Math Progression Options & Student Testimonies

Lexington Catholic Math Progression Options

We offer Advanced Placement classes in Statistics and in Calculus AB and Calculus BC.

The chart above shows the various math progression options available to students. Every student has an individualized path in order to meet his/her needs. Our mathematics curriculum is a structured sequence set up to begin with Algebra I and proceed through Geometry and Algebra II. To complete the required minimum of 4 credits, courses may be taken in Trigonometry, Calculus, Topics in Math, or Probability and Statistics. In addition, students that take Algebra I their freshman year, may take Geometry and Algebra II their sophomore year, if recommended and approved by a teacher.

**We have observed that 5 to 10 percent of entering students can by-pass Algebra I and Geometry to successfully complete four additional courses without remediation. This correlates with College Board Advanced Placement student performance statistics. These students should score in the top ten percent on MAP or other standardized test in order to meet with success in the subsequent levels.

**For detailed flow charts and student testimonies, please visit

http://www.lexingtoncatholic.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=416640&type=d&pREC_ID=910851

Questions, please contact Lisa Gadberry, LCHS Mathematics Department Chair [email protected]

Questions, please contact Lisa Gadberry, LCHS Mathematics Department Chair [email protected]

Student Testimonies 

“Taking Algebra 1 for the first time my freshman year, was something I dreaded. It seemed as if all the other students were ahead of me, and that I was left behind. This soon changed, as I realized the importance of properly grasping math. I took Algebra 1 freshman year, Geometry my sophomore year, and I am currently taking Algebra 2 my junior year. I fully understand the anxiety related to course selections freshman year, because nobody wants to be “held-back” in a sense. But the truth is, this situation has not held me back in any sense. I was accepted into both GSP, and GSA, I made Chamber choir after a year of choral experience, I am currently the Executive Vice-President of the student body at Lexington Catholic. I have been selected as 1 of 6 kids in Kentucky to attend the Youth Leadership Council on Tomorrow in St. Louis this fall, and I am holding office, and participating in over 24 clubs both at Lexington Catholic High School and outside. These are all to reassure you that taking Algebra 1 a second time is not a failure, or a set-back in any way. It will improve your mathematical abilities, and prepare you down the road. It is a decision you will not regret.”

“I was never good at math. In middle school my teachers would assign homework that would take other student’s mere minutes, while I could spend as many as 4 hours trying to complete the assignment. So, when it came time to go to high school my parents and I seriously contemplated enrolling me in Algebra I again, rather than continuing in to Geometry because it seems that's what you are supposed to do if you take Algebra I in 8th grade. After much thought and discussion we thought that Geometry would be the better fit for me.

I had an even harder time with Geometry and I barely scraped by. At the end of my freshman year I was diagnosed with A.D.D. Because I had never been a hyperactive kid my learning difference was virtually undetectable.

My sophomore year was off to a frustrating start and I was very discouraged in Algebra II. Things got better when Mrs. Larkey, the head of the High Marks department, approached me about retaking Algebra I. This was an incredibly difficult decision. None of my classmates would be in my class and I probably wouldn't know anybody else. Not only that but what would people think? What would they say? And how on earth would I explain it? I was terrified that people would think I was stupid or that I had failed. After all, I had a reputation for bad grades. Before making my decision I talked to everyone. I talked to my parents, my guidance counselor, and Mrs. Gadberry. By the end of the week my mind was made up. I was going to take Algebra I as a sophomore. As it ended up other sophomores later made the decision to try the same path.

Trust me, it wasn't without its struggles but I know now, without a doubt, I made the right decision. I made my first A in a math class and I received the Algebra I award. I also found myself confident about the math problems I was asked to solve; I actually enjoyed math, AND I had other students asking ME for help. I also went on to get an A in Algebra II as well my junior year. My academic path may have been a little unconventional, but it was what was right for me. I wouldn't change it, even if I could and I do not regret one second of it.”

“When I was asked to write about my thoughts on taking Algebra I freshman year I can say I think it was one of the best choices I made going into high school. I had a decent math background from Middle School and being home-schooled but was placed in Algebra I for various reasons. At first I slightly objected, seeing most of the other students in my class starting in Geometry. Although hesitant about the decision, I remained in Algebra I and as a rising senior I do not regret the choice at all. Taking Algebra I my freshman year allowed me to build a firm, thorough, and complete base on which I could build my math journey. My sophomore year I doubled up on Geometry and Algebra II, taking both honors classes simultaneously. That proved non-problematic for me as well as other students. This past year (my junior year) I completed Honors Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus. I excelled in each of those classes, partly due to the strong foundation built in Algebra I. Along with academics, I have been an active member on the Catholic soccer team and lacrosse team, helping my team win the lacrosse state championship in 2014. I have been a class, house, and service club representative the past three years and was elected as Co-President of the service club for the upcoming year. I was nominated boy of the year the past two years and am second in my class ranking. The success Algebra I has helped with also goes outside of school activities, including being accepted into the Governor Scholars Program. Starting in Algebra I did not hinder my ability to succeed. Rather, it allowed me to excel in math and science courses. Overall, I believe I made the right choice in taking Algebra I and would recommend anyone to do the same.”

“For the entirety of my middle school career I was not very confident in my math ability. However, that changed a tremendous amount once I got to high school. In the 8th grade I took Algebra I, but a lot of the content still remained unclear to me. This concerned my parents because, without a solid understanding of the basics, math would become increasingly difficult as I got older. Due to the circumstances, my parents and I decided retaking Algebra I my freshman year was the best decision for me.  I am currently a senior and can strongly agree that taking Algebra I freshman year was the absolute best decision. It has helped make my high school experience extremely positive thus far. As a sophomore I took both Algebra II and Geometry, and maintained good grades in both courses. Junior year I took Honors Trigonometry and received an A both first and second semester. Not only did I understand the material in these math courses, but was also assertive enough to answer and ask questions in class.  Along with being confident in school I have also been able to succeed outside of the classroom. I was Class President both my sophomore and junior year, and will serve as Student Body President for my senior year. In addition to student council I have also played soccer, run track, and served as a Class Representative for the Service Club. Although retaking Algebra I may just seem like a small decision, it has helped me with many different aspects of high school. I am more confident in all of my abilities, but especially math. Math has now become a class that I enjoy going to, which I would have never believed back in middle school. For my senior year I will be taking Honors Calculus, and am extremely confident that I will succeed. I know that I have a strong math foundation that will help me finish out my high school career successfully!”