About Mathematics at St. Michael
The St. Michael High School math department believes that mathematics is an essential skill for all students. In fostering students’ ability to logically, rationally, and analytically solve complex math problems, we see our students succeed not only in their math classes but also in other academic areas, and in life outside of the classroom. St. Michael's mathematics curriculum is critical in the process of making certain our students are prepared for (and successful in) their future endeavors. Our teachers are committed to meeting the needs of each student and providing the tools and technology necessary for all students to reach their potential.
Algebra I – CP
Level: College Prep
Grade Level: 9 – 10
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, average scores on high school placement test, and average eighth grade math scores.
Description: This course provides the student with the understanding of the structure and logical patterns in math. Topics include variables, real and rational numbers, linear equations and inequalities, graphs of relations and functions, systems of open sentences, exponents, polynomials, factoring, radicals, quadratic equations, and word problems. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI-30XII scientific calculator.
Algebra I – Honors
Level: Honors
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, above average scores on high school placement test, and above average eighth grade math scores, and the Math Department’s recommendation.
Description: This course covers the same topics as the college prep Algebra I course, with more depth, enrichment and problem solving. Additional topics will include exponential functions and non-linear systems. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI-30XII scientific calculator.
Geometry – CP
Level: College Prep
Grade Level: 9 – 10
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria for 9th graders, Algebra I.
Description: This course is designed to introduce geometric definitions, postulates, and theorems. Topics include development of two column proofs, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similar polygons, circles, constructions, area, volume, and coordinate geometry. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI-30XII scientific calculator.
Geometry – Honors
Level: Honors
Grade Level: 9 – 10
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, Algebra I, and the Math Department’s recommendation.
Description: This course covers the same topics as the college preparatory Geometry course with additional topics on probability and statistics. Special emphasis is placed on the practical applications of geometric concepts. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI-30XII scientific calculator.
Algebra II – CP
Level: College Prep
Grade Level: 9 – 11
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, Algebra I and Geometry.
Description: This course reviews and extends the algebraic concepts introduced in Algebra I. Course work includes quadratic functions, linear and polynomial functions, matrices, imaginary and complex numbers, radical, exponential, logarithmic functions, and rational functions. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI 84 Graphing Calculator.
Algebra II – Honors
Level: Honors
Grade Level: 9 – 11
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, Algebra I, Geometry and the Math Department’s recommendation.
Description: This course reviews and extends the algebraic concepts introduced in Algebra I. Course work includes linear and polynomial functions, matrices, imaginary and complex numbers, radical, exponential, logarithmic functions, and rational functions. This course covers the same topics as the college prep Algebra II course, with more depth, enrichment and problem solving. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI 84 Graphing Calculator.
Algebra III – CP
Level: College Prep
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
Description: This course will cover and enhance fundamental concepts learned in Algebra I and Algebra II. There will be an emphasis on real world application and standardized test preparation throughout the course. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI-30XII scientific calculator.
Calculus AB – AP
Level: Advanced Placement
Grade Level: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria: Must have successfully completed Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math or Pre-Calculus Dual Enrollment and receive recommendations from the Assistant Principal for Academics and the Mathematics Department. A 3.5 GPA in all previous math courses is required.
Description: Topics covered in the first semester include limits and derivatives of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, with applications. Topics covered in the second semester include integrals of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, with applications. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI-30XII scientific calculator.
Calculus – Dual Enrollment
Level: Dual Enrollment
Grade: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria: Must have successfully completed Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math or Pre-Calculus Dual Enrollment, receive recommendations from the Assistant Principal for Academics and the Math Department, and complete Placement Criteria as established by LSU’s Dual Enrollment program and the LA Board of Regents.
Description: Topics covered in the first semester include limits and derivatives of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, with applications. Topics covered in the second semester include integrals of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, with applications. In this course, students have the opportunity to earn six college credit hours by successfully completing two LSU courses: Math 1530 (Differential Calculus) followed by Math 1540 (Integral Calculus). A graphic calculator is not permitted, but a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator is required. Parents are responsible for the cost of tuition ($300 per semester, plus $40 lab fee).
Advanced Math – CP
Level: College Prep
Grade Level: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, and the Math Department’s recommendation. A 2.5 GPA in all previous math courses is required.
Description: This course consists of trigonometry and advanced algebra. Topics include trigonometric functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. All students enrolled will be required to have a TI-84 graphing calculator.
Advanced Math – Honors
Level: Honors
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Department Selection Criteria, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, and the Math Department’s recommendation. A 3.0 GPA in all previous math courses is required.
Description: This course covers the same topics as the College Prep level Advanced Math with additional topics in analytical geometry. Emphasis is placed on graphing, proofs, and problem solving. All students enrolled in this class will be required to have a TI-84 graphing calculator.
Pre-Calculus – Dual Enrollment
Level: Dual Enrollment
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, teacher recommendation and complete Placement Criteria as established by LSU’s Dual Enrollment program and the LA Board of Regents.
Topics covered include solving equations and inequalities; lines and circles; functions and their graphs; inverse functions; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions with applications; evaluating trig functions of general angles, graphic trig functions, inverse trig functions, identities and formulas; solving trig equations, triangle applications, polar graphs and vectors. In this course, students have the opportunity to earn six college credit hours by successfully completing two LSU courses: Math 1021 (College Algebra) followed by Math 1022 (College Trigonometry). A graphic calculator is not permitted, but a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator is required. Parents are responsible for the cost of tuition ($300 per semester, plus $40 lab fee).
Probability and Statistics – CP
Level: College Prep
Grade Level: 11 – 12
Prerequisites for this course include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
Description: In the course, students will collect, interpret and present numerical data. Using computer software, they will perform statistical calculations and analyses on data and apply statistical concepts as bases for rational decision making. Students will determine the probability of an event, calculate permutations and combinations, and apply their knowledge of probability to make important statistical inferences. Students will be required to have a TI84 graphing calculator.