Departments & Faculty

The Marin Catholic curriculum is designed to provide a challenging, college prep experience for all of our students.

Mathematics

  • Algebra I (P)

    This is a comprehensive course in first year algebra, which emphasizes the structure of algebra. The goal is to develop proficiency with mathematical skills and to expand the understanding of mathematical concepts including operations in the real number system, solving equations, linear equations and inequalities, exponents, sequences, roots and quadratic expressions equations and rational expressions. Problem solving skills and logical thinking will also be stressed. A scientific calculator is required. Prerequisites: A freshman will be placed in this course on the basis of his or her scores on the Math Placement Examination, his or her GPA, and his or her teacher’s recommendation. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • Accelerated Algebra I (P)

    This intensive first-year algebra course for incoming 9th graders covers the topics in Algebra 1, not including the pre-algebra topics. The class moves at a faster pace and goes into more depth. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are emphasized. A scientific calculator is required. Prerequisites: A freshman will be placed in this course on the basis of his or her scores on the Entrance Examination and the Math Placement Examination, his or her GPA, and his or her teacher’s recommendation. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • Geometry (P)

    A complete course in Euclidean geometry with emphasis on deductive reasoning, mathematical proof, and coordinate geometry. Throughout the course, theorems are applied in problems that build deductive skills and reinforce algebraic skills. The course covers geometric transformations, similarity and congruence of figures, properties and measurements of plane figures, geometric proofs, arc length and area of sectors, measurements of three-dimensional solids, right triangle trigonometry, and probability.  A scientific calculator is required. Prerequisite: A “C-” or better in both semesters of Algebra 1 or Accelerated Algebra or successful completion of Algebra 1. A freshman will be placed in this course on the basis of his or her scores on the Entrance Examination and the Math Placement Examination, GPA and teacher’s recommendation. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • Honors Geometry (P)

    This is an accelerated and rigorous course in Euclidean geometry with solid and coordinate geometry. Students develop deductive reasoning skills with extensive reinforcement of algebraic skills. The course covers geometric transformations, similarity and congruence of figures, properties and measurements of plane figures, geometric proofs, arc length and area of sectors, measurements of three-dimensional solids, trigonometry, and probability. A scientific calculator is required. Prerequisites: Academic GPA of 3.5 or higher; An “A” in both semesters of Algebra 1 or an “A-” or better in both semesters of Accelerated Algebra and teacher’s recommendation. A freshman will be placed in this course on the basis of his or her scores on the Entrance Examination and the Math Placement Examination, GPA and teacher’s recommendation. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • Algebra II (P)

    This second year algebra course examines algebra more closely by means of a critical study of the structure of the real number system. Topics include: solving equations and inequalities, linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, operations of polynomials, exponents and roots, quadratic relations and functions, logarithms and exponential functions, sequences and series, rational expressions and probability. A graphing calculator is required for this course. Prerequisites: A freshman will be placed in this course on the basis of his or her scores on the Entrance Examination and the Math Placement Examination, GPA, teacher’s recommendation and successful completion of an approved Geometry course. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • Honors Algebra II (P)

    This second year honors algebra course examines algebra more closely and in depth by means of a critical study of the structure of the real number system. Topics include: solving equations and inequalities, linear functions and regression, systems of equations and inequalities, operations of polynomials, exponents and roots, quadratic relations and functions, matrices, logarithms and exponential functions, sequences and series, rational expressions and probability. A graphing calculator is required for this course.
    Prerequisites: Academic GPA of 3.5 or higher; AND “B+” or better in both semesters of Honors Geometry; OR an “A-” in both semesters of Geometry. A freshman will be placed in this course on the basis of his or her scores on the Entrance Examination and the Math Placement Examination, GPA, teacher’s recommendation and successful completion of an approved Geometry course. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • Intro to Computer Programming (P)

    This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. Students will learn the basics of computer programming along with the basics of computer science. The material emphasizes computational thinking and helps develop the ability to solve complex problems. This course covers the basic building blocks of programming using Python along with other central elements of computer science. It gives a foundation in the tools used in computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science, including AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A courses.
  • Intro to Data Science (P)

    In this course, students will learn to analyze data, including: posing questions that can be answered by looking at relationships among variables in a data set, using collected data to generate hypotheses for future data collection, critically evaluating shortcomings and strengths in the data and the data collection process, and informally evaluating hypotheses using big data as well as data they have personally collected. Students will be led to understand how data is used in all facets of modern life and how it is used by professionals to tackle real world problems in our communities.  Students will create and analyze statistical graphics, looking for patterns and connecting those patterns to real world trends.
    Prerequisite: “C-” or better in both semesters of Algebra 2 or successful completion of Algebra 2; AND “C-” or better in both semesters of Geometry or successful completion of Geometry.
  • Precalculus (P)

