Mathematics Department
The Mathematics Department is committed to teaching mathematics not only for its own intrinsic value, but by following the STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering- Math) curriculum model, students learn to ask questions; define a problem; obtain and evaluate information; use appropriate tools to analyze and interpret data; and design a solution. Through the use of the ACT Readiness Standards, the Mathematics department is dedicated to developing our students’ ability to think analytically and creatively, thus improving their problem solving skills. The curriculum provides opportunities for our students to practice logical thinking, organization, communication, and technology skills. The Mathematics Department is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding college preparatory program that empowers all students to realize their mathematical potential and to appreciate the value of mathematics.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11
Prerequisites: Credit in Geometry or Geometry Concepts and Applications and either Algebra I or Algebra I Concepts and Applications
Advanced Algebra is an in-depth study of topics covered in Algebra I. A good understanding of Algebra I topics is required. Other topics include the study of roots, rational irrational/complex numbers, probability, solving and graphing quadratic functions, and an introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions. Students learn how a graphing calculator can be used in problem solving situations. Students should complete the summer Advanced Algebra readiness workbook, available on the St. Francis High School website, prior to the beginning of the school year to prepare for an Advanced Algebra readiness skills assessment administered the first week of school.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11
Prerequisites: Minimum 88% average in Honors Geometry, minimum 98% average in regular Algebra and Geometry and recommendation of current teacher or qualifying score on the Algebra/Geometry proficiency exam for incoming freshmen and transfer students.
This course is designed to move faster through the algebraic material, providing several weeks of trigonometry. Students add depth to their understanding of Algebra I and investigate polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Students are introduced to the graphing calculator and learn how it is used in problem solving situations. Students should complete the summer Advanced Algebra readiness workbook, available on the St. Francis High School website, prior to the beginning of the school year to prepare for an Advanced Algebra readiness skills assessment administered the first week of school.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Entrance exam results and other submitted entrance materials
In Algebra I, students cover all aspects of working with basic statistical concepts, functions, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities and graphing linear expressions. The second semester covers graphs, systems of equations, quadratic equations exponents, polynomials and their operations and radical expressions. Problem solving is an integral part of Algebra I. Students will be exposed to several features of the TI-84 graphing calculator. Students should complete the summer Algebra readiness workbook, available on the St. Francis High School website, prior to the beginning of the school year to prepare for an Algebra readiness skills assessment administered the first week of school.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 85% average in Honors Precalculus and current math teacher’s recommendation.
AP Calculus AB is structured around three big ideas: limits, derivatives and integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course includes an emphasis on concepts, an embracing of technology, and an attention to calculus applications. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 95% average in Honors Precalculus and current math teacher’s recommendation.
AP Calculus BC explores the same ideas as Calculus AB in additional contexts and adds the idea of sequences. It includes the study of polar series and various methods to determine convergence and divergence. Both Maclaurin series and Taylor series are explored. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 85% in Honors Precalculus and a strong reading background. Minimum 88% in Honors Advanced Algebra Trigonometry to take concurrently with Honors Precalculus. Current math teacher’s recommendation is required.
This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1) exploring data, 2) planning a study, 3) probability, and 4) statistical inference. Graphing calculators are used extensively. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 85% in Precalculus 1 and Trigonometry or a credit in Honors Precalculus and current math teacher’s recommendation.
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to many of the topics encountered in a full year Calculus course. These topics include a discussion of limits, continuity, the derivative, the integral, and applications of the integral. The purpose of the course is to give the student an exposure to the topics and techniques used in Calculus. The approach will lack the rigor of an AP course.
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Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Credit in Advanced Algebra or recommendation of current math teacher. Students that have completed Honors Precalculus are not eligible for this course.
Topics covered include sequences and series, matrices and their use in system solutions, combinatorics and probability and analytical geometry. Use of the graphing calculator is expanded.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10
Prerequisites: Credit in Algebra I or Algebra I Concepts and Applications with recommendation of instructor, or a qualifying score on the April Algebra proficiency exam for incoming freshmen.
This course covers Euclidean geometry, including discussions of angles, lines, congruent and right triangles, polygons, circles, areas, and volume. Coordinate geometry and basic analytic geometry will be interspersed throughout the year to reinforce other concepts. Formal proof will be an integral part of this course. Students should complete the summer Geometry readiness work- book, available on the St. Francis High School website, prior to the beginning of the school year to prepare for a Geometry readiness skills assessment administered the first week of school.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10
Prerequisites: Minimum 98% average in Algebra I and recommendation of teacher, or a qualifying score on the April Algebra proficiency exam for incoming freshmen.
This course is designed for the high ability student. It covers the concepts of Euclidean geometry in more detail with more emphasis on formal proofs and more difficult applications. Coordinate geometry and basic analytic geometry will be interspersed throughout the year. Written and oral communication of mathematics is emphasized. Students are required to complete assignments outside the textbook each quarter. Students should complete the summer Geometry readiness workbook, available on the St. Francis High School website, prior to the beginning of the school year to prepare for a Geometry readiness skills assessment administered the first week of school.
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Credit: .5 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Credit in Honors Advanced Algebra Trig, credit in Advanced Algebra or recommendation of current math teacher.
This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to three broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, and statistical analysis. Graphing calculators are used extensively. Students that have completed one or both semesters of AP Statistics are not eligible for this course.
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Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: A credit in Honors Advanced Algebra Trig or a minimum 80% average in Advanced Algebra and current teacher’s recommendation.
This course is designed for the college bound student who has a good background in mathematics. Topics covered include linear, quadratic and polynomial functions, equations and inequalities. Exponential and logarithmic functions are also investigated. The study of functions in the abstract is facilitated through the study of their graphs using paper and pencil as well as technology. Students should complete the summer PreCalculus readiness workbook, available on the St. Francis High School website, prior to the beginning of the school year to prepare for a PreCalculus readiness skills assessment administered the first week of school.
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Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 88% average in Honors Advanced Algebra Trig or minimum of 98% in Advanced Algebra and current teacher’s recommendation.
This course is designed for those with a strong background in mathematics. Topics covered include a thorough review of linear and quadratic functions and an in-depth study of polynomial functions. The study of functions in the abstract is facilitated through the study of their graphs using both pen and pencil and technology in the form of graphing calculators. Additional topics covered include exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications in the real world; trigonometric functions, their equations, graphs and identities and their applications; and sequences and series. Finite topics developed include matrices, combinatorics, and probability.
Students should complete the summer PreCalculus readiness workbook, available on the St. Francis High School website, prior to the beginning of the school year to prepare for a PreCalculus readiness skills assessment administered the first week of school.
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Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum 80% average in Advanced Algebra and minimum 76% average in Precalculus I or recommendation of current math teacher.
This course is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a course of study such as mathematics, science, or engineering. These majors often require a trig-based calculus course in college and this course acts as preparation by providing an in-depth study of trigonometry. Topics covered include trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations, trigonometric identities, sum and difference formulas and graphing. Graphing calculators are used extensively.
