The primary objective of the mathematics program is to instill an appreciation for mathematics, to encourage application of mathematics in real-world situations, and to contribute to the total education of the student with course offerings that present a strong preparation, both in concepts and skills, for his or her future needs. The following programs are subject to constant study and review, and revisions are made when necessary.
First Year
Following a placement exam in May of their 8th grade year, students are enrolled in one of the following courses for their freshman year:
Algebra I
This course introduces the student to the basic structure of mathematics through a thorough study of the real number system. An understanding of the concepts and mastery of necessary skills is emphasized throughout. The need for precision and exactness in expression and thought is constantly stressed. Other topics covered are equations, inequalities, rational and irrational expressions.
Intermediate Algebra
This course continues a student’s study of the real number system begun in an 8th grade Algebra I course. After a brief review of basic algebra concepts, students will deepen their understanding of equations, inequalities, rational and irrational expressions, and quadratic equations and functions. The course concludes with a study of the basics of probability. An understanding of the concepts and mastery of necessary skills is emphasized throughout.
Algebra II Accelerated
This course is a continuation of Algebra I with the repeated topics covered in greater depth than in the first year. New topics include complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, and higher-order polynomial equations. The course also includes a unit on binomial expansion and a unit on probability.
Second Year
After completing Algebra I or Intermediate Algebra, students will advance to a year in Geometry. Students in the Algebra II Accelerated will continue to Accelerated Geometry.
Geometry and Accelerated Geometry
In this course the aims begun in Algebra are continued and carried out to a greater degree. This is accomplished through the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres. The students’ power of spatial visualization is developed through the integration of space geometry with plane geometry throughout the course. Students in Accelerated Geometry will also study the early basics of Trigonometry.
Third Year
Following their second year, students are placed in Algebra II or Algebra II/Trigonometry depending on their strength in mathematics over the past two year. Students in the accelerated program continue to Pre-Calculus.
Algebra II and Algebra II/Trigonometry
This course is a continuation of Algebra I with the repeated topics covered in greater depth than in the first year. New topics include sequences, logarithms and exponential functions, and complex numbers. Students in Algebra II/Trigonometry will also spend a significant portion of the course studying the trigonometric functions and their graphs.
Pre-Calculus Advanced
This course is designed to lay a sturdy foundation for success in Calculus. Relying on a solid understanding of Algebra and Geometry, the course begins with a review of Algebra II concepts, continues with a thorough study of the trigonometric functions, their properties, and their graphs, and concludes with a study of vectors, lines, and conic sections in Analytical Geometry
Fourth Year
Every student who has completed a study of trigonometry will study at least a semester of Calculus (differential calculus) in their senior year. Students who have completed Pre-Calculus will complete an entire year of Calculus.
Trigonometry/Probability/Statistics
This course is primarily for students whose college courses will not be in math-oriented fields. Therefore, its goal is to give these students a basic understanding of the trigonometric functions and their graphs, probability, and statistics to prepare them for college courses such as economics, business, education, and sociology.
Analytical Geometry/Differential Calculus
In the first semester, material is presented from the vector and Cartesian viewpoints. This course includes a thorough treatment of vectors, lines and conic sections in a plane. In the second semester, the following functions are covered in detail: polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential. The basic concepts of calculus are presented and used in the study of these functions.
Honors Calculus and AP Calculus (AB or BC)
These are college level courses which stress theory, mechanics, and applications in differential and integral calculus. The BC Calculus course additionally covers sequences, series, and parametric and polar functions. All courses prepare the student for future college math courses and applications in related fields. They cover the material which satisfies the agreement with the University of Scranton enabling students who successfully complete the course to receive college credit without examination. They also prepare students planning to attend other colleges for the CEEB Advanced Placement examinations, which they will take at the conclusion of this course. The A.P. exam is mandatory for students in the A.P. course and optional for those in the honors course.
