• Mathematics Curriculum Overview

    High School Course Offerings

    Chairperson: Robert Bell
    Email: rbell@northallegheny.org
    Building: NASH
    Phone: 724-934-7200 ext. 35370

    Level 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
    M4+ 5th Grade Elementary Math Advanced Math 6 Advanced Pre-Algebra Advanced Algebra 1 Honors Geometry Honors Algebra 2 Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry AP Calculus BC

    AP Calculus AB

    Honors Calculus

    Math Electives
    M4 4th Grade Elementary Math 5th Grade Elementary Math Advanced Math 6 Advanced Pre-Algebra Advanced Algebra 1 Honors Geometry Honors Algebra 2 Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry AP Calculus BC

    AP Calculus AB

    Honors Calculus

    Math Elective
    M3 4th Grade Elementary Math 5th Grade Elementary Math Academic Math 6 Academic Pre-Algebra Academic Algebra 1 Academic Geometry Academic Algebra 2 Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry Foundations of Calculus

    Trigonometry with Functions

    Math Elective
    Academic Algebra 3 Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

    Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

    Trigonometry with Functions

    Math Elective
    M3           Academic Algebra 1 Academic Geometry Academic Algebra 2 Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

    Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

    Trigonometry with Functions

    Math Elective
    M2     Essentials Math 6 Essentials Pre-Algebra Essentials Algebra 1 (Part 1) Essentials Algebra 1 (Part 2) Essentials Geometry Essentials Algebra 2 (Part 1) Essentials Algebra 2 (Part 2)

    Math Elective

    Math Electives Include: Personal Finance, Computer Science A, Computer Science B, AP Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Statistics, and Probability and Statistics

    Legend: (M4 PLUS) = Advanced Academic, (M4) = Advanced at Grade Level, (M3) = at Grade Level, and (M2) = Concepts and Skills at Grade Level

    Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 - Special Option

    Algebra 1 Practicum #3001

    **Indicates College in High School Course

    Algebra 1 Practicum #3001
    Full Year/Part Time 0.5 Credit
    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
    This course is designed to prepare students to achieve at the Proficient or Advanced level on the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam. Students will utilize a variety of resources to provide supplemental instruction for items tested on the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam. Instruction will be inquiry-based and designed around topics from the core Mathematics curriculum that are aligned with the eligible content that is assessed on the Keystone. Students may exit the course when they achieve a minimal score of Proficient on the Exam or complete a project-based assessment approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
    Criteria for Selection
    Scoring at the Basic or Below Basic level on the most recent Algebra 1 Keystone exam
    Essentials of Algebra 1 (Part 2) (IMPACT) #3333
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 9
    This is the second year of the Essentials Mathematics sequence. Students enrolled in this course will utilize the Foundations of Algebra 1 program which addresses all of the content outlined in the PA Core Standards. This program employs a research-based instructional approach that includes both inquiry-based learning and direct instruction lessons. This program exposes students to a solid foundation in Algebra 1.

    A smaller class setting is used to provide more individualized instruction and remediation. Additional attention is given to assist students in the acquisition of more abstract topics. The purpose of this course is to meet the needs of students requiring more assistance. The content of Algebra 1 is organized around families of functions, with emphasis on linear, exponential, polynomial, quadratic, radical, and rational functions. As students learn about each family of functions, they will learn to represent them in multiple ways. The student will also learn to model real-life situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. Acceptance into the IMPACT Program
    2. 60% or better in Essentials of Algebra 1 (Part 1) (3082) (prior to Grade 9)
    Essentials of Algebra 1 (Part 2) #3301
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 9
    This is the second year of the Essentials Mathematics sequence. Students enrolled in this course will utilize the Foundations of Algebra 1 program which addresses all of the content outlined in the PA Core Standards. This program employs a research-based instructional approach that includes both inquiry-based learning and direct instruction lessons. This program exposes students to a solid foundation in Algebra 1.

