Curriculum Detail

Browse La Salle Academy's Curriculum

Mathematics

A TI-Nspire graphing calculator is required for all mathematics courses except Advanced Place-ment Computer Science.  The recommended calculator model is the TI-Nspire CX.

  • Advanced Placement Calculus AB

    This course follows the AB Calculus syllabus of the Advanced Placement program. The course includes limits, derivatives, integrals, applications, and special techniques. If time permits, series and elementary differential equations will be studied. The AP exam is recommended but not required. There is summer work required for this course. Prerequisite: An 87% or higher in Precalculus .1; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Advanced Placement Calculus BC

    This course follows the BC Calculus syllabus of the Advanced Placement program. It covers essentially three semesters of traditional calculus. The pace is rapid and the material is challenging. Students must be highly motivated, well prepared, and highly recommended. Topics considered include all topics from the AP Calculus AB course, as well as units on parametric, polar, and vector representations, sequences and series and differential equations. The AP exam is recommended but not required. There is summer work required for this course. Prerequisite: Precalculus BC or a 95% or higher in Precalculus .1 with completion of assigned sum- mer work; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Advanced Placement Computer Science A

    This is a rigorous introductory computer science course that emphasizes object-oriented programming, methodology, algorithms, and data structures. Students learn the fundamentals of the Java programming language to design and write programming solutions in several application areas. More advanced topics such as recursive functions, graphics, and file manipulations will be covered, as time permits. No prior computer science experience is necessary, but a strong work ethic is essential for success. This course may not be recognized by all colleges and universities as a mathematics course. Note:This course may not be recognized by all colleges and universities as a mathematics course. The AP exam is recommended but not required. There is no summer work required for this course. Prerequisite: An 85% or higher in .1 Algebra II or Precalculus; recommendation of current math teacher or recommendation of computer science teacher.

  • Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles

    This course introduces students to the central ideas of computer science. Designed to be consistent with a college level introductory computer science course, AP Computer Science Principles exposes students to topics such as the internet, algorithms, cybersecurity, data mining, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data, and programming. Students will also examine the ethical implications of new computing technologies on society. Students will develop creative processes and computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines. Note: This course may not be recognized by all colleges and universities as a mathematics course. The AP exam is recommended but not required. There is no summer work required for this course. Prerequisite: An 85% or higher in .2A Algebra II or Precalculus or an 80% or higher in .1 Algebra II or Precalculus; recommendation of current math teacher. 

  • Advanced Placement Statistics

    This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are ex- posed to four broad conceptual themes: 1.) Explaining Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns. 2.) Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study. 3.) Anticipating patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation. 4.) Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses. Upon successful completion of this course students should possess the necessary skills to take the AP test. Note: The AP exam is recommended but not required. There is no summer work required for this course. Prerequisite: An 85% or higher in Precalculus .1; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Algebra I (.1)

    This is an enriched and thorough introduction to algebra. Topics include manipulation of algebraic expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, graphing lines and linear inequalities, exponential properties, and functions. The course emphasizes process, meaning and problem-solving.

  • Algebra I (.2A)

    This course is a thorough introduction to the language and techniques of Algebra. It serves as a bridge between arithmetic and higher levels of mathematics. Real-life situations will be interspersed throughout the course to enhance interest and relevance. The course emphasizes process and application.

  • Algebra I (.2B)

    This course covers all introductory algebra topics, with a primary focus on linear equations in one and two variables. Rational expressions, quadratic equations and inequalities are also introduced. Emphasis is on the development of skills and applications of the basic algebraic properties

  • Algebra I (.3)

    This course covers all introductory algebra topics, with a primary focus on linear equations in one and two variables. Rational expressions, quadratic equations and inequalities are also introduced. Emphasis is on the development of skills and applications of the basic algebraic properties

  • Algebra II (.2A)

    Algebra 2.2A is a course which extends the knowledge gained in Algebra l.2A after a strong review of Algebra I concepts. Topics include quadratics, polynomials, complex numbers, rational exponents and radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. 
    Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Algebra II (.2B)

