Math

Grade 9
Required
Full Year
Prerequisites: Algebra A or Pre-Algebra

Algebra I is the foundational course of the Upper School math curriculum. It is a continuation in our algebraic sequence of courses. The focus of the course is in the development, mastery, and application of formal algebraic notation and problem solving. The topics for the course include: linear functions, quadratic functions, factoring, and radical expressions and equations. Depth of understanding, rather than breadth of material, is the driving principle of the course. Students will not only be required to solve traditional problems but also to extend their learning to include applications of algebraic thought processes.

Grades 9-10
Required
Full Year
Prerequisites: Algebra I

Geometry is the second course in the sequence of Upper School mathematics courses. It normally is taken the year between Algebra I and Algebra II but may be taken concurrently with Algebra II with permission of the department. The department feels that students benefit by taking Geometry between Algebra I and Algebra II because the year allows the student to mature mathematically and to put elementary algebraic skills to use before attempting the more difficult concepts and procedures introduced in Algebra II.

The course, Euclidean geometry, involves the development of a logical, deductive system through establishment of rules of argument, definitions, postulates, and theorems. The concept of deductive proof is introduced early in the course and is fully developed as the course progresses. Topics include congruent and similar figures, perpendicular and parallel lines, polygons, circles, areas, and volumes. The main emphasis of the course is on plane geometry but the work is supplemented with some aspects of solid geometry.

Grades 9-11
Satisfies the Algebra II Requirement
Full year
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry, or department permission

Algebra II expands the basic skills of Algebra I. The course allows the students to further develop their algebraic skills while allowing for time to practice and apply their knowledge. Much of the course is devoted to the study of functions (linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic). Time is also spent simplifying expressions, factoring, solving equations of varying degrees, and graphing. Additional topics include matrices, sequences and series, and conic sections. The course is further enhanced by the use of the TI-84 graphing calculator and other similar technology.

Grades 9-11
Satisfies the Algebra II Requirement
Full year
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry, or department permission

Algebra II with Trigonometry is a course designed to transition the students from Algebra I to Pre-Calculus. A large part of the course focuses in on graphing functions (linear, quadratic, absolute value, polynomial, radical, exponential and logarithmic). Throughout the year the students apply and extend their Algebra I skills through complex, multistep equation solving. The year culminates with a five-week study of trigonometry, which includes extensive study of the unit circle and applications of triangles in problem solving. A TI-84 calculator is required for the course.

Grades 9-11
Satisfies the Algebra II Requirement
Full year
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry, AND department permission via placement test

Advanced Algebra II with Trigonometry is designed to meet the demands of exceptional math students. Topics regularly taught in Algebra II with Trigonometry as well as Pre-Calculus will be taught to mastery. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining a deep understanding of functions both algebraically and graphically. These topics include linear systems with matrix methods, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, and sequences and series. Students will also begin a study of trigonometry which will continue the following year in the next course of this sequence. A graphing calculator such as the TI-84 will be used.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Full year
Prerequisites: Algebra II or Algebra II with Trig

For seniors, FST is excellent preparation for subsequent university classes. For juniors, this course is preparation for our introductory Calculus course, the Elements of Calculus. The course will present topics from these three areas of Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry. Students will build upon their knowledge of functions gained in Algebra II while analyzing polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. They will use these functions in applications modeling real-world situations. The study of trigonometry will include graphs, equations, and identities. Statistical concepts learned will include data analysis, normal distributions, and probability.

Grades 9-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: B- or higher in either Algebra II with Trigonometry or FST

Pre-Calculus is an elective course covering a variety of advanced mathematical topics. Concepts introduced in Algebra II-Trig are reinforced and extended. This course includes a thorough study of Trigonometry and its applications. Other topics studied include function analysis including exponential and logarithmic functions, analytic geometry, complex numbers and an introduction to probability and statistics with emphasis on the normal curve. Graphing calculators are used extensively. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the study of college-level courses.

