Curriculum Detail

Explore Our Curriculum

Mathematics

The Mathematics Department at Loyola Blakefield is committed to the personal growth of the student in the context of the Ignatian Tradition. We intend that students will develop the integrity and skills to continue on at the college level. Our department recognizes individual abilities at all levels, and we expect all students to acquire fundamental math skills which include critical thinking and technological competence. We want students to acquire skills in respectful collaboration and cooperation and to take responsibility for their own learning. Students will also develop an appreciation of mathematics through an understanding of its role in other disciplines and in society.

A Loyola student is expected to become competent in the study of Algebra and Geometry. A completion of the study of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Pre-Calculus is required of all students in the College Prep Program. The sequence of courses will vary depending on each student’s ninth-grade placement.

All students will take a full-year Geometry course no later than the 10th grade.

Honors and AP level placement is determined by student achievement. In general, a student in an Honors course needs to maintain at least a B average throughout the year to be recommended for a Honors course the following year. A student in a College Prep course must maintain an A average to be recommended for a Honors course the following year.

Most courses require the student to have a graphing calculator. The department uses Texas Instrument calculators.

  • Algebra and Analytic Geometry

    Students who have completed Algebra I will further their study of algebra while applying algebraic techniques to the study of Geometry.  The course presents opportunities for students to use coordinate geometry to increase deductive reasoning and make connections between algebra and geometry concepts that will provide them with a variety of ways to approach problems in future high school courses.  Students will use graphing techniques to study relationships in angles, polygons, and circles while further strengthening their algebra skills.
    (9th, 10th) One year. One credit.
    Prerequisite: Standard Algebra I, Algebra I, or Algebra I Honors

  • Algebra I

    This course is an introduction to sets, number systems and their properties, algebraic operations, functions, graphing, formal mathematical structures, and elementary applications.

  • Algebra I / 8

    This course is an introduction to sets, number systems and their properties, algebraic operations, functions, graphing, formal mathematical structures, and elementary applications.

  • Algebra I Honors

    This course is an introduction to number systems and their properties, algebraic operations, functions, graphing, systems of linear equations, and factoring polynomials. The material will be presented with rigor and depth that will prepare students for future algebra-based honors level math courses.

  • Algebra II

    The course covers a review of sets, number systems, graphing, algebraic operations and linear functions. Students will use statistics and modeling to learn the properties of quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as trigonometric functions and introduction to analytic geometry. A calculator is required and functions will be analyzed from numerical, graphical and analytical points of view.

  • Algebra II Honors

    The course covers a review of sets, number systems, graphing, algebraic operations and linear functions. Students will use statistics and modeling to learn the properties of quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as trigonometric functions and introduction to analytic geometry. A calculator is required and functions will be analyzed from numerical, graphical and analytical points of view.

  • AP Calculus AB

    This is a college level treatment of differential and integral Calculus and analytic geometry. It is designed for highly motivated students of proven ability in mathematics. The permission of the Department Chair is required to enroll in this course. The material is approached from graphical, numerical and analytical points of view. A graphing calculator is required. Students are expected to take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Examination.

  • AP Calculus BC

    This course is a continuation and enhancement of Calculus I. The course covers all of the topics of BC Advanced Placement Calculus not previously covered in Calculus I, including sequences, series, polar and parametric equations and advanced techniques of integration. Students are expected to take the Calculus BC Advanced Placement Examination.

  • AP Statistics

    This is a college level treatment of statistics designed to lead to Advanced Placement credit. The students will learn to collect and analyze data, design studies and interpret results. Individual and group projects will be required. The Math Department recommends that AP Statistics be taken in addition to, not instead of, an Algebra-based Math course.

  • Calculus I

    This course will introduce students to beginning Calculus concepts.  Students will develop an appreciation for the power of Calculus while strengthening fundamental Algebra skills that will be necessary for success in a college Math course.

  • Calculus I Honors

    This course will introduce students to basic differential and integral Calculus and their applications. The focus will be on giving students a solid foundation for success in a college Calculus course.

  • College Algebra / Trigonometry

    This course is similar to Pre-calculus, yet focuses more on the Algebra concepts. The student will explore many new topics as well as extend those that have been studied in previous courses. The goal of this course is to help students gain a clear, interesting, and relevant understanding of the use of Algebra as well as develop an understanding of trigonometry. Many real-world applications of the topics will be studied.

  • Geometry

    Students will be introduced to formal logic and proof, spatial properties and relationships in two and three dimensions. Students will learn by explanation and will learn to make and test conjectures. All students will learn to operate the computer to facilitate their learning.

