Mathematics

Minimum of 3 credits of high school math, to include Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, or equivalent courses.

The TI-84 Plus calculator is required for all math students at Gould Academy.

AP Calculus BC with Python Applications

Prerequisite: AP Calculus – Year Long
AP Calculus BC is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions. Students will apply concepts and model concepts using Python. Students are expected to take the AP exam.
AP Macroeconomics

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Above & Requires Departmental Approval – Year Long
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level macroeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies. Students are expected to take the AP exam.??????
Algebra 1

This first-year course covers such topics as algebraic expressions, linear equations, systems of equations, quadratics, and the introduction of functions. Emphasis is placed on learning algebraic skills and developing a deeper conceptual understanding of the material through problem solving and applications. Use of the TI-84 graphing calculator is introduced.
Algebra 1

Graduation Requirement – Year Long
This first-year course covers such topics as algebraic expressions, linear equations, systems of equations, quadratics, and the introduction of functions. Emphasis is placed on learning algebraic skills and developing a deeper conceptual understanding of the material through problem solving and applications. Use of the TI-84 graphing calculator is introduced.
Algebra 2

Prerequisite: Geometry
Functions are explored and serve as a common domain throughout this course. Working with linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions, new skills are learned and applied to a variety of real-world situations. TI-84 calculators are used extensively to illustrate the functions graphically and to provide a visual representation for problem solving. Students are challenged to apply their skills and demonstrate their understanding both orally and in writing.
Algebra 2

Graduation Requirement with Prerequisite: Geometry – Year Long
Functions are explored and serve as a common domain throughout this course. Working with linear, quadratic, polynomial, and exponential new skills are learned and applied to a variety of real-world situations. TI-84 calculators are used extensively to illustrate the functions graphically and to provide a visual representation for problem solving. Students are challenged to apply their skills and demonstrate their understanding both orally and in writing.
AP Calculus

Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus or Precalculus and instructor approval
This is a college-level class that serves (1) to provide students interested in further STEM studies with a strong foundation in the tools, techniques, and methods of calculus (2) to provide the calculus tools required in AP Physics and (3) to prepare the students to take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam in the spring. The class will be taught at an accelerated pace and the material will be covered in depth. A graphing calculator (preferably the TI-84) is required for this class. Department approval is required to take this simultaneously with AP Statistics. Students are expected to take the AP exam.
AP Calculus

Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus or Precalculus & Requires Departmental Approval – Year Long
This is a college-level class that serves (1) to provide students interested in further STEM studies with a strong foundation in the tools, techniques, and methods of calculus (2) to provide the calculus tools required in AP Physics and (3) to prepare the students to take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam in the spring. The class will be taught at an accelerated pace and the material will be covered in depth. A graphing calculator (preferably the TI-84) is required for this class. Students are expected to take the AP exam.
AP Statistics

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or above and department approval
This is a college-level course that covers the four major areas typically included in a statistics course: exploring data, sampling, and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. A graphing calculator (preferably the TI-84) is required for this class. Department approval is required to take this simultaneously with AP Calculus. The course moves at a fast pace and is the equivalent of a 100 level course in college statistics. Students are expected to take the AP exam.
AP Statistics

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Above & Requires Departmental Approval – Year Long

This is a college-level course that covers the four major areas typically included in a statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. A graphing calculator (preferably the TI-84) is required for this class. Department approval is required to take this simultaneously with AP Calculus. The course moves at a fast pace and is the equivalent of a 100 level course in college statistics. Students are expected to take the AP exam.
Calculus

Prerequisite: Precalculus
This course extends the concepts of precalculus and introduces the techniques of calculus, including limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration. Students use geometric, algebraic and trigonometric concepts to investigate real world applications. The course prepares students for a rigorous college calculus course and course content is reflected in topics studied in AP Physics.
Calculus

Prerequisite: Precalculus or Honors Precalculus – Year Long
This course extends the concepts of precalculus and introduces the techniques of calculus, including limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration. Students use geometric, algebraic and trigonometric concepts to investigate real world applications. The course prepares students for a rigorous college calculus course and course content is reflected in topics studied in AP Physics.
Geometry

Prerequisite: Algebra 1
This course is an exploration of geometric concepts covering parallel theory, similarity, congruence, and properties and attributes of angles, triangles, polygons, and circles. Proof writing and algebraic skills are learned and practiced throughout the year. Real world applications and online manipulatives help students to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the geometric world.
Geometry

