Advanced Algebra & Trig is a course that comes in between algebra 2 and pre-calculus. It is not the same as pre-calculus but does cover some of the same material while also strengthening and building upon material learned in algebra 2. It can be used as a prep course for pre-calculus, college algebra, SAT/ACT skills, or just to keep the algebra skills sharp through a student’s junior or senior year (as opposed to taking a consumer math course, where a student would easily forget algebra concepts during that year). It is recognized as a full high school math credit in all states. Sometimes this kind of class can be called “Algebra 3” or just “Trigonometry,” but primarily it is called “Advanced Algebra & Trig.” It is not a course that can be substituted for pre-calculus. If a student is planning on taking calculus at some point, they will need to take pre-calculus before it. Advanced Algebra & Trig is a great prep course for pre-calculus, however.
When a student finishes algebra 2, they have many options for an additional math credit, depending on the student’s goals, interests, and math strengths. Students can take a consumer math class, advanced algebra & trig, pre-calculus, or college algebra (dual enrollment). The Advanced Algebra & Trig course is designed for students who…
- Are planning on taking pre-calculus and perhaps calculus, but still need another year to strengthen math skills
- Are planning on going to college, but not majoring in a math-related field and plan on just taking college algebra or college statistics to fulfill college requirements
- Are not sure what they are doing upon graduation (maybe college, maybe not), but would like to keep the algebra skills sharp and would like to avoid forgetting their math skills
- Are planning on taking the SAT/ACT after finishing algebra 2 and would like to keep the skills sharp and improve upon them in order to increase test scores