In our last Selective Enrollment Prep class, 18-students enrolled and had an average exam score of 280, and a total score average of 834!  In addition, we had 5 students score perfect exam scores of 300; with the highest total score at 894!  6-students enrolled at Walter Payton, 5-students enrolled at Lane Tech, 4-students enrolled at Jones College Prep, and 3-students at Lincoln Park IB.  

Algebra I

The purpose of this course is to allow the student to gain mastery in working with and evaluating mathematical expressions, equations, graphs, and other topics in a yearlong algebra course. Topics included are real numbers, simplifying real number expressions with and without variables, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving quadratic equations, graphing linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, linear patterns, linear systems of equality and inequality, simple matrices, sequences, and radicals.  Assessments within the course include multiple-choice, short-answer, or extended response questions. Also included in this course are self-check quizzes, audio tutorials, and interactive games.

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Algebra II

Content covered in Algebra II includes functions, radical functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, geometry, conic sections, systems of equations, probability, and statistics.  As students study the progressively more challenging topics in this course, they need more practice and feedback.  To meet this need, Algebra II introduces the use of a math tutorial lab, which gives students an open forum to discuss concepts with other students and to receive tutor input.  The course includes custom animations and flash tutorials to help explain the content. Students learn how to apply the concepts and skills taught in this course to real-world scenarios.

Calculus

This course provides a comprehensive survey of differential and integral calculus concepts, including limits, derivative and integral computation, linearization, Riemann sums, the fundamental theorem of calculus, and differential equations.  Content is presented across ten units and covers various applications, including graph analysis, linear motion, average value, area, volume, and growth and decay models.  In this course, students use an online textbook, which supplements the instruction they receive and provides additional opportunities to practice using the content they’ve learned.  Students will use an embedded graphing calculator applet (GCalc) for their work on this course; the software for the applet can be downloaded at no charge.

Geometry

Geometry builds on students’ prior knowledge by helping them make a connection to the concepts they learned in Algebra I.  In this course, students are introduced to the basic elements of geometry and then move on to proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, the coordinate plane, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, congruence and similarity, surface area, volume, and transformations.  Content is accompanied by numerous graphics and illustrations in this very visual course.  Narrated slideshows make it easier for students to understand the more challenging concepts presented.  Lessons are supplemented with interactive problems that let students practice what they’ve learned before they complete homework assignments and take assessments.

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Trigonometry

After students complete this course, they will have an understanding of how trigonometry is used in daily life and how it relates to other mathematical topics.  The course begins with an introduction to trigonometry, including functions and relations, domain and range, composition of functions, performing operations on functions, and graphing functions.  Lessons go on to cover trigonometric ratios, graphing trigonometric functions, and trigonometric laws and identities.  Like Geometry, Trigonometry is a very visual course; much of the content is accompanied with graphics and illustrations. There are custom self-checks throughout this course that pose problems in a “What do you think?” format. After completing the problems, students can check their answers as well as their problem-solving procedures.