Mathematics

The Mathematics department at Gonzaga has two primary goals: to help students reason logically with speed and precision, and to give them the skills necessary for a successful college career. The program includes full-year courses in elementary algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra and trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Our Honors Program begins with Honors Algebra or Honors Geometry and finishes with either Pre-Calculus (including AP) or AP Calculus AB. There are also offerings beyond this for accelerated students, including AP Calculus BC and Linear Algebra/Multivariable Calculus. Gonzaga also offers an Advanced program for our top Math students that begins in either freshman or sophomore year and culminates with three semesters of calculus and analytic geometry. Students must complete a four-credit program in mathematics during their time at Gonzaga.

  • ADVANCED GEOMETRY AND PRECALCULUS

    (Full Year) In the first semester, the entire content of Honors Geometry is covered. In the second semester, students begin a course in college algebra and trigonometry that includes the study of systems of equations, absolute values, inequalities, linear functions, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, circular and trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Open to qualified students approved to follow the advanced math sequence.

  • ADVANCED PRECALCULUS AND INTRO TO CALCULUS

    (Full Year) This three semester sequence begins during the second semester. The first two semesters involve the study of Precalculus topics at an advanced level. Topics include graphs of functions, and properties of polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions and their inverses, and polar coordinates. Matrix algebra and basic combinatorics and problem solving with probability are also included. Qualified students from Honors Algebra II populate the course. The third semester of the course begins the study of differential Calculus topics, with an introduction to the integral and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Open to students following the advanced math sequence.
    Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry teacher approval

  • ALGEBRA I

    (Full Year) This course familiarizes the student with the basic language and concepts of algebra. The student studies the properties of the set of real numbers and learns to use the operations defined on the set to solve equations and inequalities. The concepts, properties, and graphs of relations and functions are introduced. Topics include linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, polynomial functions, properties of exponents, rational expressions, irrational numbers, and quadratic equations. By the end of the course, students will be able to translate real-world scenarios into algebraic models, interpret solutions and gain the necessary skills for subsequent math courses like Geometry and Algebra II. Required of all freshmen who have not placed out of Algebra I by way of the Algebra Placement Test.

  • ALGEBRA II AND TRIGONOMETRY

    (Full Year) This course further explores algebra and introduces trigonometry. The curriculum focuses on families of functions, which is of major importance throughout the course. Students graph the functions with transformations, solve equations, and manipulate expressions.  Additional topics include function operations, composition, and inverses. An in-depth study of trigonometry is undertaken in preparation for future math courses. Required of all students following the regular math sequence.
    Prerequisites: Algebra I or Honors Algebra I; Geometry or Honors Geometry

  • AP CALCULUS AB

    (Full Year) Students taking this course will study differential and integral calculus with some analytic geometry. The differential calculus of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions is presented, including the concepts of limit, derivative, continuity, theorems involving these concepts, and applications involving the theory. Integral calculus is presented, including the theory of indefinite and definite integrals, with area problems as an application of both. The student is expected to acquire a basic understanding of the concepts of calculus and to have considerable experience with its methods and applications.
    Prerequisite: AP Precalculus with Analysis and teacher approval

  • AP CALCULUS BC

    (Full Year) This course continues the study of calculus begun in either AP Calculus AB  or Advanced Precalculus and Introduction to Calculus. Included are further applications of the theory of indefinite and definite integrals, analytic geometry utilizing calculus, vectors, parametric equations, additional transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals and infinite series. The course is intended to help the student understand the concepts of calculus as well as provide experience with its methods and widespread application to problem solving. Open to students who have completed AP Calculus AB or those students following the advanced math sequence.
    Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB and teacher approval

  • AP PRECALCULUS

    (Full Year) This course prepares students for the AP Precalculus exam and for college-level mathematics and science courses. Students build mastery in functions and modeling using a multiple-representational approach, building on what they learned in previous courses. Key topics include characteristics and modeling of rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be prepared to take Honors Differential Calculus. 
    Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry and departmental approval.

  • AP PRECALCULUS WITH ANALYSIS

    (Full Year) This course parallels the AP Precalculus course in preparation for the AP Precalculus exam but is more rigorous due to greater depth and higher-level problem solving. Students build mastery of functions using a multiple representational approach, building on what they learned in previous courses. Key topics include characteristics and modeling of rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. This course also includes an introduction to calculus topics, such as limits and continuities. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be prepared to take AP Calculus AB. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry and departmental approval

  • AP STATISTICS

    (Full Year) is a college-level course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools used for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students learn to explore data using graphical and numerical methods, plan and conduct studies and experiments, and apply probability and statistical inference to real-world situations. Emphasis is placed on statistical reasoning, interpreting results, and communicating findings clearly. Topics include descriptive statistics, data collection methods, probability, random variables, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and regression. The course prepares students for further study in mathematics, science, social sciences, and other data-driven fields. 
    Prerequisite: Algebra II and Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry and current math teacher approval. 

  • APPLIED STATISTICS

    (One Semester; offered starting Fall 2022) This course emphasizes statistical literacy and the development of statistical thinking. Students will gather and analyze data and draw appropriate conclusions using statistical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Students will make inferences from self-conducted surveys and experiments. Topics covered include Hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, normal distributions, linear, non-linear and multi-variable regression, and probability. Completion of Algebra II/Trigonometry is the only prerequisite.