    A smaller class setting is used to provide more individualized instruction and remediation. Additional attention is given to assist students in the acquisition of more abstract topics. The purpose of this course is to meet the needs of students requiring more assistance. The content of Algebra 1 is organized around families of functions, with emphasis on linear, exponential, polynomial, quadratic, radical, and rational functions. As students learn about each family of functions, they will learn to represent them in multiple ways. The student will also learn to model real-life situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.
    Criteria for Selection
    60% or better in Essentials of Algebra 1 (Part 1) (3082) (prior to Grade 9)
    Academic Algebra 1 #3101
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 9
    NCAA
    Academic Algebra 1 is the first formally structured course of the Academic sequence. The content is organized around the families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions, along with representing functions in multiple ways through inquiry-based learning in real world situations. In addition to its Algebra content, the course offers lessons on probability and data analysis as well as numerous examples and exercises involving mathematical connections to Geometry. Algebra 1 provides instruction and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple-choice, short response, and extended response.
    Criteria for Selection
    An ‘A’ (90%) or better in Essentials of Algebra 1 (Part 1) (3082) AND a teacher approval (prior to grade 9)
    Honors Geometry #3201
    Full Year/Full Time Honors Wt.
    Grades 9, 10 1.0 Credit
    NCAA
    This is the second year of the Honors Mathematics sequence. Honors Geometry is a rigorous course for students who have completed Advanced Algebra 1 in grades 6, 7, or 8. In this course, students will develop reasoning and problem-solving skills in the areas of congruence, similarity, properties of lines, properties of triangles, properties of quadrilaterals, and properties of circles. The course will also include work with transformations, perimeter, area, circumference, surface area, and volume to solve real-world problems. In addition to the Geometry content, this course includes numerous examples and exercises involving Algebra and trigonometry. Honors Geometry provides inquiry-based learning and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple choice, short response, and extended response. Technology support will be used for both learning Geometry and for preparing for standardized tests.

    The Advanced/Honors Mathematics courses are intended to be more challenging than Academic courses and are designed to provide multiple opportunities for students to take an increased responsibility for their own learning and achievement. These courses are designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of achievement in mathematics. The curriculum is distinguished by a difference in rigor and the quality of work, not merely the quantity.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A ‘B’ (80%) or better in Advanced Algebra 1 (3084) (prior to grade 9.)
    2. A 95% or better OR a teacher approval in Academic Algebra 1 (3083) (prior to grade 9.)
    Academic Geometry #3102
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grades 9, 10
    NCAA
    This is the second year of the Academic Mathematics sequence. In this course, students will develop reasoning and problem-solving skills in the areas of congruence, similarity, properties of lines, properties of triangles, properties of quadrilaterals, and properties of circles. The course will also include work with perimeter, area, circumference, surface area, and volume to solve real-world problems. In addition to the Geometry content, this course includes numerous examples and exercises involving Algebra and trigonometry. Academic Geometry provides inquiry-based learning and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple-choice, short response, and extended response. Technology support will be used for both learning Geometry and for preparing for standardized tests.
    Criteria for Selection
    A ‘C’ (70%) or better in Academic Algebra 1 (3083).
    NOTE: Students with less than a ‘C’ in Academic Algebra 1 will be recommended to repeat Academic Algebra 1 at the high school level.
    Essentials of Geometry (IMPACT) #3334
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 10
    This is the third year of the Essentials Mathematics sequence. Students enrolled in this course will be utilizing the Foundations of Geometry program which addresses all of the content outlined in the PA Core Standards. This program employs a research-based instructional approach that includes both inquiry-based learning and direct instruction lessons. This program exposes students to an understanding of geometric and trigonometric concepts.

    A smaller class setting is used to provide more individualized instruction and remediation. Additional attention is given to assist students in the acquisition of more abstract topics. The purpose of this course is to meet the needs of students requiring more assistance. The Geometry strand of this course includes topics on parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, polygons, transformations, area, surface area, and volume. The Trigonometry strand will cover square roots, special right triangle relationships, trigonometric ratios, and circles.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. Acceptance into the IMPACT Program.
    2. 60% or better in Essentials of Algebra 1 (Part 2) (3301).
    Essentials of Geometry #3302
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 10
    This is the third year of the Essentials Mathematics sequence. Students enrolled in this course will be utilizing the Foundations of Geometry program which addresses all of the content outlined in the PA Core Standards. This program employs a research-based instructional approach that includes both inquiry-based learning and direct instruction lessons. This program exposes students to an understanding of geometric and trigonometric concepts.

