Algebra 1 (required)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth Grade
2 Semesters

This course is an algebra course with an emphasis on factoring, graphing, and solving equations.

Prerequisite: An incoming eighth grader may test out of Algebra 1 based on the Placement Exam.

Honors Algebra 1 (fulfills requirement)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth Grade
2 Semesters

This is an accelerated algebra course for students who have displayed high academic potential in mathematics. This course has an emphasis on factoring, graphing, and solving problems.

Prerequisite: Top 15% of the Entrance Exam or a sufficient score on the Placement Exam.

Geometry (required)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth or Tenth Grade
2 Semesters

This course is designed to allow students to investigate the concepts of deductive and inductive logic and the analytical process of problem solving through group work, computer activity, and class projects. Students are taught to develop clear, logical methods of thinking and proofs. Some of the key topics covered are: triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and deductive proofs. 

Honors Geometry (fulfills requirements)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth or Tenth Grade
2 Semesters

This course is designed to allow students to investigate the concepts of deductive and inductive logic and the analytical process of problem-solving through group work, computer activity, and class projects with higher expectations of proficiency. Honors Geometry students should be highly motivated and self-driven. Some of the key topics covered are: triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and deductive proofs. Students are taught to develop clear, logical methods of thinking and proofs.

Prerequisite: A in Algebra 1; B or better in Honors Algebra 1; or through Placement Exam

Algebra 2 (required)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Tenth or Eleventh Grade
2 Semesters

This course is an advanced algebra course covering quadratic, polynomial, and other special functions as tools for modeling real-world situations.

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra 1

Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry (fulfills requirement)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Tenth or Eleventh Grade
2 Semesters

This course is an accelerated Algebra 2 course, covering advanced topics of algebra and a full course in functional trigonometry. The use of technology in problem-solving and applications is strongly emphasized.

Prerequisite: A or B in Honors Geometry or an A in Geometry and Department Recommendation based on Placement Exam.

Calculus (elective)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This course delves into limits as they connect to the differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, the concept of derivatives, and their connection to rates of change. It also covers differentiation to solve related rate and optimization problems and computing definite and indefinite integrals. This course will focus on real-world applications of calculus across the curriculum from STEM to Business and Economics.

Prerequisite: A in Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry; C or better in Honors Precalculus; and Department Recommendation.

PreCalculus (elective)

Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

The first semester of this course will explore analytical trigonometric topics. The second semester will include the study of advanced algebra topics such as: functional and graphical analysis, vector analysis, matrices, sequences, and conics Sections. This is the non-honors equivalent of Honors Precalculus and will not provide entrance into AP Calculus AB.

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry

Problem Solving Strategies (elective)

Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

Business Accounting and Personal Finance (elective)

The Business Accounting and Personal Finance curriculum focuses on the individual student and the ways they use math in their daily lives. This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra 2 and want to continue their study of mathematics in a class that is challenging and applicable to their everyday lives. The course will cover the stock market, business management, banking, credit, automobile ownership, employment, taxes, independent living, retirement and budgeting. Students will apply mathematics concepts that span from algebra, geometry and statistics. This course will encourage students to establish career goals that will provide adequate income and personal fulfillment, give them the skills they need to understand personal financial planning and money management skills and understand the personal and societal consequences of financial decisions.

Honors PreCalculus (elective)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

A challenging course of advanced topics: the study of advanced algebra, analytic trigonometry, conic sections, sequences and Series, and limits are covered in depth. The use of technology in problem-solving and applications is strongly emphasized. This course provides entry to AP Calculus AB.

Prerequisite: B or higher in Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry; or a mark of A in Algebra 2; and Department Recommendation.

AP Calculus AB (Elective)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This course is a college-level course only offered to our most proficient students who have demonstrated a higher level of proficiencies in mathematics. The course material is challenging, covering differential and integral calculus including inverse functions, slope fields, Solids of revolution, differential equations, and applications of derivatives and integrals. Taking the Advanced Placement exam is optional.

Prerequisite: B or higher in Honors Precalculus and Department Recommendation.

AP Calculus BC (elective)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Eleventh/Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This course is a very challenging course only offered to those students who have successfully completed the AP Calculus AB Course. In addition to AP Calculus AB topics, this course Includes more advanced topics such as polar coordinates, differential equations, vectors, and sequences and Series. Taking the Advanced Placement exam is optional. A score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus AB exam is recommended.

Prerequisite: A mark of C or better in AP Calculus AB and Department Recommendation.

Statistics (fulfils requirement)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This course in statistics is the science of conducting studies to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data. We will study the theory behind the following: measures of center and variation; confidence intervals; regression and correlation; and hypothesis testing with z-scores. We will also study combinatorics and its relationship with probability. These topics will be applied to real-world data and situations. Due to the nature of the course, the student must be willing to put in extended amounts of time into the work because we will be dealing with large amounts of data. They must also have Microsoft Excel or Numbers for Apple operating systems. The course requires a high level of study skills and perseverance to understand the concepts covered.

Prerequisite: Mark of B or higher in Algebra 2.

AP Statistics (fulfills requirement)

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem-solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions. 

Mathematics Faculty

Dr. Sherry Brahim
Dr. Sherry BrahimSTEM Department Chair
Rodney Olson
Rodney Olsen STEM: Math Lead Teacher
Nicholas DeLeo
Nicholas DeLeo Math Teacher
Head Golf Coach
Jose Diaz
Jose Diaz Math Teaher
Jeff Kearin
Jeff Kearin, J.D.Math Teacher
Sahiv Lopez
Sahiv Lopez Math Teacher
Head Cross Country Coach
Tim Selby
Tim Selby Dean of Students
Math Teacher
(818) 654-1335
Gabriel Valencia
Gabriel Valencia Math Teacher