Mathematics and Computer Science

Welcome to the Secondary Division Math Department at Saint John's School, where we are committed to providing students with a comprehensive and rigorous mathematical education.

In 7th grade, students begin their mathematical journey with Prealgebra, laying the groundwork for success in AGA and beyond. Our program follows the Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 sequence, ensuring that students build a strong foundation in algebraic concepts, geometric reasoning, and advanced algebraic techniques. Through interactive lessons and collaborative activities, students develop essential mathematical skills and problem-solving strategies.

As students progress through the AGA sequence, they have the opportunity to enroll in honors-level courses in both Geometry and Algebra 2. These courses provide an enriched curriculum that challenges students to deepen their understanding and master advanced concepts.

Our program offers three levels of Precalculus, allowing students to tailor their studies to their abilities and interests. For those interested in pursuing advanced study, we offer a range of options, including Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus courses, AP Statistics, and courses in Financial Topics.

For students seeking advanced study, we offer Post-AP Math Topics, where they can explore topics such as multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics. Through independent exploration and guided inquiry, students deepen their understanding of advanced mathematical concepts and develop critical thinking skills.

At Saint John's School, we believe in providing a well-rounded mathematical education that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Our dedicated team of educators fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop their critical thinking skills. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on activities, and personalized instruction, we empower students to become confident problem solvers and lifelong learners.

Advanced Robotics

This course is for students who have a proven interest in robotics. They are expected to have prior experience and basic knowledge of programming, and will be expected to collaborate on advanced projects with autonomy and independence. The design development as well as advanced themes are further explored, as students learn to use more complex programming structures. Students will continue to learn the VEX platform, and may also be introduced to other robotics systems.
AP Calculus AB

This course approaches calculus using material on analytic geometry and all the material of functions of one variable. It also presents a comprehensive treatment of the following: derivatives of functions of one variable, development of the definition, formulas and applications, integrations with applications, integrations with applications, and derivatives of trigonometric functions with logarithmic and exponential functions. The course stresses problem solving involving business, economics, physics and other fields where mathematics is necessary or desirable for success. Students also discuss infinite series and functions of several variables.
AP Calculus BC

Calculus BC includes all topics covered in Calculus AB plus additional topics. This mathematics class is designed for college-bound students who have excelled in all of the high school math skills including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. These functions include those that are linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise defined. In particular, before studying calculus, students must be familiar with the properties of functions, the algebra of functions, and the graphs of functions. Students must also understand the language of functions (domain and range, odd and even, periodic, symmetry, zeros, intercepts, and so on) and know the values of the trigonometric functions of the numbers 0, pi/6, pi/4, pi/3, pi/2, and their multiples. AP Calculus AB is a pre-requisite as well as a pre-test administered by the calculus instructor.
AP Computer Science A

This course introduces students to topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using the Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.
AP Computer Science Principles

The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.
AP Statistics

The AP course in statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: Exploring Data (describing patterns and departures from patterns), Sampling and Experimentation (planning and conducting a study), Anticipating Patterns (exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation0, and Statistical Inference (estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses). This course is extremely valuable for all students, regardless of the intended or desired fields of study in college.
Calculus

The goal of Calculus is to develop the understanding of concepts and develop the ability to apply them to problems in mathematics, science, economics and engineering. The basic objects of study in calculus are functions. In this course, functions are presented and analyzed from several points of view: as symbolic formulae, as graphs, as numerical data, and as relationships between quantities arising in applications. The four main concepts that are presented in calculus are limits, continuity, derivatives, and integrals.
Discrete Math

This course presents an overview of the field of discrete mathematics. It surveys a broad range of topics including formal logic, arguments and proof, set theory, combinatorics, number systems, sequences and series, recursion, and probability.
Financial Topics

This course will offer students an introduction of the basic concepts and standards underlying financial accounting systems. There will be emphasis on the construction and interpretation of the basic financial accounting statements - the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. We will also study the concepts of revenue recognition, inventory, long-lived assets, present value, and long term liabilities. Also students will learn about the time value of money and its relation to such concepts as net present value and internal rate of return; principles of valuation and financial markets.
Geometry

This course is designed to create a balance between theory and applications of geometry through the use of inductive reasoning in order to comprehend the concepts presented. Some concepts discussed are points, lines, planes, congruency of triangles and other geometric shapes, right triangles, circles, and areas and volumes. Algebraic skills are reviewed and strengthened through applications to solving problems in geometry. The course also deals with trigonometry, constructions and loci, coordinate geometry, and transformations. Symbolic logic and formal proofs are also introduced.
Honors Algebra 2

This course is offered to advanced, qualified students in lieu of the regular Algebra II.
Honors Data Structures and Algorithms

This course is a continuation in the study of fundamental concepts in computer science. Abstract data types will be implemented in various ways to study the complexity and best uses of different data structures. Topics include asymptotic complexity; array, linked, and doubly linked lists; stacks, queues, and priority queues; binary, red-black, and AVL trees; sets, maps, graphs, and hash tables; and searching and sorting algorithms. All work will be done in Java.
Honors Geometry

This course is offered to advanced, qualified students in lieu of the regular Geometry course.
Honors Pre-Calculus A

This course covers topics which traditionally follow an intermediate Algebra course. It explores functions by using graphing utilities such as computer algebra software and graphing calculators. The course explores polynomial functions, exponential functions, and trigonometric functions. Data analysis and probability are also included.
Honors Pre-Calculus B

This course analyzes the functions and graphs presented in Honors Algebra II at a deeper level through operations, transformations, and compositions. Students will expand and test their understanding of functions through the study of polar functions, parametric functions, vectors, matrices, conic sections, and sequences and series. They will also study limits and continuity, reaching the definition of the derivative. This course prepares students to take either AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC.
Introduction to Robotics
Pre-Algebra

The Pre – algebra course gives the student a strong foundation in algebra while it also prepares them for future study of geometry, probability, and data analysis. It is expected for the students to learn how to work with multistep equations and inequalities, variables, expressions, factors, fractions, ratios, exponents, rational numbers, proportions, percentages, and probabilities. In addition, students work with data analysis, and angle relationships and transformations.
Pre-Calculus

This course focuses on analyzing the functions introduced in Algebra II. By manipulating functions and their graphs through operations, transformations, and compositions, students will gain a better understanding of properties and structures of functions. Such analysis is also done with all trigonometric functions as students finish their study of analytic trigonometry. Basic statistics and sequences and series are also included. Selected topics may be introduced, including vectors, matrices, conic sections, polar functions, and parametric equations.
Algebra I

The content of Algebra I is organized around families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. It is expected for the student to learn how to represent functions in multiple ways – as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs, as well as model real – world situations, in order to solve problems arising from those situations. Algebra I exposes the student to work with expressions, linear equations and inequalities, properties of real numbers, graphing linear functions, and algebraic applications in geometry.
Algebra II

Algebra II is the high school student’s introduction to Pre-Calculus and higher mathematics. In some of these are linear and quadratic functions, graphing systems of equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, graphing systems of equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, counting and probability, sequences, series and trigonometry.