p
Inquire
l
Apply
Visit
Give

Inquire

6 + 9 =

p

Inquire

l

Apply

Visit

Give

Location & Contact Details

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Address:

West Catholic High School
1801 Bristol Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Events Calendar

[add_eventon tiles=”yes” tile_count=”2″ tile_bg=”1″]

Mathematics

Program Goal: The study of mathematics provides a foundation of logic, reasoning and calculation skills and an experience in current technology that will enable students to succeed in their chosen careers, whether or not they work in a mathematical field. Challenges and methods of operating serve to increase problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking skills.

Note: Some classes require students to have access to a graphing calculator. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. All students must earn 4 credit hours in Mathematics prior to graduation.  

Pathways to Completing Graduation Requirements in Mathematics

(Exceptions to these will be dealt with on an individual basis)

9th-Grade

Pre-Algebra
or
Algebra I
or
Geometry

10th-Grade

Algebra I
or
Geometry
or
Algebra II/Trig

11th-Grade

Geometry
or
Algebra II/Trig
or
Pre-Calculus

12th-Grade

Algebra II/Trig
or
Pre-Calculus/Statistics
or
Calculus/Statistics

The West Catholic Mathematics Department continues to evaluate the curriculum offered to students. Upon careful consideration of added requirements and the diocesan curriculum, the following updates have been made:

    1. The 2023-2024 school year will be the last year in which the Analysis class will be offered. The course curriculum has been simplified to the required standards and it will be a one-semester course. Students enrolled in the first-semester Analysis class will take a personal finance course in the second semester. This option helps students meet the requirements for graduation.
    2. The Algebra II course, known as Algebra II/Trig, will teach all the required curriculum standards for Algebra II over the course of two semesters. All students will take the course because it is a requirement.

*Honors placement is based on previous teacher’s recommendation, grades and test scores. Staying in Honors requires maintaining an 85% average and teacher recommendation. Moving up to Honors requires a 93% or higher in regular and teacher recommendation.

**Students starting in Geometry/Honors Geometry must take Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calculus and either Calculus/AP Calculus or Statistics/AP Statistics.

Freshman Courses

Math placements are dependent on a number of factors. Prior course completion, past grades, standardized test scores, departmental recommendations and teacher recommendations are all considerations for placement. 

Pre-Algebra

Course Number:  M411
Open to grades: ​ 9
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Pre-Algebra, standardized test scores and teacher recommendations
Course Description:  This full-year course is designed for students who have completed a middle school mathematics sequence but are not yet Algebra ready.  This course reviews key algebra readiness skills from the middle grades and introduces basic Algebra I work with appropriate support.  Students revisit concepts in number and operations, expressions and equations, ratio and proportion, basic functions, geometry, and data.  By the end of the course, students are ready to begin high school Algebra I.   A scientific calculator is required, but a graphing calculator is recommended.

Algebra I

Course Number:  M412
Open to grades: ​ 9
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  (9th grade only) – Standardized Test Scores, Math Grades, Teacher Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will include the manipulation of variables, expressions and radicals. It will cover solving equations and inequalities, algebraically and graphically. In addition to these topics, an introduction to basic statistics and probability will be included. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is required.

Honors Algebra

Course Number:  M413
Open to grades: ​ 9
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra I and Department Recommendation or Standardized Test Scores and Teacher Recommendations
Course Description:  This class will cover all material of Algebra I, emphasizing advanced applications of solving equations and inequalities, graphing and the use of technology. Additionally, students will be introduced to the basic trigonometric functions, polynomial functions and absolute value functions. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

Geometry

Course Number:  M415
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Placement is based on Algebra I grades, Standardized Test Scores, High School Math Placement Test Score and Teacher Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will focus on topics of Euclidean Geometry through the use of vocabulary of two- and three-dimensional properties, logic, technology and activities to enhance life connections. Topics include proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, angles, polygons, circles, relationships between geometric figures, constructions, area, and volume. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is required.

