Kennedy Catholic Math
Department Overview
The Kennedy Catholic Prep Math Department offers a math curriculum that strives to challenge students to develop sound reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in today’s world. Math is a subject that continues to build on itself from previous concepts and becomes more exciting and complex as skills increase.
The Math Department curriculum begins with the exploration of Algebra and sequentially moves through Geometry, Algebra II, PreCalculus, and Calculus, and a possibility for a more in-depth study of Statistics. These courses empower the student to become confident in their mathematical knowledge in new situations.
Math Department Course Offerings
Grade 9 & 10
Pre-AP Level
Algebra 1 or Geometry
Pre-AP Algebra 1 - The Pre-AP Algebra I course focuses on linear relationships by emphasizing patterns of change, multiple representations of functions and equations, modeling real world scenarios with functions, and methods for finding and representing solutions of equations and inequalities. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics -Prerequisite: Pre-AP Algebra I or Algebra I in 8th grade. The Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics course focuses on the foundational geometric and statistical skills necessary for college and career readiness by connecting core ideas and promoting a coherent understanding of measurement to make connections with the use of mathematical knowledge and skills to problem solve across the domains of algebra, geometry, and statistics. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics Honors -Prerequisite: Pre-AP Algebra I and Departmental approval. The Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics course is an accelerated approach to geometry and statistics with enrichment topics. The course focuses on the foundational geometric and statistical skills necessary for college and career readiness by connecting core ideas and promoting a coherent understanding of measurement to make connections with the use of mathematical knowledge and skills to problem solve across the domains of algebra, geometry, and statistics. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Grade 11
Pre-AP Level
Algebra 2 & Algebra 2 Honors
Pre-AP Algebra 2 – Prerequisite: Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics
The Pre-AP Algebra 2 course focuses on conceptual understanding and procedural fluency of functions and data analysis with a concentration on mathematical content and skills necessary for college readiness by investigating polynomials, rational and radical relationships, and trigonometric and other functions. The TI- 84 Plus graphing calculator is required.Pre-AP Algebra 2 Honors– Prerequisites: Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics Honors or Pre-AP Geometry and Departmental approval.
The Pre-AP Algebra 2 course is an accelerated approach to Algebra 2 with enrichment topics. The course focuses on conceptual understanding and procedural fluency of functions and data analysis with a concentration on mathematical content and skills necessary for college readiness by investigating polynomials, rational and radical relationships, and trigonometric and other functions. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.PreCalculus or PreCalculus Honors
PreCalculus – Prerequisites: Pre-AP Algebra 2 Honors or Pre-AP Algebra 2.
The Pre-Calculus course focuses on function analysis, parametric equations, polar coordinate systems, analytic trigonometry and applications, matrices and conic sections. The course moves thematically through applications, while building numerical, symbolic, and graphical analytic skills. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.PreCalculus Honors–Prerequisites: Pre-AP Algebra 2 Honors and Departmental approval.
SUNY Albany college credit is available for this course for the spring semester only.
The Pre-Calculus Honors course is designed for students with the highest aptitude and achievement in prior math courses. This course is an integrated approach to pre-calculus and calculus and focuses on elements of algebra and analytic geometry necessary to study one variable calculus; including functions, limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic functions, and applications of differentiation. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Grade 12
PreCalculus
Prerequisites: Pre-AP Algebra 2 Honors or Pre-AP Algebra 2.
The Pre-Calculus course focuses on function analysis, parametric equations, polar coordinate systems, analytic trigonometry and applications, matrices and conic sections. The course moves thematically through applications, while building numerical, symbolic, and graphical analytic skills. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
AP – Calculus AB
Prerequisites: Pre-AP Algebra 2 in junior year or Pre-Calculus Honors and Departmental approval.
The AP Calculus AB exam is taken in May.
St. John’s University College Advantage credit is available for this course for the fall semester only.
The AP Calculus AB course focuses on the understanding of the fundamental concepts and methods of differential and integral calculus with an emphasis on their application and the use of multiple representations incorporating graphic, numeric, analytic, algebraic, verbal and written responses. Topics of study include functions, limits, derivatives, and the interpretation and application of integrals, while gaining valuable real-world problem-solving skills. Students interested in exploring careers in engineering, economics, medicine, and business would benefit from AP Calculus AB. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
AP – Statistics
Prerequisites: Pre-AP Algebra 2 or Pre-AP Algebra 2 Honors and Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus Honors and Departmental approval.
The AP Statistics exam is taken in May.
St. John’s University College Advantage credit is available for this course for the fall semester only. The AP Statistics course focuses on the use of statistics and probability in the context of the real world by exploring statistical theory and practical applications in a variety of areas including physical and social science, public opinion and political science, business, economics, and medicine. Students will examine and interpret statistical information through applications, examples, projects, and exercises. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.Department Leadership
Arlene O’Rourke
Department Chairperson
Stephen Schmidt
Vice-Principal for Academics
Robert Furey
Math Teacher
William Olson
Math Teacher
Catherine Halleran
Math Teacher
