades 9-10

This is an accelerated course in Geometry. This course offers a rigorous and theoretical study of geometry. Proofs are studied extensively. Plane and solid geometry are studied, including all topics listed in Geometry. 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 Accelerated Math 8 or an A in Algebra I along with teacher recommendation.

Algebra II 11332 1 credit Grades 10-12

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 I.

Thematic Algebra II 11341 1 credit Grades 11-12

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 I.

Honors Algebra II 11333 1 credit Grades 10-11 

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 I along with teacher recommendation.

Honors Algebra II + Pre-Calculus 11334 1 credit Grades 10-12

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 Pre-Calculus.

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

College Algebra 11340 1 credit Grades 11-12

This course reviews the basic principles of algebra before beginning an advanced study of the properties, graphs, transformations, and applications of various functions. The topics will include the study of linear and quadratic functions, higher degree polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions and trigonometric functions. Abstract algebra concepts and applications are emphasized. Students use graphing calculators to explore mathematical relationships and to solve problems.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2.
Note: Students are not eligible for this course after completing Pre-Calculus or more advanced math.

Pre-Calculus 11342 1 credit Grades 11-12

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 II and teacher recommendation.

Honors Pre-Calculus 11343 1 credit Grades 11-12

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 II or an A in Algebra II along with teacher recommendation.

Honors URI Precalculus 111 11344 1 credit Grades 11-12

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 conjuction with AP/URI Physics 111/185 may be eligible for Honors URI Engineering MCE 201 in the 2024-2025 school year.

Calculus 11352 1 credit Grades 11-12

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.

AP Calculus AB 11354 1 credit Grade 12

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.

AP Calculus BC 11353 1 credit Grade 12

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.

Math Electives

AP Statistics 11355 1 credit Grades 11-12

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.

Probability and Statistics 11356 1/2 credit (Fall semester) Grades 11-12

This is an introductory course that explores the world of probability and chance as well as the many practical applications of statistics. Projects incorporating simulations, experiments and data analysis will be part of the learning process. Technology is used for the analysis of current and relevant data.

Note: A graphing calculator is suggested.

Discrete Math 11357 1/2 credit (Spring semester) Grades 11-12

This course demonstrates how mathematics is applied in the real world through the investigation of contemporary topics in mathematics. Topics such as election theory, fair division, graph theory and matrices are explored. Applications to real-world situations will be emphasized throughout the learning process.

Foundations of Sports Analytics 11351 1 math credit Grades 11-12

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 makedecisions, including how to determine whether a player is worth the value of their contract. Studentswill study topics like one variable statistics, random variable distributions and linear regressions anduse them to analyze a variety of sports and leagues including the NFL, WNBA, NBA, EPL, MLB andmore. 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.

PLTW Computer Science Essentials 11361 1 math credit Grades 9-12

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)

AP/URI/PLTW Computer Science A CE 11306 1 math credit Grades 11-12

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