Mathematics

Math at Marian High School is designed to prepare students for the future by increasing their knowledge of mathematics and its applications. The mathematics curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to function as productive citizens in a society which extensively utilizes technology and information processing. The overall design is to develop mathematical concepts, techniques, and problem-solving skills so the student can become responsible for her own learning and apply these skills to other disciplines, educational pursuits, and life situations. 

Course Offerings

List of 12 items.

  • Algebra I

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9
    Prerequisite: Placement by school personnel

    This course will cover computational skills and properties of real numbers, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and inequalities, absolute value, systems of equations/inequalities, properties of exponents, operations with polynomials, radical operations, and problem-solving techniques
    involving real life applications. Students are introduced to probability and statistics.
  • Honors Algebra I

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9
    Prerequisite: Placement by school personnel

    This course is designed for students who can work independently and cooperatively on a wide variety of challenging mathematical topics. It provides an in-depth study of algebra with greater emphasis on proof, word problems, and problem-solving skills. This course is faster paced and a more in-depth study of the topics covered in Algebra I and includes rational expressions and equations.
  • Geometry

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10
    Prerequisite: Department recommendation

    This is a course in logical mathematical reasoning applied to plane figures. Students study the applications of algebraic concepts to geometric relationships, and basic elements of solid geometry. First semester emphasis is on being able to understand and develop deductive proofs. Second semester emphasis is on properties of right triangles and plane and solid figures including area and volume. The course will include a review of Algebra I topics.
  • Honors Geometry

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9, 10
    Prerequisite: Department recommendation

    This course is designed for students who can work independently and cooperatively on a wide variety of challenging mathematical topics. It emphasizes logical mathematical reasoning applied to plane and solid figures. Students study inductive and deductive reasoning and the application of algebraic concepts to geometric relationships. This is an in-depth study of the course content stressing original proofs and challenging honors exercises. The course will include a review of Honors Algebra I topics.
  • Algebra II

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10, 11
    Prerequisites: Department recommendation

    This course reviews and explores in depth the concepts introduced in Algebra I. The topics explored in detail are operations and equations with complex numbers, quadratics, and various other functions including rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic equations. Conic sections and sequences and series are presented. 
  • Honors Algebra II

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10, 11
    Prerequisite: Department recommendation

    This course is designed for students who can work independently and cooperatively on a wide variety of challenging mathematical topics. Honors Algebra II is a faster pace and more intense study of Algebra II topics.
  • Precalculus

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Department recommendation

    Precalculus includes a thorough study of trigonometry and advanced algebra. Other topics covered are functions, advanced graphing, complex numbers, sequences and series, and vectors. This course is offered for the student intending to continue mathematics courses in college.
  • Honors Precalculus

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Department recommendation

    This course is designed for students who can work independently and cooperatively on a wide variety of challenging mathematical topics. It provides students with the opportunity for an in-depth study of Precalculus. In addition to the concepts listed in Precalculus, the course covers extensive graphing skills, using
    transformations on functions, concepts of limit, continuity, and an introduction to Differential Calculus.

    NOTE: Student will be required to enroll in AP Calculus AB or BC the following school year. 
  • Statistics

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 12 
    Prerequisite: Department recommendation
    *This course is only for seniors who either do not qualify, or feel
    unprepared for Precalculus. This course may not be taken
    concurrently with any other math course.

    This course is an introduction to statistics. Topics covered include exploratory data analysis, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and inferential statistical concepts covered through activity-based learning.
  • AP Statistics (elective)

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “B+” average in Honors Algebra II or “A” average in Algebra II, teacher recommendation, and an approved department application
    * AP Statistics is an elective math course and must be taken
    concurrently with the student’s sequenced, required math course.
    AP Statistics will only fulfill a senior’s graduation requirement when a junior enrolled in Precalculus or Honors Precalculus does not meet the qualifications for AP Calculus AB/BC.
     
    This course is the first study of college Statistics. Students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Statistics exam which could lead to college credit for Statistics. Topics covered include exploratory data analysis, sampling and experimentation,
    and probability and simulation, with a special emphasis on inferential statistical concepts.

    Students will participate in a full practice AP Statistics exam on a pre-determined weekend date.
  • AP Calculus AB

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “A” in Precalculus or “B” or above in Honors Precalculus, teacher recommendation and an approved department application

    This course is the first course of study in elementary calculus. Students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Calculus-AB exam which could lead to college credit for Calculus. Topics covered include analytic geometry, functions, their derivatives,
    integrals and limits.

    Students will participate in a full practice AP Calculus AB exam on a pre-determined weekend date. 
  • AP Calculus BC

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 12
    Prerequisite: “B+” or above in Honors Precalculus, teacher recommendation and an approved department application

    This course is a first and second course of study in elementary calculus. Students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Calculus - BC exam which could lead to an additional semester of college math credit beyond the Calculus - AB credit. In addition to the AB topics, students will study vector and parametric functions,
    their derivatives and applications, polar curves, additional methods of integration, sequence and series and convergence.

    Students will participate in a full practice AP Calculus BC exam on a pre-determined weekend date.

List of 5 members.

  • Michelle Howe 

    BS - Madonna University
    MA - Madonna University
  • Stephanie McRoberts 

    BA - Wayne State University
    M.Ed - Oakland University
  • William Phillips 

    BS - University of Houston
  • Mary Steinhauer 

    BS - Michigan State University
  • Jeffrey Zajac 

    BS - University of Michigan

Marian High School

7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
PHONE: 248-644-1750 - Marian High School
Marian High School, an IHM sponsored school, is fully accredited by NCA CASI, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The mission of Marian is to ensure, within a Christian environment, an excellent education built on a strong academic curriculum, which will enable young women to value human diversity and live responsible lives of leadership and action based on gospel values.

An enduring tradition: guiding young women spiritually, challenging them academically, and inspiring them to a life of leadership and service.