What High School Math Classes Are There?

Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Statistics, Precalculus, and Trigonometry are the core high school math classes. However, there are many elective and advanced high school math classes too.

Choosing math in high school opens up possibilities in the future, even for students who might not pursue math-intensive careers. Math skills are essential for problem-solving and critical thinking valued by employers in all fields. 

However, our high school math tutors suggest considering your future career goals before choosing a high-school math class.

With that, let’s take a look at different high school math classes and what is taught in high school math:

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High school math classes in order

The high school math classes that are offered vary from school to school, but the core classes include:

Algebra I

Algebra I is a foundational course that introduces students to the relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations. Students explore linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics, expressions and equations, and quadratic functions and modeling. Building on the foundation set in middle grades, Algebra I deepens students’ understanding of linear and exponential functions and develops their fluency in writing and solving one-variable equations and inequalities.

Geometry

Geometry is a course that focuses on the study and knowledge of shapes and space. Topics covered in geometry include angles, triangles, circles, and solids. This course includes mathematical and rich visuals to help students understand and visualize the concepts. It allows students to demonstrate their understanding by constructing shapes, writing proofs, and applying probability to decision-making.

Algebra II

Algebra II is a more advanced math course that covers topics such as functions, polynomials, periodic phenomena, data analysis., trigonometry, and conic sections. Students also develop their understanding of complex numbers and algebraic expressions by drawing analogies between their operations and field properties to those of real numbers.

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus is a math class that prepares students for calculus. Topics covered in pre-calculus include limits, derivatives, and integrals. It also expands on trigonometric functions and provides students with opportunities to apply these concepts to real-world problems. The course covers a diverse range of topics, including vectors, matrices, and analytic geometry, supported by interactive tools, a graphing calculator, animations, and simulations to enhance student learning.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is a course that blends geometry and algebra to introduce students to trigonometric functions and their applications. Students begin with the basics which is the introduction to right-angled triangle relationships, then explain angles and radian measures, circular trigonometry, and the unit circle. Then it extends the student’s understanding of trigonometric graphs, including the effects of translations and the inverses of trigonometric functions. The course concludes with an introduction to vectors and conic sections.

Statistics

Statistics is the science of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. It is a branch of applied mathematics, and it is used in virtually every field of knowledge, including business, economics, government, medicine, science, and social sciences. Statistics can be used to make informed decisions about a variety of issues. 

For example, a company might use statistics to decide which product to launch or a government agency might use statistics to decide how to allocate resources.

To know detailed aspects of high school math please read: What is High School Math?

Advanced math classes in high school

High school students who are enthusiastic about pursuing math in college can consider advanced math classes, such as Trigonometry, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC. Business students must choose Statistics and Business math.

Students who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields, such as engineering, science, and mathematics, should take advanced math classes as in high school. A strong foundation in math will give them a competitive advantage in college and the job market.

What math is required to graduate high school?

The math required to graduate high school varies. However, most states require students to complete at least three years of math to graduate. Some states also require students to complete a fourth year of math, which can be any math class that is offered at the high school.

The most common math classes required for high school graduation are:

• Algebra I
• Geometry
• Algebra II
• Pre-Calculus  
• Trigonometry 

Students who are planning to study STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in college should consider taking more math classes than the minimum required for graduation. For example, many colleges require students to have taken Pre-Calculus and Calculus before they can enroll in STEM programs.

Which high school math is required in college?

For highly selective colleges, most require three or more years of math, including algebra and geometry. Four years of math strengthen a college application, and calculus is even better. At Caltech, calculus is essential, and many top applicants have completed second-semester calculus. Engineering programs at Cornell also require calculus. Read this resource to know whether or not high school math is important for college: Is High School Math Useful?

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