Saint John's Curriculum

Mathematics

The Mathematics Department provides a comprehensive program of College Preparatory Mathematics, from Algebra through Calculus. Because differences in knowledge and ability enable and require students to proceed at different rates, the department offerings in the first three years -Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II and Trigonometry- are taught on different levels. The senior offerings - Calculus, Pre-Calculus, and Statistics -likewise reflect the varied abilities, interest, and achievements of the students.

  • Algebra I (1)

    This course provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students to succeed in advanced mathematics courses. The basic skills and concepts of algebra are presented in a systematic fashion. Topics will include the properties of real numbers, equations and inequalities, operations on polynomials, exponential and rational expressions, factoring, functions and their graphs, and problem solving.

  • Algebra I (2)

    This course provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students to succeed in advanced mathematics courses. The basic skills and concepts of algebra are presented in a systematic fashion. Topics will include the properties of real numbers, equations and inequalities, operations on polynomials, exponential and rational expressions, factoring, functions and their graphs, and problem solving.

  • Algebra I (H)

    This course provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students to succeed in advanced mathematics courses. The basic skills and concepts of algebra are presented in a systematic fashion. Topics will include the properties of real numbers, equations and inequalities, operations on polynomials, exponential and rational expressions, factoring, functions and their graphs, and problem solving.

  • Algebra II (H)

    This course progresses through the study of an equation to systems of equations, factoring and fractional equations, quadratics and quadratic relations and functions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. An introduction to circular functions and right triangular trigonometry concludes this course. The graphing calculator is required in all levels of this course. The department offers a qualifying exam for this course for any freshman who has demonstrated a competence in Algebra I prior to his coming to Saint John's.

  • Algebra II /Trig (1)

    This course progresses through the study of an equation to systems of equations, factoring and fractional equations, quadratics and quadratic relations and functions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. An introduction to circular functions and right triangular trigonometry concludes this course. The graphing calculator is required in all levels of this course.

  • Algebra II /Trig (2)

    This course progresses through the study of an equation to systems of equations, factoring and fractional equations, quadratics and quadratic relations and functions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. An introduction to circular functions and right triangular trigonometry concludes this course. The graphing calculator is required in all levels of this course.

  • Algebra II /Trig (H)

    This course progresses through the study of an equation to systems of equations, factoring and fractional equations, quadratics and quadratic relations and functions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. An introduction to circular functions and right triangular trigonometry concludes this course. The graphing calculator is required in all levels of this course.

  • Calculus-AB (AP)

    This course will cover, as a minimum, the topics in differential and integral calculus as outlined in the College Board Advanced Placement AB syllabus. All enrolled students will be expected to take the AP Exam in May. A graphing calculator is required.

    Prerequisite:     Pre-Calculus

  • Calculus-BC (AP)

    A more rigorous and extensive course than the Calculus AB, this course will follow the syllabus for the Calculus BC examination of the AP program. Topics include differential and integral calculus as well as polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences and series, and differential equations. All students will take the AP Exam in May. A graphing calculator is required.

    Prerequisite:     Pre-Calculus

  • Geometry (1)

    This course is a study of Euclidean Geometry, a mathematical system created by the mathematician Euclid. Students will work with properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures while learning to reason logically and to think critically. Students will build in-depth ideas of both inductive and deductive reasoning and will learn to create formal mathematical proofs.

  • Geometry (2)

    This course is a study of Euclidean Geometry, a mathematical system created by the mathematician Euclid. Students will work with properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures while learning to reason logically and to think critically. Students will build in-depth ideas of both inductive and deductive reasoning and will learn to create formal mathematical proofs.

  • Geometry (H)

    This course is a study of Euclidean Geometry, a mathematical system created by the mathematician Euclid. Students will work with properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures while learning to reason logically and to think critically. Students will build in-depth ideas of both inductive and deductive reasoning and will learn to create formal mathematical proofs.

