Mathematics

Support programs are available for some courses. The pathways above illustrate recommended movement within a sequence of courses. Students interested in moving between levels should discuss the options with their counselor and teachers. To accommodate individual student needs, movement between levels can be made with department administrative approval.

Note: Students must pass Algebra 1 before continuing in any mathematics course sequence pathway or may continue with department administrative approval.

Calculators: While a graphing calculator is provided for classwork, students are encouraged to purchase a TI-84+ graphing calculator to be used in all mathematics courses at Waukegan High School and beyond.


Non-Categorical Algebra Foundations 
Open to: 9
Prerequisite: Diverse Learner with IEP recommendation
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit if recommended by the IEP team 
This class is intended to build on the structure of arithmetic and introduce students to the concepts needed to be successful in Algebra 1.


Algebra 1
Open to: 9
Prerequisite: Placement criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA
The goal of this college preparatory course is for students to understand the structure of algebra and apply the techniques of algebra to problem-solving. Units of study include solving equations; two-variable trend analysis; systems of linear equations; exponential functions; quadratic functions and operations with polynomials. This course may not be taken concurrently with any other math course. 


Algebra 1 Honors
Open to: 9
Prerequisite: Placement criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA
The goal of this college preparatory course is for students to understand the structure of algebra and apply the techniques of algebra to problem-solving. Units of study include solving equations; two-variable trend analysis; systems of linear equations; exponential functions; quadratic functions and operations with polynomials. Strong emphasis is on recognizing mathematical structures, analyzing data, interpreting data, modeling mathematically, and communicating effectively. This course may not be taken concurrently with any other math course.


Geometry
Open to: 10
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA 
The goal of this college preparatory course is to equip students with reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as understand their roles in mathematics. Units of study include definitions, postulates, and theorems; compass and straightedge constructions; similarity and congruence; coordinate transformations; logic and proof; parallel lines, transversals, and angle properties; triangle similarity and congruence; right triangle trigonometry; circles. 


Geometry Honors
Open to: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Placement criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA
This college preparatory honors course includes the base curriculum of Geometry. In addition, students are exposed to deeper levels of problem solving and application.


Algebra 2
Open to: 10, 11, 12 
Prerequisite: Placement criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA
This college preparatory course expands upon coursework in Algebra 1 by blending the theory and skills of advanced algebra. Units of study include polynomial functions; exponential and logarithmic functions, advanced two-variable statistics and probability; radical and rational functions; trigonometric functions.


Algebra 2 Honors
Open to: 10, 11
Prerequisite: Placement criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA
This college preparatory honors course encompasses the entire Algebra 2 curriculum, as well as extra attention to trigonometry, sequences, and series. 


Precalculus
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Placement criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA
This college preparatory course is designed for students desiring preparation for the study of advanced mathematics courses, including calculus. The class explores analysis concepts, methods, and techniques for understanding functions and their graphs. The class also covers trigonometry and the concepts and skills necessary to advance in higher mathematics.


Advanced Trigonometry with Calculus 
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Placement criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Core Credit *NCAA
This course is designed for preparation for the study of advanced mathematics courses. The class covers the Precalculus curriculum, as well as introductory calculus topics. Students successfully completing this course are prepared to enroll in Advanced Placement Calculus the following year.


Pathway to Quantitative Literacy and Statistics
Open to: 12
Prerequisite: Placement Criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Elective Credit, College of Lake County MTH 105 Credit (C or better).
This course focuses on problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis, and the writing and communication of mathematics. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. Instruction will emphasize the connections between verbal, numerical, symbolic, and graphical representations of the concepts being taught. Emphasis will be placed on modeling and problem solving, with techniques and manipulations covered in context. The three strands of the course are Algebra, functions, and modeling as they apply to linear, polynomial, rational, and exponential expressions, equations, and functions.


Introduction to Calculus (Semester 1 only)
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Credit: 0.5 Mathematics Elective Credit *NCAA
This college preparatory course introduces students to the first few topics of calculus, including limits, basic differentiation, applications of derivatives, and integrals.


Introduction to Statistics (Semester 2 only)
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Credit: 0.5 Mathematics Elective Credit *NCAA
This college preparatory course introduces students to the first few topics of college-level statistics, including how to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret numerical information from data.


Applied Mathematics
Open to: 12
Prerequisite: Placement Criteria 
Credit 1.0 Mathematics Elective Credit
This course introduces the basic math, algebra, and geometry needed in career programs, including fields such as personal finance, healthcare, construction, and industrial trades. Students will explore the mathematical topics within the context of trade applications to connect the concepts to careers, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving.


Advanced Placement Calculus A/B
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Placement Criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Elective Credit *NCAA
AP Calculus A/B introduces students to the first few topics of college-level calculus, including independent limits, continuity, parametric equations, differential, and integral calculus. Students that successfully complete this class are expected to take the advanced placement test and can possibly earn college credit. Students enrolled in this course will be prepared to take the Calculus A/B exam in May.


Advanced Placement Calculus B/C
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Placement Criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Elective Credit *NCAA
This Advanced Placement course in differential and integral calculus with a faster pace than Calculus A/B. Students that successfully complete this class are expected to take the advanced placement test and can possibly earn college credit. Students enrolled in this course will be prepared to take the Calculus B/C exam in May.


Advanced Placement Statistics
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Placement Criteria
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics Elective Credit *NCAA
Advanced Placement Statistics is the study of how to collect, organize, analyze and interpret numerical information from data. This course will teach students how to make decisions while using statistical techniques. Students enrolled in this course will be prepared to take the Statistics exam in May.