Upper school > course description math

Mathematics in grades 9-12 is a sequential, college preparatory program. It emphasizes the development of math concepts, as well as computational, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Comprehensive and appropriately challenging, this curriculum is designed to provide students with the math background necessary for their future endeavors.

Grade Level: 8-9 - Algebra I CP - This course is offered to students who have completed pre-algebra.  Topics covered include variable expressions, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, factoring polynomials, and simplifying radial and rational expressions. The interpretation and solution of verbal problems follows each topic.  Students are introduced to graphing calculator technology.

Grade Level 8-9 - Algebra I Honors - This course is offered to students who have completed pre-algebra and display strong mathematical skills. Topics covered include variable expressions, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, systems of linear and non-linear equations, factoring polynomials, and simplifying radical and rational expressions. The interpretation and solution of verbal problems is incorporated within each skill area. Inquiry-based learning and graphing calculator technology are both utilized in this course. Students are encouraged to develop precise and accurate habits of mathematical expression.              

Grade Level 9-10 - Geometry CP -This course follows Algebra I. Postulates, theorems, definitions and algebraic properties are studied. Students are exposed to deductive reasoning and logical thinking as they examine proofs. Congruency, similarity, properties of polygons, right triangles, and circles are studied.              

Grade Level 9-10 - Geometry Honors - This course follows Algebra I. Postulates, theorems, definitions, and algebraic properties are combined with deductive reasoning and logical thinking to develop proofs. Emphasized are the concepts of congruency and similarity, the properties of particular polygons, the right triangle, and the circle.             

Grade Level: 10-11 - Algebra II CP - This course is offered to students who have successfully completed Algebra I and Geometry. Coursework builds directly upon the topics and concepts introduced in Algebra I. Students explore a variety of solution strategies for solving systems of equations, as well as linear, quadratic, rational, radical, and exponential equations. Students are required to interpret and solve application problems in each of these contexts. A working knowledge of the graphing calculator will be developed.             

Grade Level: 10-11 - Algebra II Honors - This course covers similar topics to Algebra II CP. In addition, students at the Honors level are expected to delve more deeply into each concept. Application problems have increased focus at the Honors level. More emphasis is placed on independent problem solving and mathematical justification of each step in students work.

Grade Level: 11-12 - Pre- Calculus CP - This course is offered to students who have completed Algebra I and II and Geometry and may follow Advanced Algebra. The concepts and skills developed in Algebra II are reviewed and expanded. Topics covered include conic sections, logarithmic and exponential functions, the trigonometric functions, and sequences series and probability.              

Grade Level: 11-12 - Pre- Calculus Honors - This course lays the foundation for calculus and is designed for the student who has a solid background in Algebra II and Geometry. The course is a more advanced study of algebra integrated with coordinate geometry and emphasizes linear and quadratic functions and their graphs, the conic sections, logarithmic and exponential functions, the trigonometric functions, the concept of vectors, the study of limits, sequences, series, and probability. The approach stresses the understanding and application of concepts.              

Grade Level: 11-12 - AP Statistics - This course is offered on-line for an additional fee.  AP Statistics data analysis is dependent on the use of technology.  Students should have access to computers that include software capable of doing data analysis and students will be required to interpret output generated by statistical software programs. Students are not expected to learn how to use various statistical programs.

Grade Level: 12 - Advanced Algebra - This course is offered to students who have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, and who wish to maintain proficiency in algebra skills in preparation for college mathematics. Topics include exponents, factoring, equation solving, rational expressions, radicals, quadratic equations, graphs of functions, conic sections, and trigonometric concepts.

Grade Level: 12 - Calculus - This course introduces limits, differentiation, and integration of functions.  Students will find and evaluate finite and infinite limits graphically, numerically and analytically.  They will find deriviatives using a variety of methods including the Chain Rule and Implicit Differentiation.  They will use the First Derivative Test and the Second Derivative Test to analyze and sketch functions.

Grade Level: 12 - Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) - AP Calculus (AB) is a college-level mathematics course intended to be challenging and demanding. A strong performance in Pre-Calculus is a prerequisite. Topics include: functions, graphs, limits, derivatives and integrals. College credit may be awarded to those students who are successful on the national AP exam given in May.

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