Mathematics Department
Department Philosophy
At Junípero Serra High School, the Math Department shapes young men into confident thinkers who meet complex problems with clarity and determination. Our curriculum is intentionally sequenced to develop lasting understanding, not just short-term performance, and classroom learning consistently reflects the way mathematics shapes daily life and future opportunity.
Guided by experienced teachers who understand how boys learn, students are challenged to persist, to grapple with complex ideas and to apply their knowledge beyond the textbook. The result is graduates prepared not only for college-level mathematics, but for thoughtful decision-making in an ever-changing world.
Math Courses
- Algebra 1
- Honors Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Honors Geometry
- Algebra 2
- Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry
- Business Algebra 2
- Precalculus
- Honors Pre-calculus
- Calculus
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- Data Science
- AP Statistics
- AP Computer Science A
Mathematics Faculty
Initial Placement
Incoming 9th grade students are initially placed by the Assistant Principal: Academics, based on the student’s middle school grades, HSPT test scores and teacher recommendations. Note: In some cases, students will be required to take an initial placement test to become eligible for advanced standing as an incoming freshman.
Honors and AP Courses
Students who meet established criteria outlined in the Serra Course Catalog are eligible to enroll in honors and AP courses, which include:
- Honors Algebra
- Honors Geometry
- Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry
- Honors Pre-calculus
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Statistics
- AP Computer Science A
Student Opportunities
Students can deepen their interest in mathematics through diverse co-curricular experiences.
Mu Theta Alpha Mathematics Honor Society/Mathletes: Mu Theta Alpha, the high school mathematics honor society, recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding achievement and enthusiasm in mathematics.
Math Center: Open each lunch period, the Math Center welcomes students to stop by and meet with a math teacher for extra help.
Competitions: Members of the Serra Math Club participate in various competitions such as the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) and the California Math League.
Tools and Resources
Digital Course Resources: Students utilize ALEKS and MathXL as digital supplements that align with the course textbooks. Other resources, such as Desmos (now Amplify Classroom), are accessed and used in various courses. Upper division courses require students to use graphing calculators to perform more challenging problem sets.