    This is a medium-paced course that starts with a thorough review of the concepts learned in Algebra I. Using the fundamental concepts of the first-year algebra course emphasizes a more in-depth look into the study of quadratics, linear equations and inequalities. The course also provides a general understanding into the framework about the system of equations, polynomials, complex numbers, logarithms, and functions. Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Algebra II (.3)

    This course emphasizes algebraic techniques. It begins with a thorough review of Algebra I: simplifying expressions, solving linear equations, and linear equations in two variables. Other topics considered are quadratic equations in general, and other equations of lower degree polynomials, linear systems, exponents, and coordinate geometry. Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Algebra II/Trigonometry (.1)

    This is a rigorous second-year algebra course that includes a study of the trigonometric functions and some of their applications. Topics include quadratics, polynomials, rational exponents and radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and rational functions.  Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Algebra III with Trigonometry

    This course is intended to be an extension of Algebra 2.2B for those students who wish to further their high school mathematics education. The first semester provides a strong introduction to circular and right triangle trigonometry. The second semester extends on topics from Algebra 2.2B by introducing new kinds of functions and their properties. Concepts included are: symmetry, end behavior, and transformations. Successful completion of this class will provide a foundation for an introductory college math class. Prerequisite: A 77% or higher in Algebra II.2B; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Calculus

    This course will provide students with a clear understanding of the ideas of Calculus as a solid foundation for subsequent mathematics courses and other disciplines. The course includes limits, derivatives, integrals, applications, and special techniques. Calculus .1 at La Salle Academy is essentially the equivalent of two semesters of college Calculus and will provide a strong background for college. Prerequisite: A 75% or higher in .1 Precalculus or a 90% or higher in .2A Precalculus; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Computer Science Principles (.2A)

    This course introduces students to the central ideas of computer science. The course is designed to be hands-on and interactive and will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and discuss relevant solutions. Computer Science Principles exposes students to topics such as the internet, algorithms, cybersecurity, data mining, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data, and programming. Students will also examine the ethical implications of new computing technologies on society. Students will develop creative processes and computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines. No prior computer science experience is necessary, but a strong work ethic is essential for success. Note:This course may not be recognized by all colleges and universities as a mathematics course. Prerequisite: A 75% or higher in .2A Math or an 85% or higher in .2B Math; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Contemporary Topics In Mathematics

    This course is to prepare students for college level mathematics by providing them with a broad scope of the subject and the interesting concepts that are used in our contemporary world. Comprehensive topics from Algebra and Geometry are related to applications and concepts that correlate with numerical construction behind government, industry, finance, business, accounting and other current real world institutions. Topics include Algebra, Geometry, logic, voting theory and apportionment, graph theory, consumer mathematics and financial management, probability and statistics, and measurement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II.2B or a 75% or higher in Algebra II.3; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Geometry (.1)

    This course is designed as a rigorous in-depth study of geometry. The major topics include non-figures and fundamentals, properties and applications of polygons, circles, similarity, congruence, area, volume, and right triangle trigonometry. Throughout the course, formal proofs are emphasized. Once the major topics are completed, students will end the year with a unit introducing them to some fundamental statistics topics. Prerequisite: An 80% or higher in Algebra 1.1; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Geometry (.2A)

    This course is designed as an in-depth study of geometry. The major topics include non-figures and fundamentals, properties and applications of polygons, circles, similarity, congruence, area, volume, and right triangle trigonometry. Deductive reasoning and proofs are emphasized throughout. Once the major topics are completed, students will end the year with a unit introducing them to some fundamental statistics topics. 
    Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Geometry (.2B)

    This course is designed as a study of geometry. The major topics include non-figures and fundamentals, properties and applications of polygons, circles, similarity, congruence, area, volume, and right triangle trigonometry. Deductive reasoning and logical thinking are emphasized throughout. Once the major topics are completed, students will end the year with a unit introducing them to some fundamental statistics topics. Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Geometry (.3)

    This course is designed as a study of geometry. The major topics include non-figures and fundamentals, properties and applications of polygons, circles, similarity, congruence, area, volume, and right triangle trigonometry. Deductive reasoning and logical thinking are emphasized throughout. Once the major topics are completed, students will end the year with a unit introducing them to some fundamental statistics topics. Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Introduction To Analysis