Honors Geometry

Course Number:  M416
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Minimum of 93% in Algebra or minimum of 85% in Honors Algebra both semesters with teacher recommendation. Prerequisite for 10th grade: Honors Algebra I or Algebra I with Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will focus on topics of Euclidean Geometry through the use of vocabulary of two- and three-dimensional properties, logic, technology and activities to enhance life connections. Honors Geometry demands more in-depth understanding and extensive utilization by the students. They will be exposed to selected non-Euclidean topics where appropriate and as time allows. Topics include proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, angles, polygons, circles, relationships between geometric figures, constructions, area and volume. A TI-83 or any TI- 84 graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is required.

Sophomore Courses

Math placements are dependent on a number of factors. Prior course completion, past grades, standardized test scores, departmental recommendations and teacher recommendations are all considerations for placement.

Geometry

Course Number:  M415
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Placement is based on Algebra I grades, Standardized Test Scores, High School Math Placement Test Score and Teacher Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will focus on topics of Euclidean Geometry through the use of vocabulary of two- and three-dimensional properties, logic, technology and activities to enhance life connections. Topics include proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, angles, polygons, circles, relationships between geometric figures, constructions, area and volume. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is required.

Honors Geometry

Course Number:  M416
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Minimum of 93% in Algebra or minimum of 85% in Honors Algebra both semesters with teacher recommendation. Prerequisite for 10th grade: Honors Algebra I or Algebra I with Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will focus on topics of Euclidean Geometry through the use of vocabulary of two- and three-dimensional properties, logic, technology and activities to enhance life connections. Honors Geometry demands more in-depth understanding and extensive utilization by the students. They will be exposed to selected non-Euclidean topics where appropriate and as time allows. Topics include proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, angles, polygons, circles, relationships between geometric figures, constructions, area and volume. A TI-83 or any TI- 84 graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is required.

Algebra II / Trig

Course Number:  M418
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Prerequisite for 10th, 11th, & 12th Grades: Geometry or Honors Geometry and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will cover all the material of Algebra II. It will include graphing, modeling and applications of advanced functions. Conic sections and trigonometric topics will be covered. Skills learned will prepare a student for success in higher-level math courses. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.​

Honors Algebra II / Trig

Course Number:  M419
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Geometry or Department Recommendation
Course Description:  This course will focus on topics of Euclidean Geometry through the use of vocabulary of two- and three-dimensional properties, logic, technology and activities to enhance life connections. Topics include proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, angles, polygons, circles, relationships between geometric figures, constructions, area and volume. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is required.

Statistics

Course Number:  M333
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus, Calculus or AP Calculus and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course covers descriptive and inferential statistics which include techniques for collecting, analyzing and reporting conclusions and making inferences from the data. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required. This course will only be available with sufficient student registration.

Junior Courses

Math placements are dependent on a number of factors. Prior course completion, past grades, standardized test scores, departmental recommendations and teacher recommendations are all considerations for placement.

Algebra II / Trig

Course Number:  M418
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Prerequisite for 10th, 11th, & 12th Grades: Geometry or Honors Geometry and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will cover all the material of Algebra II. It will include graphing, modeling and applications of advanced functions. Conic sections and trigonometric topics will be covered. Skills learned will prepare a student for success in higher-level math courses. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.​

Honors Algebra II / Trig

Course Number:  M419
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Geometry or Department Recommendation
Course Description:  This course will focus on topics of Euclidean Geometry through the use of vocabulary of two- and three-dimensional properties, logic, technology and activities to enhance life connections. Topics include proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, angles, polygons, circles, relationships between geometric figures, constructions, area and volume. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator is required.

