Academics
Curriculum

Mathematics

Mathematics Department Philosophy

Justin-Siena provides an engineering curriculum in partnership with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the leading provider of rigorous and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education curricular programs in middle and high schools across the U.S. The PLTW engineering program is a four-year sequence of high school courses, which follows a hands-on, real-world problem-solving approach to learning. Throughout these courses, students learn and apply the design process;, acquire strong teamwork and communication proficiency; and develop organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. They discover the answers to questions about how things are made and what processes go into creating products using industry-leading 3D design software. PLTW engineering courses complement regular mathematics and science courses and are designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and careers in STEM-related fields. 

PLTW engineering courses are a good fit for students who have interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or math; are creative and like art and design; enjoy working with computers; learn best in “hands-on” classes; or just love figuring out how things are made. 

List of 12 items.

  • Algebra I

    This course provides the student with a complete study of the first-year Algebra skills and concepts. This course provides the necessary introduction and practice to prepare students for a successful study of Algebra and sets the foundation for future studies in mathematics. It includes solving linear equations, solving linear inequalities, solving systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and applications. Students relate and apply algebraic concepts to geometry, statistics, data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics.

    (Year – 10 units) 

    Prerequisite: Placement is based on the Entrance Exam measures.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.
  • Math Lab I/II

    Math Lab aims to supplement the Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 courses by using the concepts taught in the concurrent math courses. The teacher provides opportunities to pre-teach and re-teach concepts as needed. There is also a structure to support students correcting errors on assessments and redoing assessments. The students in the math lab get support in math as well as their science course. Students take Math Lab 1 as a concurrent course with Algebra 1 and Math Lab 2 with Algebra 2.
     
  • Geometry

    This course emphasizes making connections within the concepts of plane geometry. Students will be introduced to inductive and deductive reasoning, logic and proof (including flow charts and two-column proofs), thinking more logically and precisely, learning the basic principles of plane and coordinate geometry, developing problem solving skills, fully integrating algebra with geometry, and preparing for more advanced work in mathematics.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites:
    Entering freshmen-Placement is based on the Entrance Exam measures.

    Sophomores-“C-” or higher in Algebra I.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.
  • Honors Geometry

    This course is an accelerated, advanced course in Geometry for students who wish to focus on advanced mathematics in high school and beyond. Mathematical reasoning is taught through the writing of formal proofs, with the theorems, postulates, and definitions of plane geometry introduced in logical progression. An introduction to three-dimensional geometry is also included. Algebraic concepts are integrated throughout the course to aid in the transition to second-level Algebra.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: 
    Sophomores: “A-” or higher in High-school Algebra I

    Freshmen: Placement is based on the Entrance Exam measures

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.
  • Algebra II

    This course is designed to further explore concepts from Algebra I and to introduce new, more advanced algebraic concepts. At the completion of this course, students will have been introduced to, or gained further experience in the following areas: equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions, systems of equations, matrices, polynomial and radical expressions, quadratic functions and inequalities, polynomial functions, rational expressions, logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and probability.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: “C-” or higher in Algebra I, or in a first-year 
    high-school integrated mathematics course.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.
  • Honors Algebra II

    This course is an advanced and accelerated math class that develops a fuller understanding of the complete number system, develops skills in the use of graphing calculators, develops analysis and problem-solving skills, and helps students to be better prepared to take standardized tests. This course includes solutions of equations and inequalities, including both quadratic and rational inequalities and absolute value equations and inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities. It also includes functions and graphing, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, and sequences and series.

    Additional Information: A summer assignment to review Algebra I concepts is required before starting this course.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: “A-” or higher in Geometry, or “B-” or higher in Honors Geometry and completion of extra summer course work

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.
  • Statistics

    This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods of statistics and probability. This course consists of an introduction to descriptive statistics and statistical inference. Topics include basic measures of central tendency and variability, elementary probability theory, sample sizes, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and analysis of variation.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: “C-” or higher in Geometry, H. Geometry, 
    Algebra II, H. Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and H. Pre-Calculus.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.
  • Pre-Calculus

    This course introduces students to the topic of trigonometry in the first semester and the study of mathematical functions in the second semester. Trigonometry includes the study of functions of both acute and obtuse angles, solutions to right and oblique triangles, and radian and degree measure. It also includes graphs of trigonometric functions and their inverses, trigonometric identities, and applications of trigonometric functions and vectors. The second semester includes the study of elementary math functions and applications in problem solving. Graphical analysis is included in all sections with investigations of the behavior of graphs with related equations. Further topics which are explored include sequences and series and exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: “C-”or higher in Algebra II.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.
  • Honors Pre-Calculus

    This course develops both the conceptual understanding and the analytical skills necessary to experience success in future studies in Calculus. It includes a complete covering of trigonometry and the applications of trigonometry, matrices and their applications, counting theory and probability, partial fractions, the Binomial Theorem, Mathematical Induction, and a general preparation and introduction to calculus that includes limits, continuity, and derivatives.

    Additional Information: A summer assignment may be required.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: “B-” or higher in Honors Algebra II, or “A-” or 
    higher in Algebra II and completion of extra summer course work.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list. 





  • Calculus

    This course is similar to a first semester college Calculus course and is designed to prepare students for college-level Calculus. The course covers limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives, integrals, differential equations, mathematical modeling, and applications of definite integrals.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: “C-" or higher in Pre-Calculus.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.


  • AP® Calculus AB

    Advanced Placement® Calculus AB is a full academic year of calculus; it is comparable to one semester of college Calculus. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed geometrically, numerically, graphically, and verbally. Students are required to have their own graphing calculator. Students must take the Advanced Placement® Calculus AB examination offered in the spring.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Additional Information: A summer assignment may be required.

    Prerequisites: “B-” or higher in Honors Pre-Calculus or a “C-” or higher in Calculus, or an “A-” or higher in Pre-Calculus and 
    completion of extra summer course work.

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list. 






  • AP® Calculus BC

    Advanced Placement® Calculus BC is comparable to a second semester college course; it is an extension of AP® Calculus AB. AP® Calculus BC is concerned with developing student understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. Topics include applications of definite integrals, sequences, L’Hopital’s Rule, improper integrals, infinite series, and Parametric, Vector, and Polar Functions. Students must take the Advanced Placement® Calculus BC examination offered in the spring.

    Additional Information: A summer assignment may be required.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: “B-” or higher in AP® Calculus AB or an “A-” or take an approved class through Napa Valley College and completion of extra summer course work. See your counselor for more details. 

    This course is UC-approved on the “c” list.

For more information, contact:

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Sarah Melanephy

    Sarah Melanephy 

    Instructor of Mathematics; Department Chair
    707.255.0950 ext. 754

Justin-Siena High School

4026 Maher Street
Napa, CA, 94558
United States
T: 707.255.0950 
F: 707.255.0334
Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory community that serves young people in grades 9–12.