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There are significant differences between an honors level and a college prep level course. Honors level mathematics courses are faster paced with considerably less repetition of ideas to achieve student mastery. As a result, students in honors classes must exhibit a strong work ethic and the ability to learn independently. Honors level mathematics courses build on students’ innate logical abilities stressing critical thinking while making connections among seemingly diverse topics. Parents and students should be aware of this before electing an honors level Mathematics course.
Algebra 1 Honors
Grade 9
This accelerated algebra course covers the topics in Algebra 1 CP heavily emphasizing problem solving and logical thinking. The computation level is increased and the course is extended to include more work with applications, more complete coverage of radicals and irrational numbers, and the four-pronged approach to mathematics (verbal, numerical, graphical and analytical). A graphing calculator is required. A summer assignment is required. Placement is determined by entrance examination results and department approval.
Algebra 1 CP
Grade 9
Algebra 1 CP covers the foundations of algebraic thinking including rational and irrational numbers, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and factoring, and rational expressions. Connections to real world applications are encouraged. A graphical approach is emphasized. A graphing calculator is required. A summer assignment is required. Placement is determined by entrance examination results and department approval.
Algebra 1
Grade 9
This modified course covers the topics listed in Algebra 1 CP but the approach is less rigorous and more intuitive. This course includes arithmetic skills review and emphasizes concept retention using drill, manipulatives and special projects. It is a complete foundations course in elementary algebra. A summer assignment is required. Placement is determined by entrance examination results.
Geometry Honors
Grade 9-10
Geometry Honors includes plane, solid and coordinate geometry. The units covered include: triangles, polygons, lines, circles, space perception, surfaces, volumes, and geometric relationships. Geared to students intending to follow a heavier math-science roster, it treats each topic in greater depth than Geometry CP. Deductive and inductive reasoning are taught and the students are guided to develop theorems and deduce corollaries. Students are taught several methods of proof and given extensive practice in each. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on proof and spatial concepts. Algebra skills are maintained through review sheets and testing. A summer algebra review assignment is mandatory. A graphing calculator is required.
Geometry CP
Grade 9 - 10
Geometry CP covers plane, solid and coordinate geometry. The units include: lines, angles, triangles (including trigonometry), quadrilaterals, circles, area and volume. Inductive and deductive reasoning is used to develop logical thinking skills and to aid in the understanding of the basic concepts of geometry. Coordinate geometry is taught to assist with understanding and proving relationships. Algebra skills are maintained throughout the course through the use of worksheets, quizzes and a year-end test. A graphing calculator is required. A summer assignment is required.
Geometry
Grade 10
Geometry includes the major topics listed in Geometry CP but more emphasis is placed on intuitive and informal deductive reasoning than on formal proofs. Algebra skills are maintained throughout the course through the use of worksheets and quizzes. A summer assignment is required.
Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors
Grade 10-11
Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors, enhanced by the use of graphing calculators, develops and expands concepts taught in Algebra 1 and includes: linear and polynomial functions, inequalities, quadratic relations, systems of equations, complex numbers, rational functions, and conic sections. In addition to the algebraic topics, the following areas are covered: logarithms, matrices, selected discrete mathematics topics, trigonometric and circular functions. A summer algebra and geometry review assignment is mandatory. A graphing calculator is required.
Algebra 2 CP
Grade 10-11
The scope of Algebra 2 CP includes the further development and expansion of concepts covered in Algebra 1 CP. Topics include the real number system, complex numbers; linear equations, inequalities, linear systems, elementary linear programming; factoring, rational expressions; functions and graphs: quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical; conic sections; matrices; introduction to sequences and series. A graphing calculator is required. A summer assignment is required.
Algebra 2
Grade 11
Algebra 2 develops and expands concepts taught in Algebra 1. The approach is less rigorous and more intuitive than Algebra 2 CP. Topics include: inequalities, graphing, polynomials and factoring, positive and negative exponents, quadratic relations, and problem solving. A summer assignment is required.
