Mathematics

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to give everyone an opportunity to succeed in math.  We believe that anyone who is committed to learning has the ability to achieve, regardless of his/her prior experience with math.  Anyone who puts in the effort and follows the course instructions will succeed.

Prealgebra with an Introduction to Geometry (A & B) (1 credit). This course is a transition from arithmetic to algebra. Upon completion of this course, students will have reviewed basic arithmetic and operations.  Students will have learned how to set up and solve elementary algebraic equations and word problems, and calculate volume and surface area.  Students develop an understanding of algebraic manipulation with a focus on presenting steps in a logical order.

Algebra 1 (A & B) (1 credit). This course is an introduction to and development of beginning algebra skills. Students learn to solve linear equations and inequalities; radical equations; absolute value equations and inequalities; systems of linear equations and inequalities by graphing, substitution, and elimination; quadratic equations by graphing, factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula. In order to solve many equations and inequalities, students must apply the following factoring skills taught: factor the greatest common factor, factor polynomials with the lead coefficient of 1 and a number other than one, factor perfect square trinomials and the difference of two squares, and factor by grouping. Students also learn to rewrite linear equations in slope-intercept form, point-slope form, and standard form, as well as graph linear equations, absolute value equations, square root functions, exponential functions, quadratic equations, and rational functions. Other topics covered in this course include: the order of operations, patterns and functions, measures of central tendency, theoretical and experimental probability, proportions, the Pythagorean Theorem, direct and inverse variation, slope, parallel and perpendicular lines, scatterplots, scientific notation, geometric sequences, exponential growth and decay, polynomial division, trigonometric ratios, and permutations and combinations. In addition, this course incorporates AIMS mathematics preparation, Frayer model and root parts vocabulary building, and a focus on careers that use algebra.

Geometry (A & B) (1 credit). This course covers concepts including measures, reasoning and proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruence and similarity, perimeter, area, surface area, volume, transformations, vectors, construction, right triangles and trigonometry, geometric probability, and 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional views. Students will review algebraic concepts, and set up and use algebraic expressions to interpret and apply geometric relationships as well as explore geometric principles in real-world settings. In addition, this course incorporates AIMS mathematics preparation, Frayer model and root part vocabulary building, and a focus on careers that use geometry.

Algebra 2/Geometry 2 (A & B) (1 credit).  This course is a continuation of developing algebraic skills.  Upon completion of this course, students will have reviewed introductory algebra and geometry, while learning more advanced concepts.  Students will continue the study of geometry, including the fundamental trigonometric ratios and begin to study geometric proofs.  Students will develop a thorough understanding of the complex number system, advanced algebraic problems, advanced word problems, and geometric theorems.

Basic Math Skills (A & B) (1 credit). This course reviews basic math including, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of who numbers, decimals and fractions.

Precalculus with Advanced Geometry (A & B) (1 credit).  This coursecovers the concepts and skills necessary for students to succeed in calculus.  This course contains an in-depth coverage of trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, and upper-level algebraic concepts.  Students develop an understanding of matrices, proofs, statistics, functions, and the graphing calculator.  Upon completion of this course, students will be fully prepared for calculus, advanced chemistry, and calculus-based physics.

Calculus with Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry (A & B) (1 credit).  This courseis an intensive review from algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry, and covers all topics normally taught in the first two semesters of a calculus course in college.  Upon completion of this course, students will have developed a thorough understanding of derivatives, integrals, limits, continuity, differentiability, and other calculus related concepts.

Financial Literacy A (0.5 credit). The goal of financial literacy is to provide students with the tools to make wise financial decisions. Students learn how current financial decisions affect future financial options. Understanding credit scores, the danger of pay-check to pay-check living, and the principles behind banking is an important foundation taught in Financial Literacy. Students learn purchasing and spending skills as they look into price comparison and explore the many facets sales and budgeting. Students are also introduced to investments and retirements to start thinking about their future, as well as credit card offers, payday loans, car title loans, personal loans, and student loans. Students evaluate offers and recognize misleading data, offers, and scams including pyramid schemes, phishing scams, modeling scams, work-at-home and business opportunity scans, reloading phone call scams, travel telemarketing scams, lottery scams, fake check scams, charity and fundraising fraud, and credit and loan phone scams. The course finishes with taxes: federal income, state income, sales tax, property tax, personal property tax, and other taxes and assessments. Financial Literacy reinforces basic math applications as they exist in everyday life.

AIMS MATH Prep (A & B) (0.5 elective credit).  This courseis an intensive review of all state standards that may appear on the AIMS MATH exam in the same format as the AIMS MATH exam.  After completion of this course, students will successfully pass the AIMS MATH exam.

Test Taking Skills: Mathematics (0.25 elective credit).  This course is a review of mathematical concepts likely to appear on a freshman standardized test.