Algebra I 

Algebra I presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of algebra. The course emphasizes algebraic techniques, particularly factoring, solving equations, and analyzing linear functions. Strategies for solving problems form an important component of the course, and an assortment of word problems are taught throughout the year. Other topics covered include real numbers, operations with polynomials and algebraic fractions, variation, inequalities, systems of equations, radical expressions, and quadratic functions.

 

Algebra II 

Algebra II extends the foundation in algebra begun in Algebra 1. Students explore functions more extensively, namely polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Other topics studied include conics, sequences and series, and an introduction to trigonometry. Students also become much more adept at using the numerical and graphing capabilities of their calculators.

 

Geometry 

Geometry provides an introduction to geometric techniques and ideas. Though different sections approach the subject in different ways, all sections develop results involving lines, planes, triangles, circles, polygons, perpendicularity, congruence, similarity, area, and volume. Algebraic techniques are revisited through topics such as inequalities, proportions, and coordinate geometry. Mathematical writing, axiomatic reasoning, and proof form a natural component of the curriculum. Further topics may include vectors, constructions, and similarity transformations. The text for the course is Jurgensen, Geometry. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to take the Mathematics Level 1 SAT subject test.

 

Trigonometry 

Trigonometry has its roots in the relationships between the sides and angles of a triangle. Students solve equations involving the sine, cosine, and tangent functions, and then investigate a wide array of real world applications. Further study focuses on identities, analytic properties of the trigonometric functions, and features of their graphs such as periodicity, symmetry, amplitude, and phase shift. The text consists of relevant chapters from Brown, Advanced Mathematics.

 

Analysis/PreCalculus

Analysis/PreCalculus continues the development of topics studied in Algebra 2. Exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational functions, analytical geometry, systems equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, sequences, series, probabilities, conic sections, and polar coordinates are revisited in greater depth or introduced. Students have by now become proficient with their calculators, which aid them in their study of these functions and their graphs. The text is relevant chapters from Brown, Advanced Mathematics. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to take the Mathematics Level 2 SAT Subject Test. 

 

AP Statistics

AP Statistics is the science of collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Both the Advanced Placement and regular Statistics courses cover four major topics: exploratory data analysis—students use graphs and numbers to describe and analyze data; experimental and sampling design—students discover the proper ways to collect data via sampling and controlled experiments; probability—students learn fundamental principles of random variables and sampling distributions; and statistical inference—students draw conclusions from data using confidence intervals and tests of significance. The text is Bock, Velleman, and Deveaux, Stats: Modeling the World.

 

AP Calculus AB/BC

AP Calculus is one of the masterpieces of mathematics. In this course students extend the concepts of slope and area to all the non-linear functions they have studied. This Advanced Placement course is offered at two levels: AB and BC Calculus. Both sections study the derivative and integral in depth, covering topics such as tangent lines, curve sketching, related rates, implicit differentiation, slope fields, optimization problems, areas, volumes, and differential equations. The BC Calculus class also covers advanced integration techniques (line integrals, Green's Theorem, surface integrals, Stoke's Theorem, the Divergence Theorem) and Taylor series. The text for the course is Stewart, Calculus: Concepts and Contexts.