Precalculus Honors
Grade 11-12
Precalculus Honors is designed for students capable of above average work in mathematics and who are interested in a career in mathematics or science. Topics include a detailed study of functions and their graphs: polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational, trigonometric; graphing techniques, an introduction to limits, an introduction to derivatives, parametric equations, polar coordinates, polar form of complex numbers, sequences and series, the binomial theorem and counting techniques. A summer assignment is mandatory and a graphing calculator is required.
Precalculus with Trigonometry CP
Grade 11 - 12
Precalculus with Trigonometry CP is intended as an introduction to college level precalculus or as a terminal course for students who are planning a non-technical major in college. The course expands upon the four-pronged approach (numerical, algebraic, graphic and verbal) and includes the following topics: functions and their graphs: polynomial, power, rational, exponential, logarithmic and logistic. Trigonometry topics include: triangle trigonometry, circle trigonometry, solving right and oblique triangles, trigonometric identities, solving trigonometric equations, graphing trigonometric functions and polar graphing. Other topics include matrix operations and analytic geometry in two dimensions. A summer assignment is mandatory. A graphing calculator is required.
Introduction to Precalculus with Trigonometry
Grade 12
This essentials level course is intended for college bound students who need to maintain and improve their algebraic and computational skills. Topics include review materials from Algebra 1, 2 and Geometry in anticipation of SAT testing and college placement examinations. Topics also include materials from the Precalculus with Trigonometry CP curriculum with greater emphasis on drill, projects and the use of technology. This course is not intended for students whose college major may require Calculus. A graphing calculator and a summer assignment are required.
Precalculus 2/ Introduction to Calculus (new 2009-10)
Grade 12
Precalculus 2/ Introduction to Calculus is designed for students who have had Algebra 1 prior to Grade 9. The course continues the study of precalculus begun in Precalculus with Trigonometry and integrates an introduction to the concepts of limit, derivative and integral with an emphasis on graphic understanding. A graphing calculator is required. A summer assignment is required.
Calculus Honors
Grade 12
Calculus Honors is designed for students who are proficient in precalculus but who will not necessarily pursue a major in mathematics, technology or engineering in college. Beginning with the concept of limits, the course explores differential and integral calculus with less emphasis on theory and proof than Calculus AP. The four-pronged approach to mathematics (verbal, numerical, graphical and analytical) is used to develop topics. A summer assignment is mandatory. A graphing calculator is required.
Calculus AP
Grade 12
Calculus AP is designed for students who will pursue a major in mathematics, technology or engineering in college. The course follows the College Board guidelines for Advanced Placement Calculus to prepare students for the Calculus AB exam. The four-pronged approach to mathematics (verbal, numerical, graphical and analytical) is used to develop topics. A summer assignment is mandatory and a graphing calculator is required.
Introduction to Statistical Thinking - Semester elective
Grade 11-12
Introduction to Statistical Thinking is offered as a mathematics enrichment elective taken concurrently with another senior level mathematics course or as a fourth year mathematics semester course. The course provides an introduction to data display techniques: histograms, dot plots, stem-leaf plots, box plots, scatter plots, regression lines as well as an introduction to samples and surveys. The normal distribution is discussed as a probability model. Emphasis is placed on the development of statistical awareness and logical thinking in a numbers driven society. This semester course may be taken with Selected Topics in Discrete Mathematics to provide a full year mathematics sequence. A graphing calculator is required.
Selected Topics in Discrete Mathematics - Semester elective
Grade 11-12
Selective Topics in Discrete Mathematics is offered as a mathematics enrichment elective taken concurrently with another senior level mathematics course or as a fourth year mathematics semester course. Topics include election theory, fair division, matrix operations, networks and spanning trees. Probability topics include counting techniques, probability and odds, dependent events, mutually exclusive events, simple conditional probability and an introduction to binomial probability. This semester course may be taken with Introduction to Statistical Thinking to provide a full year mathematics sequence. A graphing calculator is required.
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