What is High School Math?

High School math prepares a student for college math or STEM courses. It begins with Algebra 1, then follows Geometry, Algebra 2, and Pre-calculus.

Students who take an advanced or accelerated course in high school math may also choose to take calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP statistics or trigonometry in high school.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various aspects of high school math and answer crucial queries about it.

High School math curriculum

The complete high school math curriculum can be primarily completed through advanced, average, and remedial lesson plans.

Advanced math courses

In the advanced math courses, students complete Algebra 1 by 7th or 8th grade (middle school). Subsequently, they complete Geometry by grade 9 (freshman year), Algebra 2 by grade 10 (sophomore year), and Pre-calculus by grade 11 (junior high school year).

In the senior or final high school year, they can learn advanced math concepts and lessons like trigonometry, Calculus I and II, and prepare for AP calculus (AB & BC) or AP statistics.

The advanced math lesson plan covers more deeper and challenging concepts than basic lesson plans. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) can go for this lesson plan.

Average math courses

The average high school math courses cover Algebra 1 by grade 9 (freshman year), Geometry by grade 10 (sophomore year), Algebra 2 by grade 11 (junior high school year), and Pre-calculus or trigonometry fundamentals in grade 12.

Average math lesson plans cover the standard math concepts that high school students need to succeed in their academic and professional lives. These lesson plans are designed for students who may or may not be pursuing a career in STEM, but they are still beneficial for students in all majors.

Remedial math courses

The remedial high school math courses cover Pre-Algebra in 9th grade and Algebra I in 10th grade. In 11th grade, students will take Geometry, and in 12th grade, they will proceed to Algebra II and pre-calculus. 

In general, students who fall behind in math go for remedial math courses. In remedial math classes, students learn at their own pace and receive individualized attention from their teachers. They have the opportunity to master the basics of math and build a strong foundation for future success.

Core Subjects of High School math

The complete High School Math syllabus is divided into 4 years of math courses. Students start learning high school math from grade 9 onwards. The following are the most important topics taught in high school math:

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 is the basic foundation of all other high school math classes. It is a fundamental course that covers a wide range of topics, including real numbers, linear equations, polynomials, quadratic functions, and equations.

Students typically take Algebra 1 in their first year of high school, but math classes are placed based on placement test results. This means that high school math classes may contain students from different grades.

The key topics covered in high school Algebra 1 include 

• Parts of an Expression.
• Algebraic Fractions.
• Complex Fractions.
• Combining Like Terms.
• Simplify and Evaluate Expressions.
• Equivalent Expressions.

Algebra 2

Algebra 2 is a high school math course that builds on the concepts and skills learned in Algebra 1. It covers a wide range of topics, including graphing and solving equations, functions, inequalities, and trigonometry.

The key topics covered in high school Algebra 2 include

• Linear equations
• Inequalities
• Graphs, matrices
• Polynomials and radical expressions
• Quadratic equations
• Functions
• Exponential and logarithmic expressions 
• Sequences and series
• Probability and trigonometry

Geometry

Geometry is a high school math course that covers the properties of shapes and space. It is often taken after Algebra 1 and may include students from different grades, depending on placement test results.

The key topics covered in high school Geometry include  

• Congruence of triangles.

• Similarity in triangles.
• Geometric formulas.
• Pythagorean Theorem.
• Proving geometric theorem,
• Probability.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is a high school math course that covers the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles. It is often taken in the junior year, but it may be taken earlier or later depending on the student’s placement and interests.

Some schools include trigonometry as part of Algebra 2, while others offer it as a separate course. Trigonometry builds on the concepts of geometry and algebra and applies them to periodic and circular functions.

The key topics covered in high school trigonometry include  

• Triangle Classification Theorems.
• Angles and Trigonometric Functions.
• Solving Trigonometric Equations.
• Applying Vectors in the Plane.
• Equations of Hyperbolas.

Statistics 

Statistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. It is a valuable skill for students to learn in high school, as it can be used in many different fields, including science, business, government, and the social sciences.

The key topics covered in high school statistics include 

• Create histograms.
• Read histograms.
• Displaying a single quantitative variable: Quiz 1.
• Creating dot plots.
• Reading dot plots & frequency tables.
• Calculating mean and median from data displays.
• Estimating mean and median in data displays.
• Interquartile range (IQR)

Precalculus

Precalculus is an elective math course that is often taken by seniors who plan to study math in college. 