  • Geometry Honors

    Students will be introduced to formal logic and proof, spatial properties and relationships in two and three dimensions. Students will learn by explanation and will learn to make and test conjectures. All students will learn to operate the computer to facilitate their learning.

  • Ignatian Honors Algebra II

    The course covers a review of sets, number systems, graphing, algebraic operations and linear functions. Students will use statistics and modeling to learn the properties of quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as trigonometric functions and introduction to analytic geometry. A calculator is required and functions will be analyzed from numerical, graphical and analytical points of view.

  • Ignatian Honors Geometry

    Students will be introduced to formal logic and proof, spatial properties and relationships in two and three dimensions. Students will learn by explanation and will learn to make and test conjectures. All students will learn to operate the computer to facilitate their learning.

  • Ignatian Honors Precalculus

    Students will focus on algebraic functions of all types (polynomial and rational, and especially trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and other inverses). Solving equations, including parametric equations, equations in polar coordinates and systems of equations will be thoroughly covered. The approach will be graphic, with daily use of the graphing calculator to assist in problem solving, modeling, exploring and visualizing the mathematics. The honors course will begin with topics from discrete mathematics and statistics and include more in-depth coverage of trigonometry.  The material will be presented at a rapid pace and intensiveness. 

  • Mathematics 6

    This course is designed for students to acquire the advanced computational and reasoning skills to be successful in future mathematics courses. There is an emphasis on problem solving and applications. Topics include: a review of whole numbers, fractions and decimals, ratio, proportion, percent, basic geometry, and an introduction to algebraic thinking and skills.

  • Mathematics 6 Honors

    This course is designed for students to acquire the advanced computational and reasoning skills to be successful in future mathematics courses. There is an emphasis on problem solving and applications. Topics include: a review of whole numbers, fractions and decimals, ratio, proportion, percent, basic geometry, and an introduction to algebraic thinking and skills.

  • Mathematics 7

    This course is similar in content to Mathematics 7 Advanced, but more opportunity will be given for review and practice of previous mathematics topics. Students successfully completing this course may be placed in pre-algebra or Algebra I with the teacher’s recommendation.

  • Mathematics 7 Honors

    Students entering this course must have demonstrated proficiency in the Mathematics 6 curriculum. Topics include: a review and extension of ratio, proportion and percent, geometry, probability, data analysis and rational numbers. This course will also include elementary algebra topics necessary for success in Algebra I.

  • Pre Algebra 8

    This course provides a review and reinforcement of middle school mathematics with special focus on the tools of algebra. Students will make the connection between general mathematics topics and algebra.

  • Precalculus

    Students will focus on algebraic functions of all types (polynomial and rational, and especially trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and other inverses). Solving equations, including parametric equations, equations in polar coordinates and systems of equations will be thoroughly covered. The approach will be graphic, with daily use of the graphing calculator to assist in problem solving, modeling, exploring and visualizing the mathematics. The college prep course will cover all the material necessary for success in Calculus. 

  • Precalculus Honors

    Students will focus on algebraic functions of all types (polynomial and rational, and especially trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and other inverses). Solving equations, including parametric equations, equations in polar coordinates and systems of equations will be thoroughly covered. The approach will be graphic, with daily use of the graphing calculator to assist in problem solving, modeling, exploring and visualizing the mathematics. The honors course will begin with topics from discrete mathematics and statistics and include more in-depth coverage of trigonometry.  The material will be presented at a rapid pace and intensiveness. 

  • Standard Algebra I

    This first course in algebra is designed to lay a strong foundation for our upper school math curriculum.   The course includes a review of basic arithmetic skills, solving equations, factoring, solving linear equations and inequalities, evaluating functions, rational and irrational numbers, and solving systems of linear equations. Some basic probability and statistics will be included. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and application principles.
    One year. One credit.

  • Standard Algebra II

    The course covers a review of sets, number systems, graphing, algebraic operations and linear functions. Students will use statistics and modeling to learn the properties of quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as trigonometric functions and introduction to analytic geometry. A calculator is required and functions will be analyzed from numerical, graphical and analytical points of view.

  • Standard Geometry

    The course introduces the definitions of building blocks of geometry. Students will develop a strong sense of working with figures and shapes of all forms, and expand their ideas into real life problems. Strong spatial reasoning skills are taught as students explore different properties of shapes and figures including congruence, area, perimeter, surface area, and similarity. Students will also learn the basic building blocks of Trigonometry and strengthen their algebra skills.

Department Faculty

500 Chestnut Ave. Towson, MD 21204
communications@loyolablakefield.org
(410) 823-0601