9-12 Math
Mathematic Courses for High School
- Algebra I (and Algebra I Honors)
- Geometry (and Geometry Honors)
- Algebraic Reasoning
- Algebra II (and Algebra II Honors)
- Advanced Algebra
- Precalculus (and Precalculus Honors)
- Other High School Math Courses:
Algebra I (and Algebra I Honors)
This course is the first high school math credit students need to earn for graduation. Algebra I is a foundational high school math course that builds on algebraic concepts students have been exposed to in 6th through 8th grade math courses. Algebra I addresses linear, quadratic and exponential functions from multiple representations (graph, table, equation, model, verbal description). Algebra I is a prerequisite for all future high school math courses. Students will be using a TI84 calculator in class. A similar handheld calculator, app, or online graphing calculator may be useful for work at home and all future high school math courses. At the end of the course, students will take the Algebra I EOC STAAR. Geometry is the next math course students will take.
Geometry (and Geometry Honors)
This course is the second high school math credit students need to earn for graduation. Geometry builds on geometric and algebraic concepts students were exposed to from kindergarten through Algebra I. Geometry is a visual math course that focuses on shapes and their properties. In addition to the applications in construction, visual arts, technology and design, geometry helps students develop logical reasoning skills and precise mathematical language. These skills will support student success in creating strong argumentative essays in future English courses. Students generally choose Algebra II as the next math course. Financial Math or Algebraic Reason-ing may be suitable choices if the student is not ready for Algebra II.
In Geometry Honors, students will begin to experience an inquiry-based learning format. Teachers will ask students to explore ideas and then create conjectures based on the patterns they observe. Students generally choose OnRamps Algebra II Honors (College Algebra) as the next math course. Algebra II (on level) may be a suitable choice if the student is not ready for the rigor or responsibilities of the OnRamps Algebra II Honors (College Algebra) course. Strong math students may also choose IB Math in their junior/senior years.
Geometry Parent Guide
Algebraic Reasoning
In Algebraic Reasoning, students will build on the knowledge and skills for mathematics in Kindergarten-Grade 8 and Algebra I, continue with the development of mathematical reasoning related to algebraic understandings and processes, and deepen a foundation for studies in subsequent mathematics courses - Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. Students will broaden their knowledge of functions and relationships, including linear, quadratic, square root, rational, cubic, cube root, exponential, absolute value, and logarithmic functions. Students will study these functions through analysis and application that includes explorations of patterns and structure, number and algebraic methods, and modeling from data using tools that build to workforce and college readiness such as probes, measurement tools, and software tools, including spreadsheets. This course meets state eligibility requirements for a year 3 or year 4 math course for graduation. Students will broaden their knowledge of functions and relationships, including linear, quadratic, square root, rational, cubic, cube root, exponential, absolute value, and loga-rithmic functions, this course will serve to strengthen students algebraic skills prior to Algebra II.
Algebra II (and Algebra II Honors)
This course is an advanced math course that continues to build upon Algebra I with extensive work in linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions. Problem solving in real situations is a focus. This course prepares students for advanced math and for college algebra. Algebra II provides a third math credit for graduation and is required for the STEM Endorsement. This course is a prerequisite for statistics, CTE, pre-calculus, and IB math.
Algebra II Honors builds on Algebra I by extending work in linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Students will explore square root, rational, cubic, cube root, absolute values and logarithmic functions. Students will also solve square root, cube root, and absolute value equations. In addition to these Algebra II concepts and skills, Honors students will enhance their algebraic manipulation skills to be prepared for Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus. After this course, students should enroll in either Pre-Calculus Honors or OnRamps Pre-Calculus Honors.
Advanced Algebra
Advanced Algebra provides a fourth math credit for graduation. This course provides students with a solid understanding of the elementary functions of algebra and with the purpose of preparing students for college algebra or to test out of college algebra. Students will work with and without calculators to perfect their skills in simplifying expressions and solving equations. It extends the study of many Algebra 2 concepts including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions. Students in Advanced Algebra Concepts may choose to take the College Algebra CLEP exam at the conclusion of the course to earn college credit. A next course in college may be college algebra, trigonometry, or pre-calculus.
Precalculus (and Precalculus Honors)
Precalculus provides a fourth math credit for graduation. This course will deepen students’ prior understandings and fluency with algebra and connections to geometry. Precalculus includes functional relationships, geometric reasoning, numerical relationships, and algebraic reasoning needed for the study of calculus and other college level courses. Topics include functional compositions, inverses and graphical behaviors; trigonometry; conic sections; vectors; parametric equations; polar coordinates; and sequences and series. Students who earn credit for Precalculus may choose Calculus AB or calculus at 2-year or 4-year college or university for the next math course.
Precalculus Honors will deepen students’ prior understandings and fluency with algebra and connections to geometry. Precalculus Honors includes functional relationships, geometric reasoning, numerical relationships, and algebraic reasoning needed for the study of calculus and other college level courses. Precalculus Honors students will approach the same Precalculus topics in more depth and with more rigor in order to better prepare students for AP Calculus, the next course.