Mathematics
2026-2027
The Cary Academy Upper School Mathematics program strives to provide all students with a greater appreciation for mathematics as a discipline and as an integral part of the world in which we live. Students will be asked to actively participate in their work to develop a deeper understanding of the mathematics.
Throughout the curriculum there will be an emphasis on logical reasoning and deductive skills. In addition, students must recognize that attending to detail is an essential component of producing thoughtful, quality work.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Sort Order | Course Name | Grade levels | Course Description | Prereqs/Coreqs | Term | # of Days/week | Credits | ADV Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 1 | Algebra of Non-linear Functions | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | This course enhances the foundation laid in the Algebra of linear functions by further cultivating algebraic proficiency, specifically geared towards the exploration of non-linear functions. It delves into quadratic and exponential functions, equipping students with essential skills like factoring and operations involving polynomials, radicals, and exponents. The regular use of technological tools such as Desmos and graphing calculators will be integrated into the learning process, facilitating a hands-on approach to applying and understanding these concepts. | None | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 2 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 2 | Geometry | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | This is a Euclidean geometry course about points, lines, planes, segments, polygons, circles, area, and volume of various figures. There is an emphasis on deductive reasoning, logic, analysis, and proofs. Students will complete performance tasks using Desmos, digital tools, rulers, protractors, and compasses to construct and model a variety of geometric postulates, theorems, and properties. They will also complete projects where they can demonstrate knowledge and apply it to real world scenarios. | Prerequisite: Algebra of Non-linear Functions | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 3 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 3 | Honors Geometry | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | This honors course will allow students to explore Euclidean geometry with an emphasis on deductive reasoning, sequential analysis, and proof. Logic plays a critical role in the development of properties for planar and spatial figures. Students also perform basic constructions and represent geometric figures in the Cartesian plane. Algebra is reinforced throughout the course. Students also learn to apply geometry to real-world problems. | Prerequisites: An assessment average of 95% or higher in Algebra of Non-linear Functions and a teacher's recommendation. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 4 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 4 | Algebra II | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | Students will develop proficiency with algebraic expressions and equations to further develop the skills necessary to be successful in future math courses. Students will explore in detail the linear, absolute value, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and piece-wise functions along with their applications. Additional topics may include systems of equations, matrices, and statistics. | Prerequisite: Geometry or Honors Geometry. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 5 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 5 | Honors Algebra II | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | Students will develop proficiency with a wide range of functions including linear, absolute value, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and piece-wise. Applications of each of these functions will be explored and connections to Calculus concepts will be made. Additional topics may include conic sections, statistics, systems of equations, and matrices. | Prerequisites: An assessment average of 85% or higher in Honors Geometry guarantees admission. An assessment average below 85% in Honors Geometry or an assessment average of 95% or higher in Geometry requires a teacher's recommendation. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 6 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 6 | Functions and Modeling | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | Functions and Modeling exposes students to the concepts and skills that they will encounter in a college math course including function analysis, trigonometry, and statistics. Through collaborative activities students will work to enhance their algebraic understanding of essential concepts necessary for success in college. They will complete projects that are relevant to their interests and illustrate the applications of mathematics in the real world. | Prerequisite: Algebra II. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 7 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 7 | Precalculus | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | Students will expand their understanding of functions that they encountered in Algebra 2 and learn additional functions including trigonometric, polar, and parametric. Additional topics covered include sequences and series, vectors, the binomial expansion, and probability & statistics. Calculus concepts are encountered throughout the year to establish a foundation of skills necessary to be successful in that course. | Prerequisite: An assessment average of 85% or higher in Algebra II or completion of Honors Algebra II guarantees admission. An assessment average below 85% in Algebra II requires permission of the department chair. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 8 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 8 | Honors Precalculus | 9,10, Flex, 11,12 | Students will expand their understanding of functions that they encountered in Algebra 2 and learn additional functions including trigonometric, polar, and parametric. Additional topics covered include sequences and series, vectors, the binomial expansion, and probability & statistics. Calculus concepts are encountered throughout the year to establish a foundation of skills necessary to be successful in that course. Students will be challenged routinely to think abstractly about the concepts and leverage their algebra skills to solve interesting and challenging problems. Fluency with algebraic manipulations and a thorough understanding of function behavior are required for success in this course. | Prerequisites: An assessment average of 85% or higher in Honors Algebra II guarantees admission. An assessment average below 85% in Honors Algebra II or an assessment average of 95% or higher in Algebra II requires a teacher's recommendation. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | N/A |
| 9 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 9 | Calculus I | 9, 10, Flex, 11, 12 | This course emphasizes an integrated approach to learning Calculus. Students utilize skills developed earlier in their mathematical courses to address conceptual and applied topics related to Calculus including limits, derivatives, and integrals, as well as some of their applications.This course is offered both with and without the ADV designation. The ADV designation can be added if a student receives a teacher's recommendation from their Precalculus teacher or during the first 6 weeks of the course after successful completion of ADV coursework. | Prerequisites: Completion of Precalculus with an 85% assessment average and a teacher recommendation, or completion of Honors Precalculus and a teacher recommendation, or permission of the department chair. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | Standard and ADV |
| 10 | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | donna_eason | 09/02/2026 06:18 PM | 10 | ADV Calculus I & II | Flex, 11,12 | This course covers the content of Calculus I ADV designation as well as ADV Calculus II. The pace and rigor of this course are intended for students with a commitment to learning advanced mathematics and a desire to pursue advanced mathematics in college. This course is structured using a modified blended model that requires students to have an additional 45 minute free period in their schedule to complete an online component of the course. Most students choose to sit for the Advanced Placement (AP) examination (Calculus BC). | Prerequisites: an assessment average of 95% or higher in Honors Precalculus and a teacher recommendation. | Year | 2.50 | 1 | ADV |
| Sort Order | Course Name | Grade levels | Course Description | Prereqs/Coreqs | Term | # of Days/week | Credits | ADV Designation |