Mathematics

Mathematics

Throughout our mathematics curriculum, students are challenged to think, communicate, and develop their mathematical abilities. Concepts and skills are presented in a real-world context where written and oral communication, mathematical reasoning, and creative problem solving are emphasized. The aims of mathematics are to enable the students to: enjoy math and develop an appreciation of the power of math, develop an understanding of the principles and nature of math, communicate math clearly and confidently, develop logical, critical and creative thinking, apply and transfer skills to real world applications, appreciate how developments in technology and math have influenced each other, appreciate the moral implications arising from the work of mathematicians, appreciate the international dimension of mathematics and its historical perspective, and to appreciate the contribution of mathematics to other disciplines. The skills taught will provide the student with a solid foundation both for further mathematical study and success in the workplace. 

Algebra 1 (Essentials)                                                                                            
Grade 9

Algebra I is the first course in a four year math sequence. In this course, students will engage in grade level Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Algebra I focuses on the structure of the real number system, representations in solving real-world problems, linear equations, probability, functions, exponents, polynomials, and problem solving. Graphing, both as a means of displaying data and analyzing data in one or two dimensions, is also a focus of this course. A sound foundation in arithmetic and pre-algebra skills is essential for this course. These skills will be integrated to ensure student success. 

Algebra 1 (Honors)                                                                                               
Grade 9

Prerequisites: Students must show mastery of Pre-Algebra topics on Josephinum’s Math &  Science placement exam in order to be eligible to take Algebra I Honors their Freshman year.

Algebra I is the first year in a four year Honors math sequence. In this course students will engage in grade level Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Algebra I focuses on the structure of the real number system, representations in solving real-world problems, linear equations, probability, functions, exponents, polynomials, and problem solving. Graphing, both as a means of displaying data and analyzing data in one or two dimensions, is also a focus of this course. A sound foundation in arithmetic and pre-algebra skills is essential for success in this course.
This course moves at a faster pace than Algebra I Essentials, and consequently includes topics not covered at in the essentials level course.

Algebra I (Essentials)                                                                                            
Grade 10

Algebra I Essentials builds upon the materials learned in Pre-Algebra. In this course students will engage in grade level Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Algebra I focuses on the structure of the real number system, representations in solving real-world problems, linear equations, probability, functions, exponents, polynomials, and problem solving. Graphing, both as a means of displaying data and analyzing data in one or two dimensions, is also a focus of this course. A sound foundation in arithmetic and pre-algebra skills is essential for success in this course.

Geometry (Honors)                                                                                  
Grade 10

Prerequisites: Students participating in Honors math courses after freshman year must earn a  minimum grade of ‘C’ in the prior year math course, and have teacher recommendation to  continue in the Honors track. 

Geometry Honors builds upon the materials learned in Algebra I Honors. In Geometry, students will engage in grade level Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Topics covered include the language of geometry (points, lines, planes and angles), reasoning and proofs (paragraph, two column, flow, indirect, and coordinate), parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, applications of congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, polygons and area, surface area and volume, coordinate geometry, and transformations.
This course moves at a faster pace than Geometry Essentials, and consequently includes topics not covered at in the Essentials level course.

Geometry (Essentials)                                                                                  
Grade 11

Geometry Essentials builds upon the materials learned in Algebra I Essentials. In Geometry, students will engage in grade level Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Topics covered include the language of geometry (points, lines, planes and angles), reasoning and proofs (paragraph, two column, flow, indirect, and coordinate), parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, applications of congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, polygons and area, surface area and volume, coordinate geometry, and transformations.

Algebra II (Honors)                                                                               
Grade 11

Prerequisites: Students participating in Honors math courses after freshman year must earn a  minimum grade of ‘C’ in the prior year math course, and have teacher recommendation to  continue in the Honors track. 

Algebra II Honors builds upon the materials learned in Geometry Honors and Algebra I Honors. Algebra II engages students in grade level Common Core State Standards. This course begins with a review of Algebra I topics. Algebra II emphasizes linear and quadratic expressions, equations, and functions. This course also introduces students to polynomial, rational and exponential functions and systems of equations. Students explore the structures of and interpret functions and other mathematical models. Students build upon previous knowledge and to reason, solve, and represent equations and inequalities numerically and graphically.
This course moves at a faster pace than Algebra II Essentials, and consequently includes topics not covered at in the Essentials level course. This course will prepare students for AP and college level math courses.

Algebra II (Essentials)                                                                               
Grade 12

Algebra II Honors builds upon the materials learned in Geometry Essentials and Algebra I Essentials. Algebra II engages students in grade level Common Core State Standards. This course begins with a review of Algebra I topics. Algebra II emphasizes linear and quadratic expressions, equations, and functions. This course also introduces students to polynomial, rational and exponential functions and systems of equations. Students explore the structures of and interpret functions and other mathematical models. Students build upon previous knowledge and to reason, solve, and represent equations and inequalities numerically and graphically. This course will prepare students for college level math courses.

Statistics (Essentials)                                                                                             
Grade 12

Statistics is not only a branch of mathematics, but it is an essential tool to understand the real world. In this course, students examine the process of collecting, organizing, producing, summarizing, and analyzing data while drawing inferences from data. Students will also study probability topics with real life applications. Students will use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.

AP Precalculus                                                                                           
Grade 12

Prerequisites: Students participating in AP math courses must earn a minimum grade of ‘C’ in  the prior year math course, and have teacher recommendation to take the subject class. 

AP Precalculus is designed to be the equivalent of a first semester college precalculus course. It prepares students for the AP exam in May. The course focuses on studying a broad spectrum of function types and their applications, such as polynomial functions, exponential functions, trigonometric functions, and many more. AP Precalculus helps students develop skills in solving equations and manipulating expressions. Students will examine various representations of functions and learn about and their compositions, inverses, and transformations. This course will delve deeper into content that has been taught in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. 

Testing Requirement: All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam in May of  the academic year. Students and families are responsible for the AP exam fees.