Mathematics
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REQUIRED: Four year-long courses (4 credits), including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and at least one additional class.
Level: 9th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1A.
Description: This course is offered to students whose mathematical skills need fine tuning and who require more time to develop abstract mathematical reasoning. It includes a comprehensive review of topics addressed and skills developed in Algebra 1A and a concentrated study of factoring, algebraic fractions, linear equations, radical equations, and quadratic functions. Algebra 1B integrates and maintains algebraic skills and concepts in problem solving. Critical-thinking skills are stressed throughout the course, and the additional time provides students a more in-depth understanding of various algebraic concepts.
Level: 9th grade
Length: Year
Description: This first-year course in algebra is designed for students who have completed a pre-algebra course. Students examine the structure and properties of real numbers, order of operations, polynomials, factoring, linear and quadratic functions, and relations. As each new concept evolves, critical thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning, and problem-solving strategies are developed.
Level: 9th and 10th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1.
Description: This course is a first-year course in Euclidean geometry. Critical thinking skills are stressed throughout this course, with an emphasis on applying definitions, postulates, and theorems. This course develops students’ ability to reason logically through problem solving and proof writing. It integrates algebraic skills and concepts while exploring the geometric relationships of congruence and similarity. Concepts of geometry involving parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, and circles are studied. Formulas are used to find areas of plane figures and volumes and surface areas of various solids. A brief introduction to right triangle trigonometry and transformations is also included.
Level: 9th and 10th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, departmental approval.
Description: This course is designed for exceptional mathematics students who have completed one year of algebra. Critical thinking skills are developed through the process of student-driven exploration and discovery; curiosity, personal initiative, and perseverance are required. This course includes the topics traditionally presented in geometry but at a faster pace and deeper theoretical level. These concepts include terminology and properties of geometry; geometric constructions; deductive and inductive reasoning; proof writing; formulas pertaining to measurement of plane and solid figures; transformations; properties and relationships of geometric figures; and right triangle trigonometry.
Level: 9th through 11th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Description: This is a second-year course in algebra that takes concepts from Algebra 1 and applies them to polynomials of any degree and multivariable problems. Students entering this course use their proficiencies in solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities and complete operations with the complex number system and properties of numbers. Students study the use of the quadratic formula, polynomial factoring and solving systems of equations, with application of the concepts emphasized by studying word problems. New topics introduced include the study of polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and extensive use of the Tl-84 graphing calculator. Finally, students will explore the more modern topics of matrices, sequences, series, probability, and data analysis.
Level: 9th through 11th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, departmental approval, and solid performance on the qualifying test.
Description: This course is designed for exceptional and responsible mathematics students who have mastered the concepts of Algebra 1 and who possess innate mathematical abilities. Students are expected to develop an understanding of the fabric of mathematics and connections between various topics, rather than “learning” through rote memorization. This course includes the topics traditionally addressed in Algebra 2 at a faster and more in-depth theoretical level. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are developed and emphasized, as students work extensively with the setting up and solving of word problems. Enrichment concepts include matrices, probability, statistics, and polynomials of higher degree. New topics introduced include the study of polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and conic sections. Students also expand their use of the TI-84 graphing calculator to reinforce and extend concepts taught in the class.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and departmental approval.
Description: This comprehensive mathematics course is designed for students who have completed Algebra 2 but are not fully prepared to advance to more abstract mathematical areas of study such as Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications or Precalculus. The goal of this course is to develop a stronger foundation of algebraic concepts through a variety of computational, conceptual, and applied problems. Students who complete a full year of mathematics beyond Algebra 2 are not eligible for Mathematics for College Readiness.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Mathematics for College Readiness.
Description: This course provides a strengthening of algebraic and problem-solving skills, essential to the study of any upper-level mathematics course, through the exploration of topics from finance, accounting, and taxation. There is also a full review of core Algebra concepts in order to prepare a student for Precalculus or College Algebra. Critical-thinking skills are stressed throughout the course.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra or Precalculus (can be taken concurrently with Precalculus).
Description: The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop and apply knowledge of statistics and probability to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and reach inferences and conclusions. Emphasis is on practical applications and real-world data. Students have the opportunity to work on activities and projects which allow them to collect and analyze their own data. Statistical software as well as graphing calculators are used extensively throughout the course.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and departmental approval.
Description: This course prepares students for the study of calculus and begins with a brief review of algebraic concepts. Many types of functions are introduced, applied, and graphed, including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Students apply trigonometry in solving triangles and equations as well as in verifying identities. Finally, students will explore graphs of non-functions including, but not limited to, conic sections.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Algebra 2, departmental approval, and a solid performance on the mathematics section of the PSAT.