Graduation Requirement with Prerequisite: Algebra 1 – Year Long
This course is an exploration of geometric concepts covering parallel theory, similarity, congruence, and properties and attributes of angles, triangles, polygons, and circles. Proof writing and algebraic skills are learned and practiced throughout the year. Real world applications and online manipulatives help students to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the geometric world.
Honors Advanced Algebra

Prerequisite: Geometry (and a strong Algebra 1 background)
This is a rigorous Algebra II course designed for students who have strong algebraic skills, the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively, and the ability and desire to work towards Honors Precalculus and AP calculus. New algebraic skills are attained through the exploration of functions including, linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Students enrolled in this course are required to maintain at least a B average.
Honors Algebra 2

Graduation Requirement with Prerequisite: Geometry & Algebra I – Year Long
This is a rigorous Algebra II course designed for students who have strong algebraic skills, the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively, and the ability and desire to work towards Honors Precalculus and AP calculus. New algebraic skills are attained through the exploration of functions including, linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Students enrolled in this course are required to maintain at least a B average.
Honors Precalculus

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2/Departmental Approval
This rigorous course is designed for students who are planning to take a college-level Calculus course. Strong computational skills are required, as well as an ability to think and work abstractly to solve problems. A variety of concepts and tools from both this and previous courses will be used to solve multi-step problems. Inverse, trigonometric and rational functions are some of the topics that will be explored.
Honors Precalculus

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2 & Requires Departmental Approval – Year Long
This rigorous course is designed for students who are planning to take a college-level Calculus course. Strong computational skills are required, as well as an ability to think and work abstractly to solve problems. A variety of concepts and tools from both this and previous courses will be used to solve multi-step problems. Inverse, trigonometric and rational functions are some of the topics that will be explored.
Math: Pre-Algebra

This course will focus on the foundations of mathematics while exploring concepts pertaining to algebraic thinking. Students will expand their knowledge of order of operations, combining like-terms and the coordinate plane as they learn to solve and graph linear equations. This course will prepare students to be successful in math at the high school level.
Precalculus

Prerequisite: Algebra 2
This course will extend the study of functions from Algebra II for those students preparing for a regular calculus course. Exponential, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric functions will be explored. Also included with the trigonometry will be the unit circle and laws applied to triangle measurement. Applications and modeling are integrated into this skills-based course and there is extensive use of the TI-84 graphing calculator.
Precalculus

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Honors Advanced Algebra – Year Long
This course extends the study of functions from Algebra II. It begins with the conceptual exploration of functions as objects, and covers exponential, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric functions, as well as the intersections between them. This course focuses on conceptual, rather than algorithmic, understanding as preparation for an introductory calculus course.
Advanced Topics: Abstract Algebra

Prerequisites: Honors Precalculus and Instructor Approval
Abstract Algebra is the study of abstract mathematical structures which behave similarly to the number system students are typically used to, while also having novel characteristics. While many of the concepts in Abstract Algebra are relatively 'simple,' because they often don't have an obvious analog in day-to-day life they are theoretically rich and push students to think about the mathematics they are used to in different ways.
Advanced Topics: BC Calculus

Prerequisites: AB Calculus
This course serves as final trimester of AP Calculus, covering the topics on the AP BC exam that were not covered in AP Calculus AB
Advanced Topics: Linear Algebra

Prerequisites: Honors Precalculus and Instructor Approval
Linear Algebra is the study of multi-dimensional vector spaces using matrices. Emphasis is put on solving large systems of linear equations, and the theoretical implications of such. The course studies spaces closed under the operations of addition, and scalar multiplication, and begins the process of abstracting mathematical operations in order to extend simple mathematical concepts beyond the scope of the numerical systems most high school students are used to.
Data Analysis

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or above
This precalculus level course will delve into the world of data analysis to expose students to how data is collected, analyzed and represented to tell a story. Interpreting and fact checking data is an important skill in our highly technical world. This course strives to lift the curtain on how data is used and manipulated to influence others or ideas. Students will learn to collect data, formulate statistical questions, and communicate conclusions in a factual and effective manner.
Mathematics of Financial Matters

Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Students will explore practical mathematical concepts relating to financial planning, money management, growing and protecting personal wealth, and will evaluate the risks and benefits associated with loans and investment instruments. The fundamental mathematical concepts students will apply include quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and linear algebra. Students will use spreadsheets to solve real-world problems involving the analysis and synthesis of data and formulas related to compound interest, cash-flow statements, budgets, credit cards and loans, financial aid, and will participate in a stock market game. The fall trimester will focus on financial planning and money management. The winter trimester will focus on income and asset protection. The spring trimester will focus on investing and personal wealth. This course is designed as a three-trimester sequence that can be taken for one, two, or all three terms.
Mathematics of Financial Matters: Advanced Topics in Personal Finance 2

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Personal Finance 1 – Semester Course
Students will build upon their knowledge of financial topics acquired in the prerequisite course to establish a solid understanding of asset management and wealth accumulation strategies essential for achieving long-term consumption goals, such as purchasing a car, funding a college education, and planning for retirement. By comprehending the impact of income, expenses, taxes, credit scores, and loans on wealth accumulation, students will delve deeper into various investment instruments including bonds, stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, cash equivalents, and speculative investments like cryptocurrency. Emphasis will be placed on cultivating financial beliefs and practices that will serve each student well over time. Additionally, participation in the stock market game will allow students to compare and contrast stock selection with investing in market benchmarks.
Mathematics of Financial Matters: Foundations of Personal Finance 1

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 – Semester Course
Students will delve into practical mathematical concepts pertinent to behavioral economics, financial planning, budgeting, money management, and investing, encompassing the following areas of study: banking, credit, insurance, taxes, and credit cards. They will assess the risks and rewards of sound financial choices while leveraging fundamental mathematical principles. Through the application of quantitative analysis, problem-solving, the time value of money, and linear algebra, students will articulate their conclusions logically and comprehensively. Utilizing spreadsheets, they will tackle real-world challenges involving data analysis and formula synthesis. Additionally, participating in the stock market game will enable students to contrast stock selection with investing in market benchmarks.
Programming with Python

Semester Course
Programming with Python is a high school level course divided into two levels that provide a comprehensive introduction to the Python programming language. The course will cover the foundational concepts of programming, as well as advanced topics such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. Each level builds on the previous one, allowing students to progress at their own pace and develop a deep understanding of the language.
Programming with Python

Semester Course
Programming with Python is a high school level course divided into two levels that provide a comprehensive introduction to the Python programming language. The course will cover the foundational concepts of programming, as well as advanced topics such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. Each level builds on the previous one, allowing students to progress at their own pace and develop a deep understanding of the language.
Statistics

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or above
This course will focus on understanding the natural spread of different characteristics within populations. Students will learn about mean, median, and mode, as well as why some forms of average are more useful than others in certain situations. They'll learn about the difference between correlation and causation, and work on collecting, interpreting, and presenting data.
Statistics and Probability

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or above
This precalculus level course will discuss the concepts of probability. Through the exploration of many real world situations and interesting games of chance, students will develop an understanding of limits and powers of probability as a predictive tool. Specific topics will include outcome independence, permutations, combinations, and compound events.
Programming with Python

Programming with Python is a high school level course divided into three levels that provide a comprehensive introduction to the Python programming language. The course will cover the foundational concepts of programming, as well as advanced topics such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. Each level builds on the previous one, allowing students to progress at their own pace and develop a deep understanding of the language

Level 1: Introduction to Python (Fall)

Level 2: Intermediate Python (Winter)

Level 3: Advanced Python (Spring)
Introduction to Game Programming

This introductory course in computer programming focuses on the fundamentals of software development using the programming environment called Processing. Processing is a flexible software sketchbook and a language for learning how to code through the creation of digital virtual arts and games. Students will create pictures, animations and interactive games while learning software development concepts. Students final project will be to create a 2D arcade game.
Introduction to Networking & Cybersecurity

This course provides an introduction to computer networking and cybersecurity, focusing on practical skills and hands-on experience. Students will learn how to build computers, servers, and networks, as well as how to protect themselves from digital threats. This course will cover basic networking concepts, network protocols, and network security.
Topics in Computer Science

Prerequisite: Computer Science or departmental approval
This course will focus on the development of applications for current day gadgets including Apple IOS and Google Android. Object oriented programming language will be used (Java / Objective C). As trends change the class will change its focus. Students will complete the term with a final project to be deployed on the target platform.

Curriculum Detail

Browse Our Curriculum

Mathematics

Prerequisite: AP Calculus – Year Long

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Above & Requires Departmental Approval – Year Long

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Above & Requires Departmental Approval – Year Long