    This course is designed for students who have been successful in Algebra II and wish to prepare themselves further for college majors that require calculus. This course focuses on the study of elementary functions, with an emphasis on skills and ideas that are important in the study of calculus. This course covers polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions; the related inverse and reciprocal functions; composites of functions; analytic geometry and vector operations. The course also introduces limits, limit laws, continuity, and the derivative as a function.  Prerequisite:Pass Precalculus Readiness Test, “B-” or better in both semesters of Geometry or “C-” or better in both semesters of Geometry Honors; AND “B+” or better in both semesters of Algebra 2 or “B-”or better in both semesters of Honors Algebra 2; AND recommendations from former math teachers. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • Probability & Statistics (P)

    This course covers basic concepts of probability and statistical inference, focusing on an intuitive approach to understanding concepts and methodologies. It introduces critical thinking, covering topics in probability, descriptive statistics, sampling distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing and regression. A graphing calculator is required for this course.
  • Honors PreCalculus (HP)

    This intensive course emphasizes the basic concepts needed in calculus and in other areas of advanced mathematics. Topics include all those covered in Pre-Calculus plus extensive study of elementary and trigonometric functions, including sequences, series, and combinatorial problems, and a full treatment of plane and space geometry including polar coordinates, parametric equations and vector operations. The course also introduces limits, limit laws, continuity, and the derivative as a function.
    This intensive course emphasizes the basic concepts needed in calculus and in other areas of advanced mathematics. Topics include all those covered in Pre-Calculus plus extensive study of elementary and trigonometric functions, including sequences, series, and combinatorial problems, and a full treatment of plane and space geometry including polar coordinates, parametric equations and vector operations. The course also introduces limits, limit laws, continuity, and the derivative as a function. Prerequisite: Pass Precalculus Readiness Test, Academic GPA of 3.5 or higher; AND “A” or better in both semesters of Geometry or “B” or better in both semesters of Geometry Honors; AND “A” or better in both semesters of Algebra or “B+” or better in both semesters of Honors Algebra 2 AND recommendations from former math teachers. Summer homework is assigned for this course.

    Pass Precalculus Readiness Test, Academic GPA of 3.5 or higher; AND “A” or better in both semesters of Geometry or “B” or better in both semesters of Geometry Honors; AND “A” or better in both semesters of Algebra or “B+” or better in both semesters of Honors Algebra 2 AND recommendations from former math teachers. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • AP Calculus AB (HP)

    This is a comprehensive full year course in differential and integral calculus of real functions, which is equivalent to one semester of college calculus. Emphasis is placed on applications and problem analysis. Students who successfully complete the course and pass the AP examination may receive credit and/ or advanced placement for a one semester introductory college calculus course. A graphing calculator is required for this course.
    Prerequisite: “B” or better in both semesters of Precalculus or “C+” or better in both semesters of Honors Precalculus AND recommendations from former math teachers. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • AP Calculus BC (HP)

    BC Calculus is a full year course that includes all topics covered in AB Calculus plus additional topics, such as parametric and polar equations, vector functions, and infinite series. This course is equivalent to two semesters of college calculus. Students who successfully complete BC Calculus and pass the AP examination may receive credit and/ or advanced placement for two semesters of college calculus. A graphing calculator is required for this course.  Prerequisite: “B+” or better in both semesters of Honors Precalculus AND recommendations from former math teachers. Summer homework is assigned for this course.
  • AP Computer Science (HP)

    This is a college-level course in computer science taught at an accelerated pace in preparation for the AP Examination in Computer Science, which may result in one semester of college credit. This course emphasizes object oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. The students will learn to design and implement computer-based solutions to problems in a variety of application areas, code fluently in Java, and develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve problems.

    Prerequisites: Very good math and logic skills, and attention to detail are required. Students should have completed Algebra 2 & Geometry with a grade of at least a B or obtain permission from the instructor. Summer homework will be assigned for this course.
  • AP Statistics (HP)

    The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. The AP Statistics course is an excellent option for any student who has successfully completed Algebra II and possesses sufficient mathematical maturity and quantitative reasoning ability. Students who successfully complete the course and pass the AP examination may receive credit and/or advanced placement for a one-semester introductory college statistics course. A graphing calculator is required for this course.