Description: Honors Precalculus is intended for students who have a strong foundation in geometry and second-year algebra. It includes a thorough study of function theory and trigonometry. Additional topics include an introduction to sequences and series, probability, and counting theory. Critical-thinking skills are stressed throughout this course. This course enables students to satisfy the trigonometry requirement of a college-preparatory mathematics curriculum and prepares them for the study of calculus.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Outstanding performance in Honors Algebra 2, departmental approval, and a solid performance on the
mathematics section of the PSAT.
Description: AP Precalculus is intended for students who have an outstanding foundation in geometry and second-year algebra. This course centers on the exploration of functions and how they model dynamic phenomena. The goal is to better prepare students for college-level calculus and provide grounding for other mathematics and science courses. As outlined in the course description published by College Board, students will study a broad spectrum of function types including polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric and polar functions, as well as functions involving parameters, vectors, and matrices. There is a strong emphasis on student-centered learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Precalculus, departmental approval, and a solid performance on the mathematics section of the PSAT/SAT.
Description: This course is designed for students who want to experience calculus at the high-school level and be better prepared for a first-semester calculus course at the college level. Honors Calculus emphasizes theory and concepts as well as the mathematical techniques of both differential and integral calculus. Students find limits and derivatives during the first semester and the anti-derivative and definite integral during the second semester. Applications of these concepts include problems with related rates, optimization, curve sketching, rectilinear motion, and the calculations of areas of regions and volumes of solids. This course does not follow the established curriculum set by the College Board; therefore, students interested in AP credit in calculus should select a more appropriate course.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus, departmental approval, and a solid performance on the mathematics section of the PSAT/SAT.
Description: AP Calculus AB is intended for students who have a thorough knowledge of college-preparatory mathematics, including algebra, axiomatic geometry, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. AP Calculus AB is a course in introductory calculus with elementary functions. It reviews basic function theory and properties of graphs. Differential and integral calculus through integration by parts are included as outlined in the course description published by the College Board. Emphasis is on the applications of derivatives for solving problems dealing with motion, maxima/minima problems, and related rate problems. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, applications of integrals for finding volumes, surface areas, and solving motion problems are also studied.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB, departmental approval, and a solid performance on the mathematics section of the PSAT/SAT.
Description: This course is intended for students who have a thorough knowledge of analytic geometry and elementary functions in addition to college-preparatory algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. AP Calculus BC is considerably more extensive than AP Calculus AB. All topics addressed in AP Calculus AB are reviewed in this course. AP Calculus BC includes the following topics: calculus of vector functions, parametric equations, conversion between polar and rectangular coordinates, area bounded by polar curves, velocity, acceleration vectors for motion on a plane curve, advanced integration techniques, composite functions defined by integrals, length of an arc, work as an integral, Hooke’s Law, and calculus of sequences and series.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus, departmental approval, and a solid performance on the mathematics section of the PSAT/SAT.
Description: AP Calculus AB/BC is a fast-paced college-level course intended for students with a thorough knowledge of college-preparatory mathematics, including algebra, axiomatic geometry, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. Students must readily comprehend mathematical concepts. The course follows the outline provided by the College Board and incorporates all topics addressed in AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in either Precalculus or Honors Precalculus, departmental approval and a solid performance on the mathematics section of the PSAT/SAT.
Description: This course is designed for outstanding mathematics students who have successfully completed a second-year course in algebra and who possess sufficient mathematical maturity and quantitative reasoning ability. The course is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. Its purpose is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include interpreting and summarizing distributions of univariate and bivariate data, planning and conducting surveys and experiments, and producing models through statistical inference. Computer programs are used in problem-solving and in group projects.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of AP Calculus BC or AB/BC, departmental approval, and a solid performance on the mathematics section of the PSAT/SAT.
Description: This course is designed for the student who has completed the advanced mathematics curriculum and wishes to further prepare for the study of mathematics in college. Its purpose is to reinforce formal logic and proof-writing through new and renewed content, provide exposure to and background in advanced topics not commonly encountered within upper school, give students sufficient knowledge of the Advanced Placement Statistics content, and teach students how to produce mathematical models of real and relevant situations. Students will study proof methods used in advanced college mathematics classes, including but not limited to contradiction and induction. Advanced topics will be selected from a variety of branches of pure mathematics such as linear algebra, number theory, non-euclidean geometry, logic, modeling, and number systems as well as applied mathematics such as computer science, finance, physics, probability, and statistics.