MatheMatics Classes for 2024-25

Availability of space in classes will ultimately determine placement.

Pre-Algebra
    This year-long math course takes students from basic operations in whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percent's, roots, and exponents and introduces them to math-building concepts in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and exciting real-life applications.

    Every block of ten lessons in this math course begins with a challenging set of problems that prepares students for standardized math testing and features personal interviews showing how individuals make use of math in their everyday lives.

Algebra
    This traditional algebra course studies the fundamental properties of arithmetic operations and their order; functions and graphs; integers, rational numbers, and real numbers; equations in one and two variables; simultaneous equations; exponents and polynomials; factoring; fractions and fractional expressions, square roots and radical equations, quadratic and fractional equations; inequalities; and number sequences. Using Harold Jacob's Elementary Algebra as the text students can expect 4-6 hours of work each week, which will be routinely checked along with tests and quizzes.

Geometry
    One of the seven liberal arts, geometry is both useful and beautiful. We will use Harold Jacobs' Geometry. Its focus is on Euclidean Geometry and deductive reasoning through proofs. It is as much a logic course as a math course as one must justify each step of an argument, using simple objects around us such as circles as fodder for our reasoning exercises. A solid foundation in Algebra is necessary.

Algebra II
   This course will follow the first half of Paul Foerster’s Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications and will include the study of polynomial, rational, and exponential functions and relations, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, and functions of a random variable, trigonometric and circular functions, triangle problems, and matrices.

    Diligent study of this subject should prepare the student well for the study of calculus or trigonometry in college. Specific preparation for the SAT and/or ACT math sections will also be a focus of the class. The student can expect 4 to 6 hours of homework each week, which will be routinely checked, as well as chapter tests and quizzes.