Loyola’s Math Department is committed to developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a comprehensive and challenging curriculum. Our course offerings include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Algebra III, PreCalculus, Calculus, Statistics, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC, ensuring students are well-prepared for college-level math and beyond.
Students who receive a math credit in 8th grade are still required to earn four math credits during high school to graduate, encouraging continued growth and mastery of mathematical concepts.
Algebra I (CP) – 9th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: none
Algebra I is a comprehensive course that prepares students to use algebraic skills and concepts confidently in mathematics, in related disciplines, and in real world situations. Examples of topics covered are integers and rational numbers, equations, inequalities, exponents and polynomials, factoring, graphing linear equations, systems of equations, rational expressions, and radical expressions. Problem solving is emphasized throughout all of these topics. Graphing calculators are used as teaching and learning tools throughout the course.
Algebra I (Honors) – 9th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: none
Algebra I at the honors level covers basically the same material as Algebra I CP with a higher degree of emphasis on problem solving. For admission into Honors, multiple factors are considered: HSPT score in math and/or other recent standardized test scores in math and a minimum grade of 90% in 8th grade Pre-algebra (or Intro to Algebra) course.
Geometry (CP) – 9th - 10th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I (CP) or Algebra I (Honors)
Geometry uses investigative and deductive reasoning methods to complete a program based on traditional theorems and postulates. Computers are used as an aid in the development of the theorems and postulates. Students first learn the language of geometry and then apply this language to such topics as congruence, similar triangles, parallelograms, circles, polygons, area, volume, constructions and basic trigonometry.
Geometry (Honors) – 9th - 10th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I (CP) or Algebra I (Honors); Teacher/Department recommendation
Honors Geometry uses investigative and deductive reasoning methods to complete a program based on traditional theorems and postulates. Computers are used as an aid in the development of theorems and postulates. Students will quickly learn the language of geometry and then apply this language to such topics as congruence, similar triangles, parallelograms, circles, polygons, area, volume and constructions. A more involved study of the basics of trigonometry is included in Honors geometry. For admission into Honors, students should earn > 90% in Algebra I and the recommendation of the Algebra I teacher (considering work ethic and attendance).
Algebra II (CP) – 10th – 11th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I (CP) or Algebra I (Honors)
Algebra II prepares students to use advanced algebra skills and concepts. Through classroom lectures, applications, assignments, and assessment, students will develop critical thinking skills and strategies necessary for problem solving. Students will take their algebra knowledge to a greater depth by exploring Linear, Quadratic, Polynomial, Exponential, and Logarithmic Equations and the concepts related to each of these topics. ACT math will be emphasized daily through practice problems and student exploration. Students will learn to use the TI-83/TI 84 Plus CE graphing calculator.
Algebra II (Honors) – 9th - 11th
1.0 credit
Algebra II Honors prepares students to use advanced algebra skills and concepts. Through classroom lectures, applications, assignments, and assessment, students will develop critical thinking skills and strategies necessary for problem solving. Students will take their algebra knowledge to a greater depth by exploring Linear, Quadratic, Polynomial, Exponential, and Logarithmic Equations and the concepts related to each of these topics. Algebra II Honors will study matrices with their applications and conic sections. ACT math will emphasized daily through practice problems and student exploration. Students will learn to use the TI-83/TI 84 Plus CE graphing calculator. For admission into Honors, students should earn a grade of > 90% in Honors Algebra I and Honors Geometry, and the recommendation of the Geometry teacher (considering work ethic and attendance).
Algebra III (CP) – 11th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II (CP) or Algebra II (Honors)Algebra III is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra II. This course will enhance the higher level thinking skills developed in Algebra II through a more in-depth study of those concepts and exploration of some pre-calculus concepts. Students in Algebra III will be challenged to increase their understanding of algebraic, graphical and numerical methods to analyze, translate and solve quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions. Modeling real world situations is an important part of this course. Sequences and series will be used to represent and analyze real world problems and mathematical situations. Algebra III will also include a study of trigonometric functions, right triangles, and oblique triangles.
Precalculus (PreAP) – 11th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II (CP) or Algebra II (Honors); Teacher/Department recommendation
Honors Pre-Calculus, a prerequisite for Calculus or AP Calculus, covers the following topics: advanced algebra, polynomials, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, series, sequences, probability, and analytic geometry. It is a rigorous, fast-paced course guided by Larson, Hostetler and Edwards’ college-level text, PreCalculus, With Limits. For admission, students must have earned > 90% in Honors Algebra II and the recommendation of the Algebra II teacher (considering work ethic and attendance).
Calculus (Honors) – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Precalculus (PreAP)
Honors Calculus is offered for the honors Pre-Calculus student who does not wish to deal with the rigors of AP Calculus AB and/or has less than 90 percent in Honors Pre-Calculus and did not obtain the recommendation of the Honors Pre-Calculus teacher.
Calculus AB (AP) – 11th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Precalculus (PreAP); Teacher/Department Recommendation
Calculus BC (AP) – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Calculus AB and a passing score on the AP exam
Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus (AB) and (BC) are first and second semester college calculus courses. The College Board dictates the curriculum for each course. Students may receive college credit depending on the AP exam score and policies of the student’s college choice. All students are required to take the national exam in the spring. AP Calculus students must be mathematically able - for AB: > 90% in Honors Pre-Calculus and recommendation of Honors Pre-Calculus teacher (considering work ethic and attendance). For BC: a passing score of 3 or higher on the national AP Calculus AB examination.
Statistics (CP) – 11th - 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II (CP) or Algebra II (Honors); Teacher/Department recommendation
Statistics teaches students how to design experiments, analyze data, and communicate the results. Students will learn about a variety of statistical tests used today and when they can be used. This is an excellent course for students interested in science, medicine, journalism, or government. It is open to students who have received a B or higher in Algebra 2.
Statistics (AP) – 11th – 12th
1.0 credit
Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics is a two-semester college Statistics course. The College Board dictates the curriculum for each course. Students may receive college credit depending on the AP exam score and policies of the student’s college choice. All students are required to take the national exam in the spring.
Math Essentials I 9th
0.5 credit
Math Essentials can be a one- or two-semester course taken in conjunction with Algebra I. It is required for students scoring below the 20th percentile on the Math section of the High School Placement Test or who have gaps in their Math skills. It is designed to help fill in those gaps and boost Math confidence ensuring Math success in later courses.