  • Multivariable Calculus (ADV)

    The Multivariable Calculus course gives its students the opportunity to learn advanced mathematics that is normally learned during their sophomore year of college in a math and/or a science major. The course is an in-depth study of Infinite Sequences and Series, Vector Geometry and Functions, Multivariable Differentiation and Integration, and ends with the classical theorems of Vector Calculus: Green’s, Stoke’s, and Divergence Theorems. The structure of the class is teacher instruction and student to student presentations of 3D graphing/visualization, problem solving, and programming of a chosen computer algebra system.
    Prerequisite: Calculus BC (AP)

  • Pre-Calculus (1)

    This course introduces the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. By exposing students to various types of discrete and continuous probability distributions, students will explore linear regressions and correlations, estimations, hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. This course also introduces the graphing calculator, required for the course, as a technical tool for analysis and verification of probabilities and statistical data. This course fulfills the fourth year mathematics graduation requirement. The course is suited for students whose future mathematics track includes economics and business.

    Prerequisite: Algebra II & Trigonometry
     

  • Pre-Calculus (H)

    The course is a continuation of the Algebra sequence and introduces advanced topics in trigonometry, function theory, and Pre-Calculus. Pre-Calculus is the immediate preparation for a course in Calculus. It is also helpful for the student who pursues courses in statistics and other advanced level mathematics courses. The course is focused on the study of basic functions in mathematics. They are the following: identity, squaring, cubing, reciprocal, square root, exponential, logarithmic, sine, cosine, absolute value, and the logistic function. The individual functions are approached from a perspective that emphasizes the numerical, algebraic, and graphical viewpoints. Each function will solve real-world problems that are particular to that function along with the use of functions previously discussed. A graphing calculator is required.

    Prerequisite:     Algebra II/Trigonometry

  • Principles of Accounting and Finance (1)

    The 1st half of this course will introduce the student to accounting. Theories and principles relative to asset valuation, liability reporting, and income determination will be examined. The 2nd half of the course will provide students an overview of the financial management of firms while also examining personal choices and the realization of an individual’s financial objectives. Topics include the effects of timing and risk on the valuation of cash flows, the valuation of stocks and bonds, the cost of raising funds for the firm, the evaluation of potential investment projects, the pros and cons of debt and the analysis of financial statements. In addition, the students will create an overall personal financial plan focused on money management, investment selection, consumer credit, housing, inflation, income taxes, transportation, insurance, retirement and estate planning. This course is designed for those students that want to pursue a career in Business. This course is open to Seniors.

  • Principles of Accounting and Finance (H)

    The 1st half of this course will introduce the student to accounting.  Theories and principles relative to asset valuation, liability reporting, and income determination will be examined. The 2nd half of the course will provide students with an overview of the financial management of firms while also examining personal choices and the realization of an individual’s financial objectives.  Topics include the effects of timing and risk on the valuation of cash flows, the valuation of stocks and bonds, the cost of raising funds for the firm, the evaluation of potential investment projects, the pros and cons of debt, and the analysis of financial statements. In addition, the students will create an overall personal financial plan focused on money management, investment selection, consumer credit, housing, inflation, income taxes, transportation, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.  This course is designed for those students that want to pursue a career in Business.  This course is open to Seniors.

  • Statistics (1)

    This course introduces the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. By exposing students to various types of discrete and continuous probability distributions, students will explore linear regressions and correlations, estimations, hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. This course also introduces the graphing calculator, required for the course, as a technical tool for analysis and verification of probabilities and statistical data. This course fulfills the fourth year
    mathematics graduation requirement. The course is suited for students whose future mathematics track includes economics and business.
    Prerequisite: Algebra II & Trigonometry

  • Statistics (AP)

    This course will follow the curriculum of the CollegeBoard Advanced Placement Statistics course and prepare students for the AP Exam. The course will expose students to various types of discrete and continuous probability distributions. Furthermore, students will explore estimations, hypothesis testing, linear regressions, and correlations. The course will also introduce use of the graphing calculator as a technical tool for analysis and verification of probabilities and statistical data.

    Prerequisite:     Algebra II & Trigonometry (H)

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Saint John's High School

378 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545    (508) 842-8934
Saint John’s High School has educated young men under the sponsorship of the Xaverian Brothers since 1898. Through the Saint John’s strong college preparatory curriculum, 1,000 students pursue personal and intellectual growth in an environment that is committed to the development of the whole person and recognizes a moral dimension of life through service to God and to others.