The following course sequence
is designed to provide necessary
mathematical knowledge and skills for
students who, following graduation
from Thornton Academy, plan to attend
a four-year college program and may
major in a math or science field, or who
may apply to a selective four-year college
regardless of major.
Geometry
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra with Discrete
Mathematics, or Algebra 1 with an A
average, or placement by instructor
In this class geometric concepts will be
studied from an algebraic perspective,
sharpening logical thinking skills.
Students will practice problem solving
and become familiar with a core set of
geometric postulates and theorems that
detail relationships about polygons,
circles, parallel lines, similarity, and
congruence. Application of right triangle
trigonometry and the Pythagorean
Theorem will enable students to
calculate angles of descent for aircraft
or to determine the height of a distant
object.
Algebra II
1 credit
Prerequisite: Geometry and either
Algebra with Discrete Mathematics
or Algebra I with an A average, or
placement by instructor
This course is a continuation of the
Algebra I and Algebra with Discrete
Mathematics sequence. Students will
delve into quadratic functions and be
able to extend their geometry experience
to maximize area of geometric figures.
In this age of the greening of America,
businesses are using such applications
to minimize the amount of plastic used
in water bottles. Algebra II will include
a study of the operations with real
numbers, linear equations and inequality
applications, graphs and functions,
polynomials, rational expressions,
irrational and complex numbers,
quadratic equations and functions,
systems of equations, exponential and
logarithmic functions, and arithmetic
and geometric series.
Note: This course does not meet the
prerequisite for Pre-Calculus.
Trigonometry
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry
This semester course is designed for
the student who intends to further his
or her education in a technical field.
The six trigonometric functions, which
are defined in terms of ratios, are used
routinely in calculations made by
surveyors, navigators, machinists and
carpenters. Trigonometric functions also
have many applications in the physical
and life sciences. Triangle solution
problems, trigonometric identities,
and trigonometric equations require
knowledge of elementary algebra.
Note: This course is not a substitute for
Pre-Calculus.
Probability and Statistics
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry
This course, an introduction to the study
of probability, interpretation of data, and
fundamental statistical problem solving,
will encourage student awareness of
the importance of mathematics in the
modern world by addressing questions
like, “Why is my automobile insurance
so expensive?” Students will explore
and analyze data by observing patterns
or the absence of patterns, interpret
information from graphical and tabular
displays, apply appropriate statistical
models including measures of centrality
and spread to infer information from
data, and learn to use technology in
solving statistical problems.
Honors Algebra I
1 credit
This fast-paced course will provide
students with the skills necessary for
the successful transition into Honors
Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 and
the high order mathematics courses that
follow. Students will gain a thorough
and extensive study of linear functions
and graphing on the xy-coordinate
system. Students will learn to graph
linear equations, calculate and identify
slope, solve and graph inequalities, and
work with systems of linear equations.
Students will use equations to model
and solve authentic problems, interpret
graphs, make predictions based on data,
and create graphs from a table or list of
values. The course may also include the
study of quadratic functions.
Honors Geometry
1 credit
Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 1
Students will develop spatial concepts
and insight into the relationships
between plane figures such as points,
lines, polygons, and circles. Students
will apply algebraic principles, including
the use of coordinates, to geometric
problems and explore the measurement
of two and three-dimensional figures.
The concept of proof is a focus of
this course, fostering an appreciation
of the power of logic as a tool for
understanding the world. Students will
be expected to utilize the concepts of
Honors Algebra I thr