    A smaller class setting is used to provide more individualized instruction and remediation. Additional attention is given to assist students in the acquisition of more abstract topics. The purpose of this course is to meet the needs of students requiring more assistance. The Geometry strand of this course includes topics on parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, polygons, transformations, area, surface area, and volume. The Trigonometry strand will cover square roots, special right triangle relationships, trigonometric ratios, and circles.
    Criteria for Selection
    60% or better in Essentials of Algebra 1 (Part 2) (3301).
    Honors Algebra 2 #3202
    Full Year/Full Time Honors Wt.
    Grades 9, 10 1.0 Credit
    NCAA
    This is the third year of the Honors Mathematics sequence. Honors Algebra 2 is a rigorous course for students who had Honors Geometry (3201) in grades 7, 8, or 9. The content of this course is organized around families of functions, including linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational functions. Students will also learn to model real-world situations using functions. In addition to its Algebra content, Honors Algebra 2 includes topics on probability, data analysis, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Honors Algebra 2 provides instruction and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple-choice, short response, and extended response. Technology support will be used for both learning Algebra 2 and for preparing for standardized tests.

    The Advanced/Honors Mathematics courses are intended to be more challenging than Academic courses and are designed to provide multiple opportunities for students to take an increased responsibility for their own learning and achievement. These courses are designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of achievement in mathematics. The curriculum is distinguished by a difference in rigor and the quality of work, not merely the quantity.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A ‘B’ (80%) or better in Honors Geometry (3201).
    2. A 95% or better in Academic Geometry (3102), OR a teacher’s approval from Academic Geometry.
    Academic Algebra 2 #3103
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
    NCAA
    This is the third year of the Academic Mathematics sequence. The content of this course is organized around families of functions, including linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational functions. Students will also learn to model real-world situations using functions. In addition to its Algebra content, Academic Algebra 2 includes topics on Probability, Data Analysis, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Academic Algebra 2 provides instruction and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple- choice, short response, and extended response. Technology support will be used for both learning Algebra 2 and for preparing for standardized tests.
    Criteria for Selection
    60% or better in Academic Geometry (3102).
    NOTE: Students with less than a ‘B’ in Honors Geometry will be recommended for Academic Algebra 2.
    Essentials of Algebra 2 (Part 1) #3303
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grades 11, 12
    This is the fourth course of the Essentials Mathematics sequence. Students enrolled in this course will utilize the Foundations of Algebra 2 curriculum which addresses all of the content outlined in the PA Core Standards. This program employs a research-based instructional approach that includes both inquiry based learning and direct instruction. This program exposes students to a solid foundation in the first half of Algebra 2.

    A smaller class setting is used to provide more individualized instruction and remediation. The purpose of this course is to meet the needs of students requiring more assistance. The content of Algebra 2 is organized around families of functions, with emphasis on expressions, equations/inequalities, graphs, matrices, and sequences and series. As students learn about each family of functions, they will learn to represent them in multiple ways. The student will also learn to model real-life situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.
    Criteria for Selection
    60% or better in Essentials of Geometry (3302).
    Academic Algebra 3 #3623
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 11
    NCAA
    This is the fourth course of the Academic Mathematics sequence. Major emphasis includes the topics of modeling problem situations, family of functions, including linear, absolute value, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational functions. Students will also learn to model real-world situations using functions and transform the graphs of functions. In addition to its algebra content, Academic Algebra 3 includes topics on probability and counting and sequences and series. Academic Algebra 3 provides inquiry-based instruction and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple-choice, short response, and extended response.
    Criteria for Selection
    Less than a ‘B’ (79%) or below in Academic Algebra 2 (3103).
    Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry #3104
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    NCAA
    This is the fourth year of the Academic Mathematics sequence. Major emphasis includes the topics of modeling problem situations, family of functions, including linear, absolute value, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, radical, rational, and circular and trigonometric functions. Students will also learn to model real-world situations using functions and transform the graphs of functions. Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry provides inquiry-based learning and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple-choice, short response, and extended response. Completion of the course will provide a smooth transition to Foundations of Calculus (Academic) (3105), but will NOT satisfy the prerequisite for Honors Calculus or AP Calculus.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. ‘B’ (80%) or better in Academic Algebra 2 (3103).
    2. Less than a ‘B’ (79%) or below in Honors Algebra 2 (3202).
    3. Between (90%) and (94%) in Academic Algebra 3 (3623).
    4. Approval by the Mathematics teacher.
    Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry #3421
    Full Year/Full Time Honors Wt.
    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit
    NCAA
    This is the fourth year of the Honors Mathematics sequence. Hon- ors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry is a rigorous course for the accelerated student. It requires a strong foundation in Algebra and Geometry. Major emphasis is placed on algebraic concepts and analysis of curves, functions, and graphing techniques. This course also contains a study of Trigonometry from the circular and right triangle perspective. The analysis of conic sections and other geometric curves from a coordinate point of view is also studied. Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry provides inquiry-based learning and practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats including multiple choice, short response, and extended response. This is an Honors course which leads to Honors Calculus (3422) or AP Calculus (3012, 3022.)

