The College Prep math curriculum focuses on building a strong conceptual base that helps students to become flexible thinkers, able to apply the mathematics they have learned to a rapidly changing world.

Math teachers have designed materials for incremental learning and to address a variety of learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Students learn concepts and skills by solving carefully sequenced problems; in class, students often work in cooperative groups. Teachers coordinate courses and review frequently so students retain important ideas from year to year. Instead of separate courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, all three areas are addressed in each course of an integrated curriculum. Course materials introduce applications to science and other related fields and provide historical context. 

Calculators and computers are important tools of modern mathematics. Teachers instruct students in their appropriate use, but also require a firm grasp of basic skills. Students are required to solve many problems without using calculators. The Math Department uses placement examinations, recommendations, and interviews to ensure that each student enrolls in the most suitable course sequence. Almost all students take four years of mathematics, even though only three are required. Math Club meets regularly to share ideas and investigate problems beyond the scope of the normal curriculum. All interested students are welcome to participate. The club also provides opportunities for students to take part in local and national mathematics competitions.

Concepts and applications of algebra, problem solving, and geometry are the main topics in this course, designed to prepare students with diverse mathematical backgrounds for Math II. Students learn how to use the scientific calculator to solve problems and use manipulatives extensively to develop spatial visualization skills. They often work together in small groups in the classroom, developing their collaborative skills and their ability to explain mathematics clearly. Students review and practice algebra skills in a wide variety of situations. Topics include proportional reasoning, geometric similarity and transformations, area and perimeter, linear and quadratic equations, and introductory statistics and probability. This course is coordinated with Integrated Laboratory Science.

This course covers topics from geometry and algebra. The curriculum encourages connections among topics by continually interweaving them. Emphasis is placed on the development of geometric intuition, deductive logic, proof, and a strong foundation in algebra. Group work is encouraged; activities are done in groups, sometimes with physical models and or computers. Class discussions and group activities enrich the learning experience by developing problem-solving and communication skills. 

The concept of function serves as a framework for this course. Mathematical modeling (deriving a mathematical expression from real-world data) is introduced, and students do experiments and use graphing calculators to gather information. Students purchase a course-specific graphing calculator and are instructed in its use. Algebraic skills are practiced within the context of solving problems, and geometric interpretations and graphing are emphasized. Students continue the study of linear and quadratic equations begun in Math I and Math II, adding new functions to their repertoire: polynomials, trigonometric functions, exponentials, and logarithms.  This course is offered at two levels: Math IlIA and Math III. Both are college preparatory and cover functions and applications. Math IIIA is accelerated, covering topics usually included in algebra honors, trigonometry and precalculus. It prepares students for Level IIC of the College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics. Math III covers topics normally taught in advanced algebra and trigonometry.

This course builds on the foundation of function and trigonometry from Math IIIA, and continues into introductory calculus. Analysis topics include sequences, series, polar and parametric functions, and complex numbers. Topics from discrete math include matrices, combinatorics and probability. Trigonometry topics include sum/difference formulas and proving trigonometric identities. Calculus topics include limits, first and second derivatives of the basic functions, applications to maxima and minima and rates of change.

This course explores topics across a broad spectrum, including pre-calculus, calculus, economics, finance, and statistics. The emphasis will be on applications of mathematics to a variety of fields. In the first semester, we will introduce some of the ideas of set theory, statistics (linear regression models), economics (supply, demand) and finance (including simple and compound interest). Second semester, we will continue with more finance (annuities and loan amortization), probability, single variable statistics (normal curve distributions) and calculus (limits, rates of change, derivatives, and integrals). The goal is to expose students to a variety of techniques and applications that will be useful in diverse academic pursuits as well as life in general.

This two-semester course covers differential and integral calculus at the college level. There are two versions. Math VAB is the basic course, covering techniques and applications of derivatives and integrals. It prepares students for the “AB” Advanced Placement Examination. Designed for the strongest math students, Math VBC covers the same material, as well as topics like infinite series and multivariable calculus and prepares students for the “BC” Advanced Placement Examination. The department advises students on which course to take based on their previous math work at College Prep. VBC is not recommended for students receiving lower than an A- in Math Analysis and Introduction to Calculus.

How accurate are opinion polls?  Where is the economy really heading? Can you believe the latest “study” about health and diet?  The media appear to give definitive answers to questions like these, without examining how strong or weak the evidence really is. In Statistics, we look at how data are gathered and presented, and how certain the conclusions drawn from them are likely to be. This means using standard formulas, but we will also look at the math behind the formulas, including probability and its applications. There are lab exercises (sometimes with edible “equipment”) and mini-projects in which students design and carry out original investigations. There are also informal discussions of items in the news. This two-semester course is equivalent to a semester of statistics in college and prepares students for the AP exam. It may be taken after or at the same time as Applied Math, or Math Analysis and Introductory Calculus.

The Art of Problem Solving (Semester-Long Elective)