Mathematics

In this course, students learn how to perform operations with rational numbers, focusing heavily on the order of operations. As the year progresses, students are introduced to variable expressions and learn to solve and graph single-variable equations.  Students become adept at algebraic manipulations in preparation for Algebra 1. Problem solving and mental math are emphasized throughout the year, as this is a non-calculator course.  Through class notes, homework, projects, and assessments students hone their number sense, learn to recognize reasonable answers within a mathematical context and solidify their mental math abilities.

This first course in algebra covers the properties of a number field, linear and quadratic relations, radicals, factoring, inequalities, and absolute values. The emphasis is balanced so that students learn fundamental concepts and basic theory that enable them to manipulate algebraic expressions and perform algebraic modeling. Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra.

This course introduces logic and uses it to present the structure of Euclidian geometry in the plane. Topics covered are congruence, proof, similarity, parallelism, and transformations. Prerequisite: Algebra 1.

This intermediate-level course extends to a more mature level than the material covered in Algebra 1 through ordered field properties, inequalities, rational number systems, complex number systems, radicals, exponents and logarithms, systems of quadratics, and conic sections. The curriculum emphasizes word problems and algebraic modeling, with significant student responsibility for explaining problem-solving strategies. Graphing calculators are required for all classes from Algebra 2 on. Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry.

The course investigates the fundamentals of statistics, including exploratory data analysis, probability, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses, and linear regression. Students use hands-on activities, computer simulations and software to learn statistical concepts. Prerequisites: Algebra 2.

Students in Precalculus further hone their understanding of functions, geometry, modeling, and trigonometry. This course covers power, exponential, logarithmic, logistic, rational and periodic functions, parametric equations, polar equations, conic sections, and analytic geometry.  And at the discretion of the instructor either vectors or topics from combinatorics and probability. Our units on trigonometry expand on what students have learned in Algebra 2 and teach the skills required to solve a variety of problems involving identities, modeling, and triangular constructions. Throughout the year, there is a strong emphasis on mapping data to functions and gaining fluency with calculators and technology. Prerequisites: Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation.

This course prepares students to take the Statistics Advanced Placement exam, covering the four main areas of the exam, including exploratory analysis of data (graphically and numerically), data collection techniques, probability and statistical inference. Students apply computer modeling extensively.   Prerequisites: Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation. Students who are successful in this course will be qualified to take the Advanced Placement exam.

This course is an introduction to calculus that includes the study of derivatives, integrals and their applications. It is not intended as preparation for the Advanced Placement exam. Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation.

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts, including limits, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals and differential equations; familiarizes students with the concepts and theories underlying calculus and physics; helps students recognize certain types of problems and subsequently solve them; teaches students how to set up problems and find real-world solutions; encourages students to visualize concepts with the aid of technology, models and graphs; and instills an appreciation for the elegance and beauty of the subject and its many applications. Students exit the course with a full year of differential and integral calculus. Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation. All students who are enrolled in this course will take the Advanced Placement exam.

All students entering Calculus BC will have had a full year of differential and integral calculus through our Calculus AB program. The course begins with the analytic proofs of theorems from Calculus AB and how these topics apply in physics. New topics include polar and parametric functions, techniques of integration, differential equations, infinite process, delta-epsilon proofs and approximating with error analysis the values of transcendental numbers. Throughout the course, infinite process is applied to finite algorithmic development in computer science. Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB and teacher recommendation. All students who are enrolled in this course will take the Advanced Placement exam.

The first semester of Multivariable Calculus covers the differentiation and integration of functions of several variables, including partial derivatives, double and triple integrals in rectangular, polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, and vector calculus. The second semester is an introduction to Linear Algebra. Drawing from both application and theory, students learn about matrix algebra, determinants, linear transformations, vector spaces, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Prerequisites: AP Calculus BC and teacher recommendation.

This course covers the fundamentals of programming in Java: syntax, control flow, objects and classes, user input and more. Through projects students learn basic logic and problem solving, program design and debugging. Projects include text-based games and an open-ended project of the students' design. Material is geared toward students new to programming, but additional challenges are present for those with prior experience.

This course builds upon the foundation taught in Introduction to Programming, focusing on user interaction, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and algorithms. Students will build a quiz on subjects of their choosing, design a minimalist paint program and program search and sort methods via recursion. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Programming. Corequisite: Pre-Calculus