Course Catalog Details

  • Math
Algebra

Level: 9, 10
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1

Algebra is a traditional course in the college-prep sequence and is designed to give students a solid foundation in mathematics. Students in Algebra have a math ability that is considered to be “at grade level.” This course emphasizes simplifying expressions, solving equations and inequalities, using problem-solving techniques to solve word problems, using linear, exponential, and quadratic functions, and learning methods of graphing. Graphing calculators (TI-83 or higher) are required.

  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Math
Algebra II

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra and Geometry (or Geometry Target)
Credit: 1

Available as an honors course with the instructor's recommendation.

Algebra II is a continuation of the Algebra course and extends those topics to include additional theory relating to the real number system. It formalizes the study of Algebra by expanding problem-solving techniques. Topics include systems of equations, inequalities, quadratic and polynomial functions, and logarithms. The course makes regular use of a graphing calculator (TI-83 or higher) to make technology an integral part of the problem-solving process. Algebra II will provide the prerequisite for Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry or Trigonometry/College Transition Math. Algebra II is a traditional college-prep course taken by students who are “at grade level.”

  • Junior
  • Senior
  • Sophomore
  • Math
Algebra Momentum Skills

Level: 9, 10
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: None - To be taken in the same semester as Algebra - Students will have 2 periods of math in their schedule (Algebra + Algebra Momentum Skills)
Credit: 1

Algebra Momentum (formerly Double Block Algebra) is a course that meets in conjunction with a regular Algebra course. Allow for 2 periods on the course selection sheet (Algebra + Algebra Momentum Skills). Algebra Momentum Skills is a supported math class that meets later in the day (after Algebra) and is used to pre-teach and reteach concepts, build math skills, and address weaknesses in math. The goal of this course is to take students who are below grade level upon entering high school and provide them with two periods of math in order to get the student back to grade level by the start of their sophomore year. The topics covered mirror the course content in Algebra I. Upon completion of Algebra Momentum Skills, students will enroll in Geometry to get back into a traditional college prep sequence. Graphing calculators (TI-83 or higher) are required.

  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Math
AP Calculus

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus
Credit: 1

Students combine the disciplines of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry to explore the world around us in a highly conceptual manner. Topics covered in Calculus are limits and their properties, differentiation and integration, rates of change, optimization, and areas of non-regular shapes. Graphing calculators (TI-83 or higher) are required. Upon completion of Calculus, students are encouraged to take the AP Calculus exam in order to obtain college credit.

  • Advanced Placement
  • Junior
  • Senior
  • Math
AP Statistics

Level: 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: “C” or better in Algebra II
Credit: 1

This course is designed to teach the concepts taught in a college statistics course. Topics covered include data description, the Normal distribution, bivariate data, planning a study, probability, binomials and distributions, inference, and t-distributions. Upon completion of Statistics, students are encouraged to take the AP Statistics exam in order to obtain college credit. Graphing calculators (TI-83 or higher) are required.

  • Advanced Placement
  • Senior
  • Math
Business Math

Level: 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Geometry Target or teacher recommendation from Algebra II or Geometry
Credit: 1

This is a senior-level course that teaches students to use mathematics in the workplace, as well as in one’s personal life. Topics include banking, credit, loans, insurance, budgets, sales, and marketing. This course is designed for seniors who are not planning to attend college. This class is for students who need a third year of math to meet the graduation requirements. This course is not considered college prep. Scientific calculators are required. 

  • Senior
  • Math
College Transition Math with Trigonometry

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra II
Credit: 1

This course is designed for the student who is interested in a stronger foundation in math and who wishes to develop the skills required to succeed in an introductory college math course. Emphasis will be placed on trigonometry, linear algebra, and college algebra. This course will prepare students for college-level mathematics. The TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Junior
  • Senior
  • Math
Dual Credit College Algebra

Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: Algebra II as well as meeting placement requirements for Kishwaukee College
Credit: SHS (1/2) + Kishwaukee College (4)

Dual Credit Opportunity (College credit towards MAT 150 at Kishwaukee College)
There is a $50 tuition fee to be paid to Kishwaukee College each semester.

A senior-level course that focuses on the study of linear and quadratic functions, inequalities, mathematical induction, binomial theorem, matrices and determinants, logarithmic and exponential functions, complex numbers, and topics in the theory of equations. Credit for the course is earned both at Sycamore High School and Kishwaukee College. The TI-83 or higher calculator is required.

