High school mathematics

This page includes a brief overview of the high school mathematics curriculum, with a focus on college preparatory tracks in United States schools. Some of the remarks may not apply to homeschoolers and to high school students outside the United States.

The information on this page is useful.

Tracks

Comprehensive college preparatory track

Starting point (beginning grade 9): Student comes in somewhat familiar with but not proficient in the language of algebra.

Ending point (end of grade 12): Student has the requisite foundation in algebra, trigonometry, and functions to begin the study of calculus in college. Some students on this track take a calculus course in high school that is targeted at a level below the Advanced Placement students.

Advanced Placement or equivalent Honors track

Starting point (beginning grade 9): Student comes in proficient with basic algebra (equivalent to US course label prealgebra in most schools)

Ending point (end of grade 12): Student completes an Advanced Placement Calculus class, either AB or BC.

Sub-tracks:

• Advanced Placement AB track: Ends with completion of Advanced Placement Calculus AB.
• Advanced Placement BC track: Ends with completion of Advanced Placement Calculus BC.

Accelerated Advanced Placement track

Starting point (beginning grade 9): Student comes in proficient with basic algebra and possible Algebra I (the first high school algebra course in the Advanced Placement track).

Early ending point (end of grade 11): Student completes Advanced Placement Calculus BC.

Senior year (grade 12): Student may take multivariable calculus and linear algebra courses, either at the school or at an online high school or local university. Some students may not exercise this option.

Sub-tracks:

• Accelerated Advanced Placement track without additional courses in senior year.
• Accelerated Advanced Placement track with additional courses (typically, multivariable calculus and linear algebra) in senior year.