Math and Computer Science

Doubling up is not required and not recommended by the Math Department, particularly in a student's Freshmen year. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and interests by taking electives.

Students have the option to double up their math courses in the following cases:

• Algebra 1 and Geometry in Freshmen year
• Geometry and Algebra 2 in Sophomore year
• AP Statistics and Honors Algebra 2 or any Trig & Pre-Calculus or Calculus course
• Statistics CP and Advanced Quantitative Reasoning may be doubled up with other courses in Senior year

If students would like to double-up, students are encouraged to wait to double up their Sophomore year. Students are expected to take a math course each year, even if they choose to take two math classes in one year.

While doubling-up is not required, please note that students taking Algbera 1 in Freshmen year will need to double up if they would like to take Calculus at Westford Academy. Calculus is not a required course. The Trig & Pre-Calculus courses offered at WA are challenging and rigorous courses which will thoroughly prepare students for success in STEM fields.

The TI-30X IIS is a comprehensive and inexpensive calculator that can be used in all math classes offered at Westford Academy. We recommend this model for use in class, on assessments, and at home.

In advanced courses that require the use of a graphing calculator, students will be provided with a TI-83 Plus to use in class and on appropriate assessments.

Courses taken outside of Westford Public Schools do not replace the courses offered at Westford Academy. Grades from outside courses will not be used to determine placement or eligibility for courses offered at WA. 

The courses taken elsewhere are for remedial or enrichment purposes only. They will not be recognized as a replacement for a course offered during the academic year at Westford Academy. Important exchanges of ideas occur between classmates and teachers throughout the year, which are very important to the growth of our students.

No. Important exchanges of ideas occur between classmates and teachers throughout the year, which are very important to the growth of our students. Courses are developed with a thoughtful sequence of concepts, emphasizing mastery on skills essential for success in higher level courses. This department offers a wide variety of high quality, engaging classes to our students. We have different levels of courses with ambitious expectations to meet everyone's needs. For this reason, students are not allowed to "place out" of courses.

No. Algebra 2 enrollment is limited to students in grades 10-12. The material presented in this course is more developmentally appropriate for students in these grade levels.

Freshmen who are particularly interested in furthering their Math education are encouraged to enroll in Exploring Computer Science. The collaboration and problem solving opportunities in this course are designed to help prepare students for success in both college and career in the STEM field and beyond. The application of mathematical logical reasoning in this course will be extremely beneficial in the growth and development of all students.

A student's grade in Accelerated Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Part B is used to determine eligibility for Geometry as well as for Algebra 2. Their performance in Geometry will also be used in the recommendation process, assessing readiness based on the Characteristics of an Honors Student on the Westford Academy Math Department website.

Geometry grades will be used when determining eligibility for Trig & Pre-Calc Honors. Students must earn a 95 in Geometry CP1 or an 83 in Geometry Honors at Westford Academy to be recommended for Trig & Pre-Calc Honors.

The Math Department carefully analyzes the prerequisite grades required for each course. Students with grades even 1 or 2 points out of the recommendation range consistently struggle with the pace and material in courses requiring an override. Data shows that students who override math courses typically earn grades 8.7 points below the class average. It is strongly encouraged that students do not override a teacher's recommendation. 

This department offers a wide variety of high quality, engaging classes to our students. We have different levels of courses with ambitious expectations to meet everyone's needs. It is crucial that both students and parents consider our recommendations for course placement seriously when it is time to make choices for the following year. Our recommendations are based upon the knowledge that an essential understanding of prerequisite skills and academic benchmarks are needed to ensure proper placement in a course that will appropriately challenge the student, while allowing them to find success.

If a student needs extra help, working regularly with the classroom teacher is the best way to receive targeted support. The members of this department are dedicated professionals willing to help their students succeed. They offer extra help weekly before or after school and are often willing to work around their schedules to make themselves available. Teachers are dedicated to ensuring student understand the concepts presented in class.

While many students, especially those who have overriden a teacher recommendation, could certainly benefit from the additional support from a tutor, this should not replace the support the classroom teacher can offer.

Students should seek extra help from their teacher consistently as soon as they start to struggle. Retakes of exams or extra credit are generally not permitted and will not replace low test or quiz grades.