ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department
The Mathematics Department offers a wide range of classes designed to help all students achieve mastery of basic mathematical principles and techniques. More than developing computational techniques, the department looks to develop in students the habits of thought native to mathematical reasoning: estimation, logical method, abstraction of concepts, and methods for problem solving.
Our mathematics teachers will go any distance to motivate and inspire you with boldness and humility. We seek to provide you with opportunities to seek the good, true and beautiful in how mathematics is integrated in God’s creation. Our focus is to direct students to pursue understanding for its own sake through the vehicle of excellent teaching methods and curriculum.
The study of mathematics at FGR will equip you to solve a real-world problem. Using mathematical language and notation, you will be able to model the problem and employ a variety of strategies to solve it to an appropriate precision. Through mathematical study, you will develop the ability to enter into discourse and to clearly communicate your thinking in a logical and linear way.
Four credits of mathematics are required for graduation.
Referring to the table above, students may double up in some cases or move from one row to another with permission of the department.
Algebra I Essentials
This course intends to present the critical Algebra I topics and would be recommended to any student who has had little or no Algebra instruction or desires to sharpen their skills at a slower pace. The use of a scientific calculator will be required. The FGR math department recommends TI-30XIIS or similar.
Textbook: Glencoe 2018 Series, provided by department
Algebra I
This is a full-year course in mathematical problem solving using algebraic techniques with an introduction to analyzing, graphing, and solving linear and quadratic equations. Students will develop facility in working with polynomial expressions. The use of a scientific calculator will be required. The FGR math department recommends TI-30XIIS or similar.
Textbook: Glencoe 2018 Series, provided by department
Honors Geometry
This is the first course of the Honors Mathematics sequence designed for the advanced freshman (top 20%). This is a rigorous study of Euclidean Geometry integrated with solid and coordinate geometry. Logic, geometric theory, and geometric problem solving techniques will be emphasized. Writing, solving, and graphing systems of equations and inequalities, factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations, and working with irrational numbers will be used in the context of geometry. The use of a scientific calculator will be required. The FGR math department recommends TI-30XIIS or similar.
Textbook: Geometry, McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin
Geometry Essentials
This course intends to present the critical Geometry topics without proofs. It would be recommended to any student who has taken Algebra I Essentials. The use of a scientific calculator will be required. The FGR math department recommends TI-30XIIS or similar.
Textbook: Glencoe 2018 Series, provided by department
Geometry
Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry
An accelerated course in advanced algebra and trigonometry, with extensive work on problem solving requiring several steps. Students will develop a solid understanding of algebraic techniques and transcendental functions. The use of a graphing calculator will be required. The FGR math department recommends a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.
Algebra II Essentials w/Trig
This course intends to present the critical Algebra 2 topics. Instruction will be adjusted to meet the needs of students requiring a slower pace to attain mastery of the content. It would be recommended to any student who has taken Geometry Essentials. The use of a graphing calculator will be required. The FGR math department recommends a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.
Algebra II/Trigonometry
This course intends to present the critical Algebra 2 topics. Instruction will be adjusted to meet the needs of students requiring a slower pace to attain mastery of the content. It would be recommended to any student who has taken Geometry Essentials. The use of a graphing calculator will be required. The FGR math department recommends a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.
Honors Pre-Calculus
This course includes all of the elements of the Pre-Calculus course with an emphasis on a more in-depth analysis of concepts in addition to the practical methods. This class will include some topics from differential calculus. A graphing calculator is required. The FGR math department recommends TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.
College Prep Algebra
This semester long course aims to deepen students’ mathematical mindset. Students will gain a deeper understanding of foundational algebra principles, building on knowledge gained in previous courses. Topics covered will include problem solving strategies, computation practice, and an overview of linear and non-linear functions. This course is intended for the student who will not be taking Precalculus or Honors Statistics. It should be paired with Statistics (one-semester course.) The FGR math department recommends a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.
Statistics
Pre-Calculus
This course is a study of advanced math topics with an emphasis on practical methods and preparation for calculus. Topics will include advanced algebra concepts, trigonometry, and other transcendental functions, sequences and series, and limits. A graphing calculator is required. The FGR math department recommends a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.
Honors Statistics
This course will provide far more depth to the field of statistics and will approximate the college course required of students in a nursing, medical, engineering or similar program that will heavily use statistics. All topics from the semester statistics course would be covered in greater depth and added content would include data modeling, random variables and two-sample hypothesis testing, among others. A graphing calculator is required. The FGR math department recommends a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.
Textbook: Advanced High School Statistics: Second Edition
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
This course will follow the AP Calculus curriculum (AB syllabus). It is equivalent to a college level calculus I course with emphasis on underlying theory and complex problems. Students are expected to take the AP Examination for college credit, which will be offered in May. A graphing calculator is required. The FGR math department recommends a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 CE.