Pre-Algebra

Grade Level: 9-11
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Placement in class is based on preliminary testing and/or teacher recommendation.
Description: This course is designed to enhance student skills in the application of integers, solving one and two step equations and inequalities, factors and fractions, linear functions and graphing, ratio, proportion, and percent. Probability and statistics will also be introduced. Critical thinking and problem solving skills will be emphasized throughout the course.

Algebra I

Grade Level: 9-11
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Placement in class is based on preliminary testing and/or teacher recommendation. Proficiency in fractions and the use of negative and positive numbers is expected.
Description: This course will focus on problem solving through the use of algebraic techniques and methods. Students will learn to solve complex linear and polynomial equations and to draw the graphs associated with those equations. Also covered are the coordinate plane, factoring of polynomials, systems of equations, inequalities, quadratic and radical functions, polynomial fractions and long division. Critical thinking is used in all applications of Algebra.

Geometry

Grade Level: 9-12
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I with a C or better.
Description: The principals of Euclidian Geometry, integrated with problem solving through algebraic methods, will be used in this course. Geometry topics will include inductive and deductive reasoning, lines, angles and planes, area and volume, geometric proofs, circles, polygons and polyhedrons, and the principals of trigonometry. Higher level critical thinking skills will be emphasized as students use mathematic applications to understand their environment.

Informal Geometry

Grade Level: 10-12
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I. Students with a C or better in Algebra I will not be admitted.
Description: This course is a study of the basic relationships of parallelism, perpendicularity, similarity and congruence of figures with emphasis on triangles, parallelograms and circles. Logical reasoning and higher level critical thinking skills will be developed through a study of simple deductive proofs.

Algebra II/Trigonometry

Grade Level: 10-11
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of one year of Geometry with a C or better. It is recommended that the student owns a graphing calculator (YI-83 or TI-83 Plus).
Description: A continuation of Algebra and Geometry expanding algebraic principles to complex numbers, logarithms, rational and irrational numbers, rational and irrational exponents, and graphing of quadratic functions, including transformations and shifts, right triangle trigonometry, and matrices. Problem solving strategies and critical thinking are taught and used throughout the course. A TI-83/84 or TI-83/84 Plus will be introduced and suggested for use throughout the course.

Algebra II

Grade Level: 10-11
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry or Informal Geometry. Students with a C or better in Geometry will not be admitted.
Description: This course will review, strengthen and extend the algebraic skills learned in first-year algebra. The course is designed for those who would be unable to handle the rigor of Algebra II/Trigonometry. Problem solving strategies and critical thinking skills will be stressed throughout the course.

Pre-calculus

Grade Level: 11-12
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of one year of Algebra II/Trigonometry with a B- or better. It is recommended that the student owns a graphing calculator (TI-83/84 or TI-83/84 Plus).
Description: This course is an intense analytic study of functions and their graphs. Topics covered are polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Vectors and vector applications will be discussed. Problem solving applications and use of the TI-83/84 orTI-83/84 Plus graphing calculator will be stressed throughout the course.

Trigonometry/College Algebra

Grade Level: 11-12
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II/Trigonometry or Algebra II. Students with a B- or better in Algebra II/Trigonometry will not be admitted.
Description: This course is designed for the student who has not sufficiently mastered the Algebra required for Pre-Calculus, but who requires a fourth year of mathematics to further prepare him/her for their college program. Algebraic, geometric and trigonometric skills will be strengthened as the students study functions and analytic geometry.

Calculus

Grade Level: 11-12
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: At least a C average in Pre-Calculus. It is recommended that the student owns a graphing calculator (TI-83/84 or TI-83/84 Plus).
Description: This course will parallel the first course in calculus on the college level. Analytic geometry, limits, differential and integral calculus will be studied. Problem solving strategies, real-world applications and the use of the TI-83/84 orTI-83/84 Plus graphing calculator will be stressed throughout the course. The Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB Examination will be offered to students successfully completing this course.

Students must earn three mathematics credits in order to graduate (4 credits for the Class of 2011 and beyond).
The Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition is offered in the fall of each year.