Mathematics

Philosophy

The need to understand Mathematics both at work and in everyday life has never been greater. At Archmere, we prepare our students with the information and the tools of mathematics needed for their success. Students must master the basic mechanical skills necessary to perform fundamental mathematical operations. However, we would do them an injustice if we did not develop problem-solving skills, which make use of the technology which is now and will be available to them. We incorporate real world problems that can be solved with the aid of a graphing calculator or a computer to develop students' critical thinking skills. Our minimum requirements give Archmere students a background that meets the mathematical needs for any college program. We choose to offer a strong selection of elective courses to meet the needs of a wide range of students, challenging and stretching our very best. We continue to update these courses to reflect current and emerging needs in the mathematics curriculum.

Preparing Students for a New Millennium

We live in a society of extraordinary and constant change. The need to understand Mathematics both at work and in everyday life has never been greater. We teach mathematics at Archmere as one of the many components necessary to function and thrive in the new millennium. We must prepare our students with both the information and the tools of mathematics needed for their success.

Real World Problem Solving, Technology Infusion

The students must master the basic mechanical skills necessary to perform fundamental mathematical operations. However, we would do them an injustice if we did not develop problem-solving skills, which make use of the technology which is now and will be available to them. We attempt to do this by incorporating real world problems, which can be solved with the aid of a graphing calculator or a computer. These problems should help to develop the students' investigative powers rather than just leading to an answer as an entity unto itself.

A Curriculum that Reflects Current and Emerging Needs

Our minimum requirements would give our students a background adequate to meet the mathematical needs for any college program. We choose to offer a strong selection of elective courses to meet the needs of a wide range of students, challenging and stretching our very best. We continue to update these courses to reflect current and emerging needs in the mathematics curriculum.
All students will not like mathematics, but they should all learn to appreciate the need for Mathematics. We hope to cultivate the realization that while mathematics may be abstract, it is no more abstract than any other subject. Like learning a new language, the sooner our students are exposed to its vast array of applications, the better their chances for success after their graduation from Archmere.
 
  • Algebra I

    A year long course covering basic properties, functions of one variable, interpreting rates of change from both graphical and numeric data, properties of exponents, system of linear equations and using mathematical models to represent quantitative relationships.
  • Honors Algebra I

    A year-long course for freshmen who have already been exposed to algebra. The course covers the same topics as Algebra 1, and adds a discussion of polynomials, matrices and probability. Students will be required to think critically and apply their skills in new and varied situations.

    Prerequisite: Meeting placement exam requirements.

  • Geometry

    A one-year course which includes the concepts of Euclidean and analytic geometry, plane figures, solids, proofs, reasoning, constructions, and algebraic connections. Students will explore geometrical ideas through hands-on activities, projects and the use of technology. The goal is to develop students’ spatial abilities, problem solving skills and logistical thinking.

    Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Honors Algebra 1

     

  • Honors Geometry

    A one-year course which mirrors the topics in Geometry but with a wider scope and variety. Coordinate Geometry is emphasized throughout the year so that the students’ algebraic skills are maintained. More emphasis is placed on proofs but students are encouraged to use their natural sense as opposed to a more formalized, axiomatic approach.

    Prerequisite Course: Honors Algebra I

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • Algebra II

    This course will cover all the main topics of Algebra II without the added pressure of covering Trigonometry. It will review topics from Algebra I, and cover polynomial and rational functions, logarithms and exponential functions.

    Prerequisite Courses: Algebra I and Geometry

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • Algebra II & Trigonometry

    This one-year course will discuss functions and apply the algebra and geometry that the students have learned in their first two Math courses. Roots, radicals, and polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and the trigonometric functions are covered in depth.

    Prerequisite Course: Geometry

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry

    This one-year course will cover the properties of the polynomial and rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, and the trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions that will be needed for the study of calculus. As time allows, the course will also cover the conic sections, parametric and polar graphs, and the elements of probability and enumeration.

    Prerequisite Course: Honors Geometry

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • Precalculus

    A full-year course which studies the polynomial and rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, and the trigonometric functions using data analysis and mathematical modeling.

    Prerequisite Course: Algebra II & Trigonometry

  • Probability & Statistics

    Probability and Statistics is a full-year course designed to introduce students to a variety of ways to collect and analyze data. This course will give students the opportunity to study and analyze real world data and also to interpret the statistics they see in the news and in their daily lives.

    Prerequisite Course: Algebra II & Trigonometry or Algebra II

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • Honors Calculus

    An introductory and intermediate level Calculus course that includes differentiation and integration, with applications to business and science, for those students who do not require an extensive Precalculus review.

    Prerequisite Course: CP or Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • AP Calculus AB

    A one-year college level course in differentiation and integration, including techniques and applications. The course emphasizes a multi representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems expressed graphically, numerically, analytically and verbally. The Advanced Placement exam is required. Students should anticipate one hour of homework per night.

    Prerequisite Course: Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • AP Calculus BC

    A one-year course taken by those students who wish to take the BC level of the Advanced Placement Mathematics Exam. The content includes those topics of the BC syllabus not covered in AP Calculus AB. Included are integration techniques, infinite series, conics, parametric and polar coordinates.

    Prerequisite Course: AP Calc AB

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • AP Statistics

    A college-level non-calculus based course emphasizing four main areas: exploring/organizing data, planning a study or experiment, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. As outlined in the AP syllabus, the focus is on modern data analysis rather than theory. Many applications from the behavior sciences will be studied. Students are expected to use the graphing calculator on the AP exam, thus this technology will be used extensively. Statistical software will also be used since students will need to interpret data. This course is excellent preparation for students interested in majoring in science, math, engineering, business, and various majors in the humanities.

    Prerequisite Course: CP or Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

Select a Department

Faculty

  • Photo of Daniel Pisani
    Mr. Dan Pisani
    Math Department Chair; Math Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 840
    University of Delaware - B.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Catherine Chinn
    Mrs. Catie Chinn
    Math Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 734
    University of Delaware - B.A.
  • Photo of Lynne Fowler
    Mrs. Lynne Fowler
    Math Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 714
  • Photo of Vinita Lobo
    Mrs. Vinita Lobo
    Math Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 827
    Siena College - Teacher Certification
    Indian Institute of Technology Bombay - M.S.
    University of California, Los Angeles - M.A.
    N. Wadia College - B.S.
    Bio
  • Photo of Carly Pisani
    Mrs. Carly Pisani
    Math Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 854
    Wilmington University - M.Ed.
    University of Delaware - B.A.
  • Photo of Kathleen Vinton
    Mrs. Kathy Vinton
    Math Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 730
    Wilmington University - M.A.
    Rowan University - B.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Danielle Young
    Ms. Danielle Young
    Math Teacher; Computer Science Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 852
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.