Mathematics

The study of mathematics forms the basis of logical thought and problem solving. In an increasingly technological world, the knowledge of how mathematics is applied to present day problems is as important as the skill to apply these mathematics.


Math courses are intended to show the student the variety and depth of the topics where mathematics has made a significant impact in our present day world and to give them an appreciation for the power of mathematics as a problem-solving tool.

The following core values are fundamental to all of our math courses:

  • Thinking clearly and creatively.
  • Listening attentively and perceptively.
  • Applying critical thinking skills and basic arithmetic and algebraic skills to problem solving.
  • Instilling disciplined work habits.
  • Appreciating the usefulness of mathematics in understanding the real world.
  • Recognizing the application of mathematics to other fields of study.
The Math Department’s Curriculum includes: Algebra I, Algebra II and Honors Algebra II, Geometry and Honors Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Honors Pre-Calculus, Calculus and AP Calculus, Statistics and Honors Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics. This curriculum provides all Cadets with a solid mathematics foundation to pursue their college degree of choice whether it be the math-intense programs found at our nation’s service academies (which several of our graduates attend) or the diverse offerings found throughout the prestigious colleges nationwide that are well-attended by our graduates.

We are particularly proud of the fact that over half of our seniors take calculus courses. It doesn't take a statistician to realize that is an impressive number.

Mathematics Course Offerings

Algebra I

Application of the properties of real numbers in algebraic expressions and equations. Emphasis is placed on solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, factoring and its applications, developing and applying the properties of exponents and radical expressions, quadratic equations, and basic trigonometry. Students are taught to develop and use visual aids to problem solving, including charts, tables, graphs, and diagrams.

Prerequisite: 8th Grade Pre-Algebra or Foundations of Algebra

Credits: 1

Geometry & Honors Geometry

Primary emphasis of this course is placed on introducing the students to traditional plane geometry with some focus on formal proofs. Deductive reasoning is taught, fostered and encouraged. Included are theorems and postulates relating to points, lines, and planes which prepare the students for problem exercises with parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles. The course includes an introduction to areas, volumes of solids, and coordinate geometry.The Honors course is designed to offer to the math- oriented student a more rigorous thought-provoking experience relating to the Geometric concepts.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Honors Prerequisites: Honors Algebra I with a 90 or above and teacher recommendation.

Credits: 1

Algebra II and Honors Algebra II

In Algebra II, the skills and concepts of Algebra I are strengthened and expanded to include complex numbers. Additional emphasis is placed on the properties of exponents and roots, quadratic equations and functions, conics and polynomial functions. An honors section is available for strong math students.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Honors Prerequisites: Algebra I with a 90 or above; SSAT math score in the 85th percentile, or a passing score on the Algebra I SOL test.

Credits: 1

Pre-Calculus & Honors Pre-Calculus

This course covers a wide variety of topics, including algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations, matrices and determinants; sequences; trigonometric functions and graphs. Honors prepares students to perform well in calculus and all college-level mathematics.

Prerequisites: Algebra II with an 85 or above and teacher recommendation.

Honors Prerequisites: Algebra II with a 90 or above; PSAT math score of 53 or SAT math score of 530, satisfactory score on the Pre-Test, ACT math score of 22 or better, and teacher recommendation.

Credits: 1

Calculus

This is an introductory course in Calculus and is designed to prepare the student to perform well throughout the calculus sequence in college. The course covers limits and continuity, differential and integral calculus with applications, logarithmic and exponential functions, calculus of trigonometric functions and integration techniques.

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus with an 85 or above, math PSAT score of 53 or SAT score of 530, and teacher recommendation.

Credits: 1

AP Calculus (AB)

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Calculus AB test and to perform well throughout the calculus sequence in college. The students cover limits and continuity, differential and integral calculus with applications, logarithmic and exponential functions, calculus of trigonometric functions, advanced integration techniques and, if time permits, sequences and series.

Prerequisites: Honors Pre-Calculus with an 85 or above, math PSAT score of 58 or SAT score of 580, and teacher recommendation.

Credits: 1

AP Calculus (BC)

In this second year AP Calculus course the students prepare for the AP Calculus BC Exam by continuing the study of calculus, which includes parametric and polar functions, vector-valued functions, advanced integration methods: by parts, trigonometric substitution, and partial fraction decomposition, improper integrals, convergence/divergence of infinite series, and Taylor and MacLaurin series and sums.

Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB or a 92 or better in Honors Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation.

Credits: 1

Foundations of Mathematics

This course reinforces critical mathematical thinking and problem solving skills. Specific areas of emphasis will be relationships between quantities, linear functions and equations, exponential functions and quadratic equations, and data analysis using statistics and probability.

Prerequisite: This course is available on the recommendation of the Admission Committee.

Credits: 1

Statistics

This course prepares the student to develop statistical and probabilistic reasoning skills; to analyze data utilizing mathematical models and formulas to make informed summaries and conclusions; to apply measures of central tendency, variability, standard deviation, and correlation; to design a statistical experiment and to use sampling techniques, Microsoft Excel software, and graphing calculators. A TI83 or TI84 graphing calculator is required.

Prerequisites: Three years of high school math, including completing Algebra II with a grade of 90 or higher; and teacher recommendation.

Credits: 1