Mathematics
Students must have a minimum of 3 credits in Math with completion of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.
For those students interested in Astronomy, Business Administration, Chemistry, Dentistry, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Medicine, Nursing, and Physics, the recommended mathematics sequence is: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus.
Students who are not headed into a technical field should consider taking CIS Algebra.
Most college programs recommend mathematics through Algebra II B,. Many colleges, including the University of Minnesota, require four high school math credits.
Courses Shown Below
Click title to see course description and prerequisites
Required Math Sequence
Courses listed in order they are taken.
| Algebra 9 A&B (9-12) Geometry A&B (9-12) Algebra II A&B (9-12) |
Math Electives
Students are encouraged to have at least one math experience during each year of high school.
AP Pre Calculus A,B,&C (10-12)
AP Calculus I A&B (11-12)
AP Calculus II A&B (11-12)
CIS College Alg through Modeling- A&B (11-12)
IT Exploration (9-12)
Intro to C++ (9-12)
AP Computer Science Principles A&B (9-12)
AP Computer Science A&B (11-12)
IAP Statistics A&B (10-12)
ALC Only:
Consumer Math (11-12)
CIS Basic & Applied Stats A&B (10-12)
Algebra 9A/B Offered Annually Course# 5491/5492 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 8B This course covers fundamental algebra topics students need for high school math courses as well as post high school careers and education. Topics covered include: exponents rules, operations with polynomial functions, factoring polynomial functions, quadratic functions and equations, statistics/data analysis/probability, exponential/radical functions and operations with rational functions. A graphing calculator (TI 84 Plus) is required for this course.
Geometry A/B Offered Annually Course: 5111/5112 Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 9B
Geometry is the study of logical reasoning, lines, planes, and their relationship to triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and other plane figures. Emphasis is given to writing deductive proofs. Students will apply concepts of shape, space and measurement to illustrate and describe the physical world and solve problems. Students will use measurements directly and indirectly, review equations from algebra and graph in two dimensions.
Algebra IIA/B Offered Annually Course: 5031/5032 Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 9B Algebra II is an extension of Algebra I. This course includes the study of linear, quadratic, rational, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic equations. Students are required to have a graphing calculator equivalent to a TI-83 or better for this course.
* Students are encouraged to complete this course by the end of 11th grade in order to prepare for the state MCA Math exam.
AP Pre-Calculus A/B/C Course: 5252/5253/5254 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra IIB
AP Precalculus centers on functions modeling dynamic phenomena. This research-based exploration of functions is designed to better prepare students for college-level calculus and provide grounding for other mathematics and science courses. In this course, students study a broad spectrum of function types that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. Furthermore, as AP Precalculus may be the last mathematics course of a student’s secondary education, the course is structured to provide a coherent capstone experience and is not exclusively focused on preparation for future courses. Students are required to have a graphing calculator equivalent to a TI-83 or better for this course. The goal is to be prepared for the Advanced Placement exam given in mid-May, which will enable those with passing scores to receive college credit for this course.
College Credit Opportunity: Students must register for and take the advanced placement exam. College credit may be awarded based on the AP score earned and the requirements of the student’s chosen college.
AP Calculus I A/B Course: 5255/5256 Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus A,B and C with a C- or better, or instructor approval.
Advanced Placement Calculus is designed as an extension and review of all previously taken courses in mathematics, bringing them together and applying them in interesting ways. The main part of this course is to define and use derivations to find slopes, related rates and to solve maximum-minimum problems. There will also be a concentration on anti-derivatives and integrals, finding the area under curves, the lengths of curves and the study of transcendental functions (trig., expo., log., etc.). The goal is to be prepared for the Advanced Placement exam given in mid-May, which will enable those with passing scores to receive college credit for this course. Students are required to have a graphing calculator equivalent to a TI-83 or better for this course. Students will be prepared to take the AP Calculus AB exam.
