Select a Department

Mathematics

  • AP Pre-Calculus

    AP PreCalculus – (RAI, NCAA, DMACC)
    Credit: 1.0
    Offered to grades: 10-12

    Prerequisite: B or above in Adv Alg II

    In this course, students will learn polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and polar functions along with functions involving parameters, vectors, and matrices. This content will be presented and assessed in a way that builds students’ procedural and symbolic fluency, confidence in representing concepts using multiple representations, and ability to communicate and reason mathematically. Students will be encouraged to take the AP exam at the end of the year. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Adv Algebra I (RAI)

    Advanced Algebra I – (RAI, NCAA)                               
    Credit:  1.0                                                                                    
    Offered to grade:  9
    Prerequisite:  Administrative recommendation based on the math portion of the DCHS placement exam

    This course is designed to give a strong introduction to higher math by studying slope, linear expressions and equations, graphing, systems of equations, quadratics, and rational expressions and equations. This course exceeds the Iowa CORE standards for Algebra I and is for students with high mathematical ability. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Adv Algebra II (RAI)

    Advanced Algebra II – (RAI, NCAA)                             
    Credit:  1.0                                  
    Offered to grades:  9-11                                                                       
    Prerequisite:  B or above in Adv Geometry, with strong Algebra I skills

    This class provides an in-depth study of second-year algebra. It is for students with high mathematical ability. It includes all the topics of Algebra II along with a six-week study of trigonometry. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Adv Geometry (RAI)

    Advanced Geometry – (RAI, NCAA)                             
    Credit:  1.0                                                                           
    Offered to grades:  9-10                                                                                                     
    Prerequisite:  B or above in Adv Algebra I or A in Algebra I

    This course is an in-depth study of geometry. It includes all the topics of Geometry along with additional selected topics such as constructions, surface area, and volume. This course is for students with high mathematical ability. Students will need to purchase a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Adv Pre-Calculus (RAI)

    Advanced PreCalculus – (RAI, NCAA, DMACC)
    Credit: 1.0
    Offered to grades: 9-12

    Prerequisite: B or above in Adv Alg II
    This class presents the topics of algebraic, trigonometric, circular, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions with an introduction to limits as a preparation for college-bound students going into a first course in calculus. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Algebra I (RAI)

    Algebra I – (RAI, NCAA)
    Credit: 1.0
    Offered to grades: 9-11

    Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or Administrative recommendation based on the math portion of the DCHS placement exam

    This course is an introduction to higher math through the study of slope, linear expressions and equations, graphing, quadratics, and systems of linear equations.
  • Algebra II (RAI)

    Algebra II – (RAI, NCAA)
    Credit: 1.0
    Offered to grades: 10-12

    Prerequisite: Geometry
    This class is a second-year study of algebra that reviews and extends the concepts of Algebra I and, in addition, includes quadratic equations and systems, complex numbers, rational functions, logarithms, sequences, and series. Students must have a TI-83 or TI- 84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • AP Calculus AB (RAI)

    AP Calculus AB – (RAI, NCAA, DMACC)                        
    Credit:  1.0                              
    Offered to grades:  11-12
    Category:  Must meet requirements                                                                             Prerequisite:  B or above in AP PreCalculus

    This course covers concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. Students will be encouraged to take the AP exam at the end of the year. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • AP Calculus BC (RAI)

    AP Calculus BC – (RAI, NCAA, DMACC)                        
    Credit:  1.0                                                                         
    Offered to grades:  11-12
    Category:  Must meet requirements                                                                             Prerequisite:  B or above in AP Calculus AB

    This course covers topics in differential and integral calculus, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and series. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. Students will be encouraged to take the AP exam at the end of the year. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100). This course is offered on a year-to-year basis depending on course enrollment.
  • AP Statistics (RAI)

    AP Statistics – (RAI, NCAA, SLU)                                   
    Credit:  1.0                                                                          
    Offered to grades:  11-12                                                                                                Prerequisite:  B or above in Adv Algebra II, PreCalc, or AP PreCalc or A in Algebra II

    This is a statistics course where students will be introduced to and apply descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include statistics, probability, various distributions (including binomial, Poisson and normal), an in-depth look at hypothesis testing, as well as linear regression and correlation. Students will learn to perform tests on graphing calculators as well as by hand. There will be student-led projects involving designing experiments and gathering, displaying, and testing data. Students will be encouraged to take the AP exam at the end of the year. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Discrete Math (RAI)

    Discrete Math – (RAI, NCAA)                                        
    Credit:  0.5                                                                          
    Offered to grades:  11-12                                                                                                 Prerequisite:  Algebra II

    This course includes the study of matrices, linear programming, graph theory, map coloring, fractals, logic, and counting techniques. In addition to traditional computational methods, students will use graphing calculators for problem solving. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Geometry (RAI)

    Geometry – (RAI, NCAA)                                               
    Credit:  1.0                                                                           
    Offered to grades:  9-12                                                                  
    Prerequisite:  Algebra I

    This course is designed to review and strengthen algebraic skills, develop deductive reasoning (including formal proofs) and inductive reasoning ability, and increase spatial perception. Emphasis is placed on lines, planes, angles, congruence, similarity, circles, areas, perimeter, polygons, circumference, and transformations. Students will need to purchase a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Math Lit

    Math Literacy                                                                 
    Credit:  1.0                                                                                  
    Offered to grade:  12
    Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation

    This course includes real world applications, arithmetic review, and problem‐solving using Pre-Algebra/Algebra 1 skills. This course will also include differentiated, computer-based independent learning. Math Literacy will prepare students for the workforce or a two-year college program after high school graduation. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Pre-Algebra

    Pre-Algebra
    Credit:  1.0
    Offered to grade:  9
    Prerequisite:  Administrative recommendation based on the math portion of the DCHS placement exam

    This course is an introduction to Algebra, which is designed for students who would benefit from math taught at a slower pace. A comprehensive review of arithmetic skills will be stressed. Pre-algebra skills of solving and graphing linear equations, simplifying expressions, and practical application of algebraic skills will be covered.
  • Pre-Calculus (RAI)

    PreCalculus – (RAI, NCAA)                                             
    Credit:  1.0                                                                        
     Offered to grades:  11-12
    Prerequisite:  B- or above in Algebra II or C or above in Adv Algebra II

    This class presents the topics of algebraic, trigonometric, circular, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions as a preparation for college-bound students. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).
  • Statistics (RAI)

    Statistics – (RAI, NCAA)                                                 
    Credit:  0.5                                                                          
    Offered to grades:  11-12
    Prerequisite:  Algebra II

    This class is designed to give a basic introduction to statistics. Students will be introduced to descriptive and inferential statistics, will use probability to predict outcomes, and will organize data into a useful form. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for this course (approximately $100).

Department Faculty

Dowling Catholic High School

Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. In an environment that is faithful, caring and dedicated, Dowling Catholic forms each student to become a Christ-centered leader.