Math Department

Scholars raising hands

Mathematics is at the heart of CCSMS. Our instructional strategies focus on building scholars’ skills and helping them advance their understanding of concepts and applications in math.

Algebra I through Algebra II typically taken grades 7-10, Pre-Cal and beyond dual credit

Course	Course Description
Foundations in Algebra	This course is designed for those scholars who enter high school needing additional support prior to taking Algebra I. Scholars will explore and apply concepts, processes, and skills that are essential to successfully completing the high school graduation requirements in mathematics.
Intermediate Algebra Prerequisite: Foundations in Algebra	Scholars who successfully complete Foundations in Algebra with will continue their work through Intermediate Algebra. Topics will include multiplication and factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations, solving systems of equations, and working with exponents. Scholars will be required to take the South Carolina End of Course examination at the end of the course.
Algebra 1	Algebra 1 content involves understanding, writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations—including systems of two linear equations and inequalities with two unknowns. Quadratic equations are solved by factoring, by completing the square, by using graphs, or by applying the quadratic formula. Scholars will become proficient with operations on monomial and polynomial expressions. Scholars are introduced to rational expressions and use their factoring skills to simplify and compute expression. Scholars will be required to take the South Carolina End of Course examination at the end of the course.
Geometry Honors College Prep Prerequisite: Algebra I	This course includes an in-depth analysis of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry as they relate to both abstract mathematical concepts and real-world problem situations. Topics include logic and proof, parallel lines and polygons, perimeter and area analysis, volume and surface area analysis, similarity and congruence, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills as they relate to logical reasoning and argument. Scholars will be required to use different technological tools and manipulatives to discover and explain much of the course content.
Algebra 2 Honors College Prep Prerequisite: Algebra I	This course contains an in-depth study of functions, patterns, relations, and concepts of number systems. This includes linear, quadratic, exponential, absolute value, radical, and rational functions. Conic sections are also addressed. Scholars will use technology and models to investigate and explore mathematical ideas and relationships and develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations. Scholars will analyze situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Scholars will apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.
Probability and Statistics Prerequisite: Algebra II	This course includes the following topics: introductory probability, counting techniques, and probability distributions. Statistic topics include data organization, distributions, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. GeoGebra and Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets are used throughout this course for graphing, analyzing data, and finding statistics. GeoGebra is a free app and can be downloaded on computers, tablets, and some phones.
Precalculus Honors College Prep Prerequisite: Algebra II	Precalculus is a program of mathematical studies focusing on the development of the scholar’s ability to understand and apply the study of functions. Topics will include polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and conic sections. Honors scholars will also study trigonometric identities and equations, matrices, vectors, and limits. Emphasis is placed on active participation through modeling, technology lab activities, and communication in mathematics. With concentrated effort by the scholar, this course will provide a firm foundation for a subsequent study of calculus or Probability and Statistics.
Discrete Math Prerequisite: Algebra I	This course treats fundamental mathematical concepts in discrete structures useful for computer science. Topics include logic, sets, equivalence relations and partitions, functions, elementary number theory, cardinality, basic combinatorial methods, and trees and graphs
AP Calculus Lab Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus	This course is designed to introduce the topics of differential calculus. Emphasis is placed on limits, continuity, derivatives and the applications of differentiation. It is designed to cover approximately 40% of the AP Calculus topics, with continuation in the subsequent course, AP Calculus. Scholars not enrolling in the AP Calculus AB course as their next Mathematics course will receive an elective credit for this course.
AP Calculus AB Co-requisite: AP Calculus Lab	AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches scholars to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections among these representations. Scholars learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.
AP Statistics Prerequisite: Precalculus:	The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The course introduces scholars to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Scholars use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.