Grades 9-11
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Advanced Algebra II with Trigonometry or department permission

This course is the second year of a 3-year sequence designed to meet the demands of exceptional math students. The first semester will include an in-depth study of Trigonometry and its applications, to include polar equations and graphs, De Moivre's Theorem, and vectors. Graphing calculators, such as a TI-84, will be used extensively. During the second semester students will study limits, derivatives, and applications of the derivative. At the conclusion of the course, students will be prepared for the next course in the sequence, AP Calculus BC.

Grades 9-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: B- in Pre-Calculus

Calculus I is an AP course designed to enable the more capable mathematics student to earn one or two semesters of college credit by taking the AB Advanced Placement exam at the end of the year. The course begins with a brief review of Pre-Calculus topics. The concept of limit is introduced, first on an intuitive basis and then in a theoretical context. The definition of derivative and the derivative theorems are used to find the derivatives of algebraic, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions. The derivative is then applied to problems involving velocity and acceleration, related rates, graphing, and maximum-minimum problems and L’Hopital’s Rule.

The indefinite integral and simple integration formulas are studied and applied to problems involving rectilinear motion of a particle. The Fundamental Theorem of Integral Calculus is developed and applied to problems of area and volume. The integration formulas for trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, plus differentiation and integration formulas for logarithmic and exponential functions are developed and applied. The course concludes with the study of special methods of integration. The graphing calculator is used throughout the course.

Grades 9-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: B- or higher in Calculus I and department approval (Detailed info)

Calculus II begins with a brief review of topics covered in Calculus I, including an in-depth study of the concepts of derivative and integral. Hyperbolic functions are then introduced along with differential equations, Taylor’s Series, infinite series, polar graphs, partial differentiation, vector-valued functions, and multiple integrals. Graphing calculators are used in the course. Completion of Calculus II prepares students for the BC level of the Calculus Advanced Placement examination but is not limited to the topics needed for that examination. Depending on students’ AP scores, from one to three semesters of college credit may be earned.

Grades 9-12
Elective
Full-year
Prerequisites: B in Pre-Calculus/Differential Calculus and department approval (Detailed info)

AP Calculus BC is the third year of a 3-year sequence designed to meet the demands of exceptional math students. Completion of the course prepares students for the BC level of the Calculus Advanced Placement examination; topics, however, will not be limited to those needed for that examination. Depending on students’ AP scores, from one to three semesters of college credit may be earned. After a brief review of differential calculus and its applications, the Fundamental Theorem of Integral Calculus is developed and applied to problems of area and volume. Various integration methods are studied as well as some differential equations. A significant portion of the course will focus on infinite series, including Taylor’s Series. The calculus of parametric functions and polar functions will be studied. If time allows, vector-valued functions and partial differentiation, perhaps even multiple integrals, will be considered. Graphing calculators will be used throughout the course.

Grades 10-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Generally, students must earn a B- or higher in Pre-Calculus or have department approval (Detailed info).

This study of statistics will introduce students to the process of collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. The AP Statistics curriculum follows four main themes: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and statistical inference. We’ll use technology and investigative tasks/experiments to enhance our understanding of statistics and its impact on the world around us.

Grades 11-12 only
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: If a student is a junior or senior, they may double with AP Calculus I, II, or BC. Otherwise, they should wait to take the course until they are at least a junior.

Multivariate Calculus begins with a review of vectors, with special emphasis on three dimensional representations. Vector operations and geometrical interpretations will be explored and deepened to provide an intuitive framework for extending calculus from one dimension to many. From this frame of reference, the ideas of motion along a curve, partial derivatives, constrained optimization, multiple integrals, and line and surface integrals will be introduced. Emphasis will be on problem solving, above and beyond just the mechanics of completing the calculations, and connections to physics and geometry will be made to enhance the insight developed during the course.

In this course students learn to differentiate and integrate functions of several variables. We extend the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to multiple dimensions, and the course will culminate in Green's, Stokes' and Gauss' Theorems.