Pre-Calculus

Course Number:  M323
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trig or Honors Algebra II/Trig and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will reinforce topics of Algebra II/Trig while extending and enhancing them beyond their development in Algebra II/Trig. Limits, vectors and polar coordinates are also included. The skills learned will prepare students to be successful in Calculus. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.​

Honors Pre-Calculus

Course Number:  M421
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Algebra II/Trig or Department Recommendation
Course Description:  Designed for high-achieving students, this class is a more rigorous treatment of topics found in Honors Algebra II/Trig. Limits, polar coordinates and an introduction to derivatives and integrals will be included. The skills learned will prepare students for success in AP Calculus. A TI-83 or any TI84 graphing calculator is required.​

Statistics

Course Number:  M333
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus, Calculus or AP Calculus and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course covers descriptive and inferential statistics which include techniques for collecting, analyzing and reporting conclusions and making inferences from the data. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required. This course will only be available with sufficient student registration.

AP Statistics

Course Number:  M334
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Pre-Calculus, Calculus or AP Calculus with Department Recommendation
Course Description:  This course thoroughly covers descriptive and inferential statistics required for the AP exam, including techniques for collecting, analyzing and reporting conclusions and making inferences from the data. Access to computer software is necessary. Students are required to take the AP Statistics exam. A TI-83 or any TI-84 calculator is required. This course will only be available with sufficient student registration.​

Senior Courses

Math placements are dependent on a number of factors. Prior course completion, past grades, standardized test scores, departmental recommendations and teacher recommendations are all considerations for placement.

Analysis

Course Number:  M422
Open to grades: ​ 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (First Semester)
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trig and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course is a continuation of Algebra II. It will reinforce graphing, modeling and applications of advanced functions. Conic sections, trigonometric, polynomial and logarithmic functions will be introduced. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.​ (This class to be discontinued at the end of 2023-2024.)

Personal Finance

Course Number:  M420
Open to grades: ​ 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (Second Semester)
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  Personal finance will teach students to be decision-makers by knowing how to establish a budget, set and achieve financial goals, and understand different types of loans and investments. This class will include tithing as part of the budget process. Open to seniors in Analysis for 2023-2024.​

Pre-Calculus

Course Number:  M323
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trig or Honors Algebra II/Trig and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course will reinforce topics of Algebra II/Trig while extending and enhancing them beyond their development in Algebra II/Trig. Limits, vectors and polar coordinates are also included. The skills learned will prepare students to be successful in Calculus. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.​

Honors Pre-Calculus

Course Number:  M421
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Algebra II/Trig or Department Recommendation
Course Description:  Designed for high-achieving students, this class is a more rigorous treatment of topics found in Honors Algebra II/Trig. Limits, polar coordinates and an introduction to derivatives and integrals will be included. The skills learned will prepare students for success in AP Calculus. A TI-83 or any TI84 graphing calculator is required.​

Calculus

Course Number:  M423
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus with Teacher Recommendation
Course Description:  This course is a thorough study of the two branches of calculus: derivatives and integrals. AB exam of the AP Calculus test is optional. All topics of AP Calculus AB will be covered. Independent work will be needed to prepare for the added rigor of the exam. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.​

AP Calculus BC

Course Number:  M424
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Minimum 82% in Honors Pre-Calculus or a 93% in Pre-Calculus both semesters and Teacher Recommendation​
Course Description:  This course contains in-depth coverage of all topics required for the AP exam (Advanced Placement Calculus “BC” Exam). Fundamentals of calculus, including series, parametric and polar topics, are thoroughly covered through a geometrical, analytical and mathematical approach. Students are required to take the AP exam. A TI-83 or any TI-84 graphing calculator is required.​

Statistics

Course Number:  M333
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus, Calculus or AP Calculus and Department Recommendations
Course Description:  This course covers descriptive and inferential statistics which include techniques for collecting, analyzing and reporting conclusions and making inferences from the data. Any TI-84 graphing calculator is required. This course will only be available with sufficient student registration.

AP Statistics

Course Number:  M334
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Pre-Calculus, Calculus or AP Calculus with Department Recommendation
Course Description:  This course thoroughly covers descriptive and inferential statistics required for the AP exam, including techniques for collecting, analyzing and reporting conclusions and making inferences from the data. Access to computer software is necessary. Students are required to take the AP Statistics exam. A TI-83 or any TI-84 calculator is required. This course will only be available with sufficient student registration.​