AP Calculus II A/B Course: 5258/5259 Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Calculus IB
The topics covered in AP Calculus BC include all of the topics in AP Calculus A and AP Calculus B. This course is an extension of the previous Calculus courses. Additional topics to be covered are: polar, parametric and vector functions using derivatives and integrals, developing approximations using Euler’s and Taylor’s and Maclaurin series, L’Hopitals rule to test convergence, antiderivatives by parts and partials fractions, looking for convergence of geometric, harmonic and alternating series, radius and interval of convergence of power series, Lagrange error bound for Taylor polynomials. They will receive a score this test and a sub score for the AP Calculus test they have already taken. A graphing calculator is required for this course. Students will be prepared to take the AP Calculus BC exam. Upon successful completion of this course the students will take the AP Calculus BC exam given in the spring which can earn the students additional college credits.
CIS College Algebra Through Modeling A/B Course: 5425/5426 Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra IIB with a C or higher.
Top 50th-20th Percentile Class Rank, or teacher recommendation
This course introduces students to the art of mathematical prediction through algebraic modeling and elementary probability theory. The class covers techniques of representing the behavior of real-world data with algebraic equations, including linear, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. Students will learn to develop equations that accurately represent the behavior of real-world data. Problems are drawn from various disciplines. While students practice traditional algebraic methods, they will also use the spreadsheet program Excel extensively to investigate the behavior of data sets. The class will also strengthen students’ ability to communicate and evaluate mathematical reasoning. This course satisfies the University Mathematical Thinking requirement. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 3 semester credits from the University of Minnesota. (CI 1806 College Algebra through Modeling)
IT Exploration A/B Course: 5430/5431 Grade: 9-12
This course serves as a hands-on survey and introduction to information technology and the associated skills and competencies within the industry. IT Exploration focuses on the development of real world projects that students can use to demonstrate their IT skills and exposes students to careers within the field. The extensive IT Exploration materials introduce students to the myriad of IT careers, and the range of computer-based skills and competencies employers are seeking.
*Students taking this course will have the opportunity to earn a Internet Core Competency Digital Literacy (IC3) certification. There is a fee for this certification. Students should register for this exam on the school's FeePay system.
Intro to C++ Course: 5436 Grade: 9-12
This course will teach the students to write programs in C++. C++ is a structured, high level language that allows writing programs for any type or size application. The course will cover six basic elements of programming: input, data operation, output, conditional execution, loops and functions.
AP Computer Science Principles A/B Offered bianually odd years (offered 23-24) Course: 5440/5441 Grade: 9-12
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory computing course. Students learn about computer science by working with data, collaborating to solve problems, and developing computer programs as they explore concepts like creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and the global impact of computing. Students will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Test given in mid-May. Many colleges and universities grant college credit for high achievement on the AP Test.
AP Computer Science A/B Offered bianually even years (offered 22-23) Course: 5445/5446 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 9B
This is a college level computer science course. It is intended for highly motivated students who are interested in computer science topics. Computer science encompasses the collection of technical skills and scientific methods one can utilize on the creation of high-quality computer-based solutions to real problems. Students will learn to code fluently in a well-structured fashion using the language of Java. Upon completion, students will be able to: apply well-known algorithms and data structures, read and understand large programs, and comprehend the design and development process leading to a large program. Students will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Test given in mid-May. Many colleges and universities grant college credit for high achievement on the AP Test. AP Computer Science will be offered only with sufficient enrollment. AP Computer Science does not count as a math credit.
AP Statistics A/B Course: 5449/5450 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra IIB
The purpose of this course is 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: Exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Students should register for both semesters and will take the AP Exam in May. Students are required to have a graphing calculator equivalent to a TI 83 or TI 84.
ALC Only:
Consumer Math Course: 5030 Grade: 11-12
(Teacher Recommendation Required)
Consumer Math applies the student’s knowledge of arithmetic and algebra to everyday situations. Topics will include personal finances, gross and net income, personal banking, transportation, consumer credit, taxes, housing, investments and insurance.
CIS Basic and Applied Statistics A/B
Course: 5451/5452 Grade: 10-12 Basic and Applied Statistics is an introductory statistics class designed to engage students using a modeling and simulation approach. It emphasizes understanding and applying statistical concepts and procedures using visual and quantitative methods for presenting and analyzing data using inferential techniques. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 3 semester credits from the University of Minnesota.