    Students who experience difficulty in this course have Foundations of Calculus (Academic) (3105) as an option for a fifth year of mathematics. This course is required as a prerequisite for Calculus.

    The Advanced/Honors Mathematics courses are intended to be more challenging than Academic courses and are designed to provide multiple opportunities for students to take an increased responsibility for their own learning and achievement. These courses are designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of achievement in mathematics. The curriculum is distinguished by a difference in rigor and the quality of work, not merely the quantity.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A ‘B’ (80%) or better in Honors Algebra 2 (3202).
    2. A 95% or better in Academic Algebra 2 OR a teacher recommendation from Academic Algebra 2 (3103).
    3. A 95% or better in Academic Algebra 3 OR a teacher recommendation from Academic Algebra 3 (3623).
    Personal Finance #3411
    Semester/Full Time 0.5 Credit
    Grades 11, 12
    This practical course is designed to empower students to become more responsible consumers and to prepare them to be financially successful in the years ahead. The major topics of the course are as follows: foundation of financial planning; short- and long-term financial goal writing; an in-depth look at the influence of today’s economy; budget preparation and money management; banking and investing; consumer credit; local, state and federal taxes; car buying and financing; home mortgages; protection against identity theft; insurance basics; and the mathematics behind key financial ratios. This course is designed as an elective and is not part of any specific mathematics sequence. By developing a strong background in financial literacy, students will be ready to take control of their own personal success towards a secure future.
    Criteria for Selection
    Approval by the Mathematics teacher.
    Probability and Statistics #3812
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grades 11, 12
    NCAA
    This course develops the basic tools of probability theory and statistics. Topics studied include counting methods using permutations and combinations, axiomatic probability, descriptive statistics, and statistical inference. Statistical inference topics include parameter estimation, sampling theory, and hypothesis testing. This course provides a smooth transition to statistics needed at the college-level. The possibility for college credit may be available for this course. Details related to this option and registration procedures will be discussed in class.
    Criteria for Selection
    Successful completion of Honors Algebra 2 (3202), or Academic Algebra 2 (3103).
    AP Statistics #3014
    Full Year/Full Time AP Wt.
    Grades 11, 12 1.0 Credit
    NCAA
    This course is devoted to developing the student’s ability to interpret and investigate statistical data. The activities of decision-making and justifying hypotheses are of the highest importance. The course uses an activity/project oriented approach to develop the concepts.

    It will be necessary for each student to have a TI-83/TI-83+ calculator. This calculator will be used to produce, analyze, and interpret data.

    It is strongly recommended that the student take the AP exam upon completion of this course. The student should have a high level of maturity and interest in mathematics.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A ‘B’ (80%) or better in Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3421) OR
    2. A ‘C’ (70%) or better in Honors Calculus (3422), AP Calculus AB (3012), or AP Calculus BC (3022).
    3. Approval by the Mathematics teacher.
    Essentials of Algebra 2 (Part 2) #3304
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 12
    This is the fifth year of the Essentials Mathematics Sequence. Students enrolled in this course will utilize the Foundations of Algebra 2 curriculum which addresses all of the content outlined in the PA Core Standards. This program employs a research-based instructional approach that includes both inquiry-based learning and direct instruction. This program exposes students to a solid foundation in the second half of Algebra 2.