Precalculus is a challenging course, but it is essential for students who plan to study calculus or other advanced math courses in college. It also provides a strong foundation for students who plan to pursue careers in fields such as engineering, science, and finance.

The key topics covered in high school Precalculus include 

• Functions and Modeling.
• Trigonometry.
• Systems and Matrices.
• Analytic Geometry.
• Analytic Trigonometry.
• Complex Numbers and Polar Coordinates.
• Vectors.
• Matrices.

Other Electives

High school elective math classes vary from school to school, but they often include topics such as math applications, math literacy, and computer math. These courses emphasize real-world applications of math and can benefit students who plan to pursue something other than a STEM field in college.

AP Calculus

AP Calculus is a rigorous math course that covers the same material as a first-year college calculus course. It is a popular choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM or who want to challenge themselves academically.

Students who had already taken at least one advanced math course before their senior year were most likely to take AP Calculus in their senior year. These courses are designed to prepare students for college-level math and STEM courses, and they can give students a competitive edge in college admissions.

There are two levels of AP Calculus: AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC. AP Calculus AB covers the material of a first-semester college calculus course, while AP Calculus BC covers the material of both first- and second-semester college calculus courses.

AP Calculus AB covers the following topics:

• Limits and continuity
• Differentiation
• Applications of differentiation
• Integration
• Applications of integration

AP Calculus BC covers all the AP Calculus AB topics as well as covers the following topics:

• Polar coordinates
• Parametric equations
• Vector-valued functions
• Infinite series

To take AP Calculus, students must typically have completed Algebra II and Precalculus. Some schools may also require students to take a placement test before enrolling in AP Calculus. 

AP Statistics

AP Statistics is a college-level statistics course offered in high schools through the Advanced Placement (AP) program. It is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.

Students who had already taken at least one advanced math course before their senior year were most likely to take AP Statistics in their senior year. The course is designed to prepare students for college-level math and Business Math courses, and they can give students a competitive edge in college admissions.

AP statistics may include:

• Exploring Data.
• Sampling and Experimentation.
• Probability and Random Variables.
• Statistical Inference.

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How many math classes are required in high school?

Most high school students are required to take 3 years of math, but 4 years is recommended, especially for students who plan to attend college. Some schools may also require students to complete specific math courses, such as Algebra I and Geometry before they can graduate.

If you are not planning to major in a STEM field in college, you may want to take math courses that are directly related to your intended field of study. However, if you do plan to major in a STEM field, high school is the best time to start learning advanced math concepts.

In the United States, most states require students to take three or four math courses before graduation. The traditional course sequence is Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. However, not all students follow this plan. Some students take an accelerated track, taking Algebra 1 in 8th grade. Other students take a different pathway, which may or may not include all three of the traditional courses.

How many credits are math in high school? 

High school students must complete a minimum of 23 credits to graduate. These credits include:

• 4 credits of language arts (including English 9 and American Literature)
• 4 credits of math (including Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II)
• 4 credits of science (including Biology; Physical Science; Physics; Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Science, or an AP Science)
• 3 credits of social studies (including U.S. History, World History, Economics, and Government)
• 0.5 credit for Personal Fitness
• 0.5 credit of Health
• 7 credits of electives (including at least 3 credits of Career/Technology, World Language, and/or Fine Arts)

What math should a high schooler know?

High school math proficiency requirements vary by state and school district. However, many states have adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which provides a framework for recommended math skills and concepts.

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics outline a set of basic math concepts and skills that contribute to student’s future success, irrespective of the choice: whether they choose to attend college or enter the workforce. These skills and concepts include 

• Number and operations
• Algebra, functions, and modeling
• Geometry
• Statistics and probability
• Precalculus and trigonometry

High school math worksheets

Here are the top 10 sites that provide high school math worksheets (mostly free): 

• Math-Aids.com
• Kuta Software 
• Math Worksheets Land 
• Super Teacher Worksheets 
• Math-Drills.com 
• TeAch-nology 
• WorksheetWorks.com
• HomeschoolMath.net 
• Softschools
• MathGoodies 

Key Takeaways on High School Math

High School math is an important part of a well-rounded education. It teaches students how to think critically, solve problems, and communicate their ideas effectively.

• Math skills are also essential for many careers, including engineering, science, finance, and business.
• Most high school students are required to take four years of math, including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus. Some students may also choose to take additional math classes, such as Trigonometry, Statistics, and AP Calculus.

High school math can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Students who succeed in math will be well-prepared for college and for many different career paths.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)