Math

At JCHS, math is about more than finding the right answer. Students explore connections between mathematics, other academic disciplines, and real-world problems while developing the confidence to tackle unfamiliar challenges.

Our approach is informed by the work of Dr. Jo Boaler and Dr. Peter Liljedahl, whose research emphasizes active learning and the value of "productive discomfort"—the growth that happens when students grapple with challenging problems.

Through discovery-based problem solving, collaboration, and direct instruction, students learn to think like mathematicians, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and develop the skills to approach complex problems with curiosity and persistence.

THE ANSWER IS JUST THE BEGINNING

JCHS offers multiple pathways through the math curriculum, allowing students to learn at a pace and level of challenge that best supports their growth and academic goals.

Finding the Right Level

At-Level Math

At-level courses build strong foundational skills in Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, and Statistics. Classes move at a measured pace with an emphasis on procedural fluency, repeated practice, and mastery of the skills students need for future coursework.

Students also develop a mathematical mindset through collaborative, discovery-based problem solving, with direct teacher guidance and support.

Advanced & AP Math

Advanced and AP courses move at a faster pace and place greater emphasis on theory, independent thinking, and complex problem solving. Students regularly work in small groups to explore unfamiliar concepts and develop their own approaches with less direct teacher guidance.

These courses are particularly valuable for students interested in advanced mathematics and highly selective STEM programs.

Math Requirements
& Placement

Three Years of Core Math

All JCHS students complete at least three years of core mathematics through Algebra II. Incoming students complete a course-matching assessment to determine the appropriate starting level.

Because mastery of algebra provides an important foundation for high school math and science, many ninth-grade students begin with Algebra I.

Pathway to AP Calculus

Students who excel in Algebra I and want to reach AP Calculus during high school may, with department approval, accelerate their coursework by completing Geometry during the summer before Algebra II Advanced or by taking Geometry and Algebra II Advanced concurrently in 10th grade.

That takes a fairly intimidating paragraph and turns it into two very understandable pieces.

Explore Math Courses

CORE COURSES

ELECTIVE COURSES

Statistics

Prerequisite(s): Algebra II

Statistics is an extremely powerful and often misunderstood mathematical tool which offers many applications to analyzing the real world. This course emphasizes a real-world data, project-based approach. Students will learn how to collect, research, summarize, display, analyze, and communicate written conclusions about data. Students will have opportunities to both do statistical analyses on data and think critically about statistical interpretations and detect flaws in statistical reasoning. Students will also learn to use spreadsheets as a computational tool. The class will focus primarily on statistics and probability, but will also include a final component of real world numerical applications, including learning to do basic taxes, selecting better credit cards, developing a budget, and learning about the time value of money. These other mathematical applications will be covered in a combination of in class learning and individual projects to learn about a selected area of interest.

Please Note: Students who plan to take both Precalculus and Statistics are strongly encouraged to take Precalculus first, immediately upon completion of Algebra II.

Math Course Sequence

See how JCHS math courses build upon one another and explore the pathways available throughout four years of study.