    A smaller class setting is used to provide more individualized instruction and remediation. The purpose of this course is to meet the needs of the students requiring more assistance. The content of Algebra 2 is organized around families of functions, with emphasis on polynomial, quadratic, radical, and rational functions. As students learn about each family of functions, they will learn to represent them in multiple ways. The student will also learn to model real-life situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.
    Criteria for Selection
    A 60% or better in Essentials of Algebra 2 (Part 1) (3303).
    Trigonometry with Functions #3624
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grade 12
    NCAA
    This is the fifth year of the Academic Mathematics sequence. Trigonometry with Functions uses an inquiry approach to the study of functions including analysis of graphs of functions, transformations of functions, combinations of functions and inverse functions. The study of trigonometry is approached from both the theoretical perspective as well as the application of right triangle concepts to real life problems. This course provides an extensive study of analytical trigonometry including the use of fundamental identities and the verification process of these identities, the solving of trigonometric equations along with the use of the sum and difference identities, multiple angle identities and other trigonometric relationships. This course also includes an extensive study of conic sections. The study of trigonometry provides a smooth transition to college mathematics.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A 60% or better in Academic Algebra 2 (3103) in 11th grade.
    2. A 69% or less in Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3104).
    3. A 60% or better in Academic Algebra 3 (3623) in 11th grade.
    Foundations of Calculus (Academic) #3105
    Full Year/Full Time 1.0 Credit
    Grades 11, 12
    NCAA
    This is the fifth year of the Academic Mathematics sequence. Foundations of Calculus (Academic) is an advanced level of mathematics equivalent to a college freshman course. This course will provide a foundation in calculus which deals with change and how the change in one quantity affects other quantities. We will discuss many of the functions used in calculus and review techniques from pre-calculus used to obtain the graphs of functions, and to transform known functions into new functions. This course will show students how to define and calculate limits, derivatives and integrals which are the three concepts that distinguish calculus from algebra and trigonometry. The development of these topics will explore the connection of these mathematical concepts and the relationship to other subject areas.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A 70% or better in Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3104)
    2. OR a 79% or less in Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3421).
    3. Approval by Mathematics teacher.
    Honors Calculus #3422
    Full Year/Full Time
    Grade 12 1.0 Credit
    NCAA
    This is the fifth year of the Honors Mathematics sequence. If students have completed four years of Honors Math with a high level of achievement, they should consider this course. This course is the standard first course in calculus for Science, Engineering and Mathematics students. If some difficulty has been encountered in the Honors sequence, Foundations of Calculus (Academic) (3105) should be considered as an option. If a student has experienced marginal success, he/she should consult their math teacher for assistance with scheduling. Challenging for the able student, Honors Calculus meets many of the requirements for an AP course. Students with a high level of achievement may elect to, but are not expected to, take the AP exam for college credit. These students would need to complete additional work outside of class to prepare for that exam. This course covers many similar concepts as AP Calculus AB (3012) but at a slower pace.

    The possibility for college credit is available for this course, which follows the curriculum set by the University of Pittsburgh’s Analytic Geometry & Calculus 1 (Math 0220) course. If students elect to register for the College in High School course (4 credits) they must pass an on- line placement exam and pay the registration fee. However, all students will learn the same content and take the same tests throughout the course, whether they are taking the course for college credit or not. The only exception is the final exam – only CHS students will take the University of Pittsburgh Final exam. The Advanced/Honors Mathematics courses are intended to be more challenging than Academic courses and are designed to provide multiple opportunities for students to take an increased responsibility for their own learning and achievement. These courses are designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of achievement in mathematics. The curriculum is distinguished by a difference in rigor and the quality of work, not merely the quantity.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A ‘B’ (80%) or better in Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3421).
    2. A 95% or better in Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry OR an approval from Academic Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3104)
    3. Approval from a Mathematics teacher.
    AP Calculus AB #3012
    Full Year/Full Time AP Wt.
    Grade 12 1.0 Credit
    NCAA
    This is the fifth year of the Honors Mathematics sequence and the first year of the AP Mathematics sequence. AP Calculus AB is a course in sequence with Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3421) will enable the student to take the AP exam (AB) for college credit and/or placement. Because of the rigor and fast pace, only those students with a high level of achievement in previous math courses and the approval of the Honors Pre-Calculus Math teacher will be accepted.