    This course is intended to be an extension of Algebra 2.2B for those students who wish to further their high school mathematics education. The first semester reviews the key topics from Algebra 2.2B and extends them by introducing new kinds of functions and their properties. Included in these new concepts are symmetry, end behavior, and transformations. The second semester provides a strong introduction to circular and right triangle trigonometry. Successful completion of this class will provide a foundation for an introductory college math class. Prerequisite: A 77% or higher in Algebra II.2B; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Introduction to Computer Science

    This course introduces computer programming in an engaging, fun and creative way through simulation and web programming. It also provides the computational thinking skills of programming, algorithm development, and data analysis that can be utilized in other courses. Note: This class will be open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors opposite Physical Education periods.

  • Introduction to Computer Science

    This course introduces computer programming in an engaging, fun and creative way through simulation and web programming. It also provides the computational thinking skills of programming, algorithm development, and data analysis that can be utilized in other courses. Note: This class will be open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors opposite Physical Education periods.

  • Precalculus (.1)

    This is a rigorous, college-level course which includes major units on the elementary functions, trigonometry, analytical geometry, vectors, and parametric equations. Other units will be chosen from polar coordinates, systems of equalities and inequalities. The successful student will be prepared for a strong college-level calculus course. Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Precalculus (.2A)

    The first semester of this course is both a review and an extension of topics learned in Algebra 2.2A, in particular, topics which are needed in math courses beyond this one. The study of functions, particularly polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic, is an important theme in this class. Students learn trigonometry in the second semester, cover- ing the topics of triangle trigonometry, circular trigonometric functions, graphing trigonometric functions, and solving trigonometric equations. High achievement in this class serves as a solid foundation for calculus. Prerequisite: A 75% or higher in Algebra II.2A or a 92% or higher in Algebra II.2B; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Precalculus For BC

    This course is intended for those students who have excelled in all previous mathematics courses. Students entering this course should be very comfortable with polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions, as well as basic trigonometry. The course covers all “precalculus” topics (see course #435) as well as polar coordinates, limits, sequences and series, and mathematical induction. If time allows, other units will be chosen from systems of equations with matrices and partial fractions. The successful student will be prepared for the BC Calculus course. Prerequisite: Recommendation of current math teacher and a 95% or higher in Algebra II .1.

  • Quantitative Applications (.2A)

    This course will focus on a variety of mathematical topics in both theoretical and applied situations. The topics will include statistics, probability, finance mathematics, an introduction to calculus, graph theory, and voting theory.  The course will give students a wide view of mathematics beyond the traditional high school curriculum. It will help students strengthen problem-solving skills by allowing students to build various models for real world situations.
    Prerequisite: This course is open to seniors only who have completed Precalculus or Algebra 3/Trigonometry. A 75% or higher in .2A Precalculus or an 85% or higher in .2B Algebra 3/Trigonometry is required; recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Quantitative Applications (.2B)

    This course will focus on a variety of mathematical topics in both theoretical and applied situations. The topics will include statistics, probability, finance mathematics, graph theory, and voting theory.  The course will give students a wide view of mathematics beyond the traditional high school curriculum. It will help students strengthen problem-solving skills by allowing students to build various models for real world situations.
    Prerequisite: This course is open to seniors only.  Recommendation of current math teacher.

  • Statistics

    This course introduces the student to descriptive statistics, data analysis, the presentation of data, and inference from data. Students will be ex- posed to topics including, but not limited to, the normal model, linear regression, sampling, experimentation, simulations, probability, and inference. This course will give students a solid foundation for future college mathematics courses requiring statistics. Prerequisite: A 75% or higher in .1 Precalculus, a 90% or higher in .2A Precalculus, or a 90% or higher in .1 Algebra II if taken concurrently with Precalculus .1; recommendation of current math teacher.

Faculty

612 Academy Avenue, Providence, RI 02908  Phone: 401-351-7750
La Salle Academy is a high school rich in history and grounded in the person and teachings of Jesus and the Catholic faith, which are core to the school's life and culture. The De La Salle Middle School provides a strong holistic foundation for students to transition into high school. The high school and middle school provide students of diverse ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds, a community to foster growth in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s ideals of faith, service, and community.