  • GEOMETRY

    (Full Year) This course includes an overview of the basic tools of geometry, including points, lines, planes, and angles; an intense study of parallel lines, triangles, polygons, circles, and three-dimensional figures; and an introduction to trigonometry. The course integrates logical reasoning and deductive proof. The student is expected to use spatial visualization skills and incorporate Algebra I skills into problem-solving.
    Prerequisite: Algebra I or Honors Algebra I

  • HONORS ALGEBRA I

    (Full Year) This course parallels the regular Algebra I course but is more rigorous due to greater depth and higher-level problem solving. The course prepares students for Honors Geometry. Open to freshmen who have placed out of Algebra I after sitting for the Algebra Placement Test.

  • HONORS ALGEBRA II AND TRIGONOMETRY

    (Full Year) This course parallels the Algebra II and Trigonometry course but is more rigorous due to greater depth and higher-level problem solving. Concepts essential to the study of calculus will receive special emphasis, including trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions. Open to qualified students via department approval.
    Prerequisites: Algebra I or Honors Algebra I; Geometry, Honors Geometry, or Summer Geometry for Advancement

  • HONORS DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

    (Full Year) This course introduces students to differential calculus by exploring the foundational concepts, techniques, and applications of derivatives, covering topics such as limits, continuity, and rates of change. Emphasis will be placed on differentiation rules for polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Real-world applications, including motion, curve analysis, and related rates, will be central to the course, providing students with practical problem-solving skills. This course is designed for students interested in calculus but who may not yet be ready for AP Calculus, ensuring a strong foundation for success in future college-level calculus courses. Prerequisites: Completion of AP Precalculus (any level) and teacher approval.

  • HONORS GEOMETRY

    (Full Year) This course parallels the Geometry course but is more rigorous due to greater depth and higher-level problem solving.
    Open to freshmen who placed out of Algebra I using the Algebra Placement Test, as well as sophomores who did well in Algebra I or Honors Algebra I as freshmen.

  • HONORS PRECALCULUS WITH ANALYSIS

    (Full Year) This course parallels Precalculus with Analysis but is more demanding. Open to qualified students via departmental approval.
    Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry or Algebra II/Trigonometry

  • LINEAR ALGEBRA/MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS

    (Full Year) During the first semester, students are taught Linear Algebra which involves the study of linear sets of equations and their transformation properties. Linear algebra allows the analysis of rotations in space, least squares fitting, solution of coupled differential equations, determination of a circle passing through three given points, as well as many other problems in mathematics, physics, and engineering. In the second semester, students are taught Multivariable Calculus, which builds upon the concepts and skills learned in AP Calculus BC. This course rigorously expands upon these concepts and is similar to a third semester of calculus at the college level. The topics covered in this course include differentials, integrals, and vector calculus for functions of more than one variable. Some of the topics explored during the course include double and triple integrals, parametric equations/surfaces, and the applications of vector calculus.
    Prerequisites: AP Calculus BC and departmental approval.

  • PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

    (One Semester) This elective for juniors and seniors is designed to equip our students with a fundamental understanding of personal finance and build a solid foundation for financial independence. After successfully completing the course, students should have the competence to manage their personal spending, control personal credit and debt, boost personal earning capacity, put personal assets to work to build personal wealth, use financial services in a sensible manner while protecting their personal property and financial resources. Open to juniors and seniors.
    Prerequisite: None

  • PRECALCULUS WITH ANALYSIS

    (Full Year) This course provides a complete mathematical background for the study of calculus. Particular attention is given to linear functions, quadratic functions, rational functions, systems of equations, polynomial functions, conic sections, trigonometry, graphs of functions, sequences, series, complex numbers and techniques of equation solving. Completion of Algebra II/Trigonometry is the only prerequisite.

  • PRECALCULUS WITH STATISTICS

    (Full Year) This course provides a complete mathematical background for the study of calculus. Particular attention is given to linear functions, quadratic functions, rational functions, systems of equations, polynomial functions, trigonometry, graphs of functions, and techniques of equation solving. Descriptive statistics with graphical representations of data and the normal distribution are covered in the second semester. 
    Prerequisite: Algebra II and Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry

Our Faculty

  • Paul Buckley
    The George Washington University - MEd - Secondary Education
    College of the Holy Cross - BA - Mathematics
  • Ryan Beber
    University of District of Columbia - MAT - Mathematics
    University of South Carolina - BA - History and Spanish
    University of South Carolina - MA - Spanish
  • Aidan Doyle
    University of Notre Dame - Master of Education
    Loyola University Chicago - BS - Education and Mathematics
  • Thomas Every
    St. Joseph's University - MBA - Finance
    University of Scranton - BS - Psychology
  • JoEllen Gray
    The Catholic University of America - MA - Catholic Education Leadership
    St. Francis College - BA - Mathematics
  • Kate Griffith
    Boston College - MEd - Curriculum and Instruction
    The Catholic University of America - MA - Theatre Education
    Gonzaga University - BA - Mathematics
  • Mark Howell
    University of Chicago - MAT - Secondary School Education
    University of Chicago - BA - Mathematics
  • Terrence Kernan
    St. Vincent College - BS - Mathematics
  • James Kilroy
    University of Notre Dame - MEd - Education
    University of Notre Dame - BBA -Business Administration
  • Gregory Ladd
    Colby College - BA - Economics
    Northeastern University - MS - Sports Leadership
  • Daniel Lawrey
    The Catholic University of America - BS - Mathematics Secondary Education
  • Kathleen Parlett
    Binghamton University - MAT - Education
    Binghamton University - BS - Math
  • Kevin Tarpey
    Cabrini University - MEd - Secondary Math
    Pennsylvania State University - BS - HDFS
  • Scott Waller
    The George Washington University - MA - Education Administration and Leadership
    Castleton State College - BA - Secondary Education-Math
  • Christian Zombek
    Saint Louis University - MA - Philosophy & Theology
    Fordham University - BS - Math
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