MATHEMATICS We strive to lead students in their development of a solid foundation in the mathematical concepts and critical thinking skills that will make them 21st century problem-solvers and innovators. Our students are not only building the foundation related to content but they are also building the skills needed for students to be successful independent learners of math. Teachers of all grade levels strive to put students in situations where they have the opportunity to hone their problem solving and critical thinking skills. These opportunities are scaffolded by grade level and course. The guiding principles of every lesson are driven by the mission of the school and vision of the Porter-Gaud graduate. Course Offerings: Algebra I Geometry / Honors Algebra II Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry Functions, Stats, and Trigonometry
Honors Precalculus AB Honors Precalculus BC College Algebra / Prob & Stats Advanced Algebra w Financial Apps AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC Multivariable Calc /Linear Algebra
Math Department Honors/AP Admissions Criteria It is the goal of the Porter Gaud mathematics department to provide every Porter Gaud student with an opportunity to be successful in their study of mathematics while simultaneously being challenged to reach the highest level of expertise possible. A student's placement in the correct course is extremely important. Honors and AP Mathematics students are self-motivated, critical thinkers who enjoy exploration, problem solving, and learning mathematics. Invitation for enrollment in Honors and AP math courses are made by the math department as a whole, and are based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: +Overall grade in all prior math courses +Honors Geometry – 90 or better in Honors Algebra I; 96 or better in Algebra 1 +Honors Algebra II – 90 or better in Honors Geometry; 96 or better in Geometry +Honors Precalculus AB – 80 or better in Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry; 85 or better in Algebra II +Honors Precalculus BC– 90 or better in Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry +AP Calculus AB – 80 or better in Honors Precalculus BC; 85 or better in Honors Precalculus AB +AP Calculus BC – 90 or better in Honors Precalculus BC +AP Statistics – 85 or better in Honors Algebra II, Honors Precalculus AB or BC; 93 or better in FST or Algebra II +Recommendations of current and previous math teachers +Midterm and Final exam grades in prior math courses +Strong work ethic +Standardized test scores (ERB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT) **Some placements may require additional preparation/summer work by students to ensure that they are prepared to succeed in the course they seek to take. **Should a student’s performance in his/her current math course change significantly in the second semester, the math department reserves the right to amend their initial recommendation in order to best serve the students of Porter Gaud.
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