  • Dual Credit
  • Senior
  • Math
Dual Credit College Precalculus

Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: Algebra II as well as meeting placement requirements for Kishwaukee College
Credit: SHS (1/2) + Kishwaukee College (4)

Dual Credit Opportunity (College credit towards MAT 155 at Kishwaukee College).
There is a $50 tuition fee to be paid to Kishwaukee College each semester.

A senior-level course that focuses on the study of trigonometric functions and their graphs, radian measure, equations and identities, logarithms, inverse functions, and applications. Credit for the course is earned both at Sycamore High School and Kishwaukee College. The TI-83 or higher calculator is required.

  • Dual Credit
  • Senior
  • Math
Geometry

Level: 9, 10
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Algebra
Credit: 1

Available as an honors course with the instructor's recommendation.

Geometry is a standard course in the traditional college preparation sequence. Students will explore the world around us while developing their spatial, inductive, and deductive reasoning skills. Topics that are covered include lines, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, areas, and volumes. The mastery of Algebra, especially the ability to solve equations, is essential for success in Geometry. Graphing calculators (TI-83 or higher) are required.

  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Math
Geometry Target

Level: 10, 11 (teacher recommendation only)
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Algebra
Credit: 1

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who are challenged by or struggling with mathematics, while fulfilling the state requirements. It is a one-year course that is designed to mirror the content taught in Geometry including lines, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, areas, and volumes. Students will be asked to use real-world applications and problem-solving skills in order to develop their spatial, inductive and deductive reasoning skills. The skills necessary in Algebra, especially the ability to solve equations, will be crucial in successfully completing Geometry Target. Students in Geometry Target are considered to be below grade level.

  • Junior
  • Sophomore
  • Math
Hybrid Algebra II

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra and Geometry (or Geometry Target)
Credit: 1

This course is offered in a blended format. Students are expected to watch video notes daily and complete assignments on their own. The teacher will not lecture but is available every day as a "coach" to help students. Students can attend every day, if desired, to have guaranteed work time. 

This course will be offered to select students based on academic ability (C or better in all math classes), teacher recommendations, and positive behavior patterns (referrals, tardies, and unexcused absences will be disqualifying factors). Students who do not meet these standards will have their request for Hybrid changed to regular Algebra II. This class will take place asynchronously about 80% of the time. Students must take assessments in the classroom.

Students who do not meet the requirements (attendance, grade, behavior) of the Hybrid Algebra II course will be moved to regular Algebra II.

Hybrid Algebra II is a continuation of the Algebra course and extends those topics to include additional theory relating to the real number system. It formalizes the study of Algebra by expanding problem-solving techniques. Topics include systems of equations, inequalities, quadratic and polynomial functions, and logarithms. The course makes regular use of a graphing calculator (TI-83 or higher) to make technology an integral part of the problem-solving process. Hybrid Algebra II will provide the prerequisite for Precalculus with Trigonometry or Trigonometry/College Transition Math. Algebra II is a traditional college-prep course taken by students who are “at grade level.”
 

  • Junior
  • Senior
  • Sophomore
  • Math
Pre-Algebra

Level: 9, 10
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1

Pre-Algebra is a freshman level class designed to help students build the foundational skills necessary to be successful in Algebra 1. This course emphasizes understanding the Real Number System, Analyzing and Solving Linear Equations, Using Functions to Model Relationships, Analyze and Solve Systems of Linear Equations, and Understanding and Applying the Pythagorean Theorem. Graphing Calculators TI-84 or higher are used on a regular basis. This course will help students who lack solid fundamentals meet state standards. Summer acceleration may be necessary to get on a college bound track. Upon completion of the course, students will enter into Algebra.

  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Math
Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: “B-” or better both semesters of Algebra II or Trig/College Transition Math
Credit: 1

Available as an honors course with the instructor's recommendation.

This course provides a foundation for all students who may wish to pursue a future in math and science at the college level. Students will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum that gives students the best chance for success in college mathematics. The first semester is a concentrated analysis of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The second semester is an in-depth analysis of the Trigonometry required for Calculus as well as a foundation in Probability and Statistics. TI-83 or TI-84 calculators are required for the class.

  • Junior
  • Senior
  • Math
Sports Statistics

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra II
Credit: 1

This class may be offered in a blended format.

This course will introduce students to the study of statistics through the context of sports. Topics covered will include explanatory data analysis, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and probability. All topics studied will be learned with the goal of answering interesting questions related to sports. This course will serve as an excellent foundation to the study of statistics. Graphing calculators TI-84 or equivalent will be required for this course.

[VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfoDur23qEQ]

  • Junior
  • Senior