Math

Do you dream in numbers? Do you see mathematical problems as a challenge to take head on? Is the idea of taking Advanced Placement Calculus in high school with some of the smartest classmates you can imagine something you look forward to? If you find yourself saying “yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. In fact, you’re probably much like the kids here at Stevenson who share your passion for math.

At Stevenson math is not just another subject, its a common bond among students who love math as much as you do.  We will find the right level for you in the classroom. If you’re really strong, we’ll place you in the Honors track and encourage you to study BC Calculus during your junior or senior year. If you can handle that, we might even push you farther. In fact, 99% of our students who have taken the AP exam over the last 5 years have earned a passing grade, which makes them eligible to earn college credit. Now that’s a pretty good track record.

Our classes, however, are only the beginning of your math experience at Stevenson. When we’re done studying we like to show off all that we’ve learned. That’s why we participate in the Monterey County Mathletics Competition against all of the other local high schools.  How do we do? Well, let’s just say we won an average of three of the six possible levels each of the past three years. Just in case this isn’t enough for you,  you can also enter the American Mathematics Competition, a national math contest in which you compete against the strongest math students in the country.

Course Offerings

Algebra I

This is the traditional first-year course in transformational algebra. Students learn to solve fractional and quadratic equations as well as many types of word problems.

Algebra / Geometry (honors)

This honors course is the first half of a two-year sequence for able and ambitious students who wish to complete a typical three-year math curriculum in two years. The course includes a review of algebra and the completion of geometry. Students completing this course would proceed to Geometry/Algebra II (honors).

Geometry A

This course enables students to strengthen their understanding of the fundamentals of elementary algebra and introduces them to selected topics in geometry.

Geometry

A complete geometry course, this class differs from a traditional geometry course by providing more emphasis on unifying algebra with geometry and less emphasis on formal proof.

Geometry / Algebra II (honors)

Exceptional students who have completed Algebra/Geometry (honors) conduct a review of geometry and complete the advanced algebra and trigonometry curriculum, thus allowing them to complete three years of math in two years.

Intermediate Algebra

Students review topics covered in Algebra I and Geometry, then further explore topics needed for future study in mathematics. Basic material for the course includes exponents, radicals, and linear and quadratic graphing.

College Algebra and Trigonometry

All techniques, methods, and concepts usually covered in a university-level algebra and trigonometry course receive thorough attention in this course. Juniors who do distinguished work in the class may take the Advanced Placement Program as seniors.

Statistics

This full-year course covers topics in both descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to organize, present, and analyze data. A brief study of probability and counting techniques precedes inferential statistics. Students study the normal distribution, techniques in determining confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression. Students work extensively with a TI-83 calculator, Excel, and First Class Email.

Calculus

Calculus prepares the student for college-level math courses. The class emphasizes advanced algebra skills, and is an introduction to differential and integral calculus.

Calculus (honors)

This course is appropriate for students planning to take Advanced Placement Calculus. Topics include exponential, logarithmic, circular, and trigonometric functions, as well as analytic geometry and selected topics in calculus.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB

AB: This course prepares students to earn two quarters of university credit in calculus, based on results of the Advanced Placement Examination. Prerequisites are a strong command of second-year algebra and trigonometry as well as a teacher’s recommendation.

Advanced Placement Calculus BC

BC: This level prepares students to earn three quarters of university credit in calculus, based on results of the Advanced Placement Examination. It is recommended for students who plan to major in mathematics or a physical science at a competitive university.

Multivariable Calculus

This course will study integral and differential calculus of multiple variables. Students will work with a wide range of topics normally covered in a full year of university-level instruction. Prerequisites are a strong passion for math and a successful completion of Advanced Placement Calculus BC.

Advanced Placement Computer Science

This class is the equivalent to the beginning course for computer science majors in the freshman year at most colleges. Advanced algorithms and complex data structures are used in the JAVA language through regular programming assignments and individual projects.