    The course will cover elementary functions, limits, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions, and basic integration with some application to area and volume.

    This course differs from course AP Calculus BC (3022) in that it is somewhat less rigorous, and because it meets only five periods per week, involves less homework and covers less material.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. An ‘A’ (90%) or better in Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3421).
    2. Approval by Mathematics teacher.
    AP Calculus BC #3022
    Full Year/Full Time AP Wt.
    Grades 11, 12 1.5 Credits
    NCAA
    This is the fifth year of the Honors Mathematics sequence and the first year of the AP Mathematics sequence. AP Calculus BC is a course in sequence with the approval of their Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3421) will enable the student to take the AP exam (Level BC) for college credit and/or placement. Because of the rigor and fast pace, only those students with the highest level of achievement in previous math courses and the approval of their Honors Pre-Calculus Math teacher will be accepted.

    The course will cover elementary vector and parametric functions, rigorous definitions of limits, derivatives of algebraic, transcendental, vector and parametric functions, integration involving area, volume, trigonometric substitution and integration by parts and by partial fractions, and sequences and series.

    This course differs from course AP Calculus AB (3012) in that it meets seven periods per week, carries 1.5 credits, moves at a faster pace, is more rigorous, and involves more homework.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. An ‘A’ (95%) or better in Honors Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (3421).
    2. An ‘A’ (90%) or better in Honors Calculus (3422).
    3. Approval by a Mathematics teacher.
    Computer Science A #3523
    Semester/Full Time 0.5 Credit
    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
    Computer Science A is a one semester course designed to be the student’s first experience in structured programming. The student will learn to use top-down design and step-wise refinement in designing programs using an appropriate programming language. The course will concentrate on problem-solving applied to familiar topics from Mathematics, Science, and Business. It is essential that students have a grade of ‘C’ or better in previous math courses. The programming language used in this course is C++.
    Criteria for Selection
    Successful completion of Algebra 1 (prior to Grade 9) OR co-requisite of Algebra 1 (3101).
    Computer Science B #3524
    Semester/Full Time 0.5 Credit
    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
    The major emphasis in this course is on extending the student’s proficiency in programming methodology and understanding of algorithms and data structures. The implementation of this extension will be accomplished using an appropriate programming language. The high-level structured nature of the programming language will be utilized to develop solutions to problems by applying top-down design and modular programming methods. The topics and algorithms learned provide an excellent background for taking AP Computer Science (3011). The programming language used in this course is C++.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A ‘C’ (70%) or better in Computer Science A (3523).
    2. Approval by Computer Science A teacher.
    AP Computer Science Principles #3010
    Full Year/Full Time AP Wt.
    Grades 9, 10 1.0 Credit
    Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles is an introductory computing course focusing on computational thinking practices. The major area of study in this course are organized around seven big ideas: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the Internet, and global impact of technology.
    Criteria for Selection
    Successful completion of Algebra 1 (prior to Grade 9) OR co- requisite of Algebra 1 (3101).
    AP Computer Science #3011
    Full Year/Full Time AP Wt.
    Grades 11, 12 1.0 Credits
    Advanced Placement Computer Science is an introductory course in computer Science focusing on Object Orientation. A large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs that are understandable, adaptable and when appropriate, reusable. In addition, an extensive library, packages for developing GUI (graphical user interface) applications, multiple classes, and methods make Java very suitable for the Internet. Programs are used in the development of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures and real-world applications. A Case Study, large real- world program, is included as part of the AP curriculum. In addition, an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course. The programming language used in this course is Java.
    Criteria for Selection
    1. A ‘B’ (80%) or better in Computer Science A (3523). Completion of Computer Science B (3524) is strongly recommended.
    2. Successful completion of AP Calculus provided that the student has adequate programming knowledge.
    3. An ‘A’ (90%) or better in AP Computer Science Principles (3010).
    4. Approval by Computer Science teacher is required.