An Algebra II/Trigonometry course taught according to Charlotte Mason's principles using the Algebra II/Trig text by Paul Foerster. 

This approach includes the introduction of "captain ideas" from great thinkers or from history to pique the interest of the students and grab their attention.  Through carefully graduated lessons, students are engaged and guided to wonder, explore, and consider concepts on their own.

This course constitutes one high school math credit.**

**Climbing Higher Math teaches students from different states and countries and is not responsible for ensuring every state's standards are met.

Course Details

Course Description

This course is a comprehensive study of advanced algebra concepts including functions, polynomials, exponentials, and logarithms, alongside a thorough introduction to trigonometry, all based on the "Foerster Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications" textbook, emphasizing real-world application problems and utilizing graphing technology to visualize relationships between variables. 

Key topics include linear equations, systems of equations, quadratic functions, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, and solving trigonometric equations, with a focus on connecting theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. After completing this course, students are prepared to continue on to a course in precalculus.

Prerequisites

A course of Algebra 1 and a course of High School Geometry

Structure 

• Live, online class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am central, via Zoom. This class is taught by Dr. Julie Ryle.

• Assignments will be given to be completed independently on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Self-guided lessons will be posted on Fridays, continuing to build on the topics learned through the week.

Logistics

Class assignments and links will be posted in a Canvas Classroom to which students will be added.  In this environment, students have the opportunity to easily ask the teacher for help, converse with their classmates, as well as use tools to turn in assignments and re-watch lessons. The instructor will be available to answer questions, including personalized video answers to problems, as needed.

Materials Required 

• access to a device on which to stream Zoom classes, and upload and download assignments from Canvas Classroom

  • a computer, or laptop, is suggested for using Zoom as students often need to access another classroom platform such as Desmos or Quizizz while running Zoom

  • a phone is suggested for taking pictures of assignments and uploading them  

• Algebra & Trigonometry textbook by Paul Foerster

• Solutions manual for the text (out of print -- you may find a used copy, or a pdf version is available here)

• a scientific calculator (like this one)

• a gridded notebook, or a lined notebook plus graph paper

Course Types offered

Climbing Higher Math offers Algebra II/Trig taught as:

• a live course (taught by Dr. Julie) 
• an asychronous course (guided by Dr. Julie) 
• a self-paced course (supported by Dr. Julie - coming August of 2025). 

You can find out more about each of the three course types below: