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Department

Mathematics

The mathematics department's goals are to prepare each student for college-level mathematics, to foster the development of mathematical skills and critical thinking skills necessary for studies in other disciplines, to instill the study habits and values required for proper personal development of the individual as a student, and to provide each student with a mathematics curriculum that is challenging but within which the student will achieve success.

The objective of mathematics department is to have each student develop the following skills:

Problem solving
Applying mathematics to everyday life situations
Alertness to the reasonableness of results
Estimation and approximation
Appropriate computational skills
Geometric skills
Measurement
Algebraic skills
Reading, interpretation, and constructing tables, charts, and graphs
Using mathematics to predict
Statistical interpretation
Fundamental properties of probability
Appropriate and adept usage of calculators to facilitate problem solving

Math 7

MATH 7

Grade 7

#FX371

This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the key concepts necessary for excellence in Algebra I. Key concepts include: working with and understanding operations with integers, fractions, and decimals; understanding the basics of solving equations and inequalities; graphing points and lines on a Cartesian Coordinate system; working with percents and proportions; reviewing basic geometry formulas; and acclimating to basic concepts in data analysis and probability. Students will be expected to be able to operate both with and without a scientific calculator.
Math 7 Advanced

MATH 7 ADVANCED

Grade 7

#FX372

This course is designed to be a rigorous preparation for a full-year Algebra I course in the 8th grade. Key concepts include: working with functions and graphing in the coordinate plane; solving equations and systems of equations; introducing exponent rules; analyzing data; and briefly reviewing of geometry measurement and transformation concepts. Students will be expected to be able to operate both with and without a scientific calculator, and an introduction to the TI-nspire graphics calculator in class will allow for a smoother transition to the use of this device in the 8th grade. (students in this course will not need to purchase the TI Inspire calculator)
Math 8

MATH 8

Grade 8

#FX381

This course is designed to be a rigorous preparation for a full-year Algebra I course in the 9th grade. Key concepts include: working with functions and graphing in the coordinate plane; solving equations and systems of equations; introducing exponent rules; analyzing data; and briefly reviewing of geometry measurement and transformation concepts. Students will be expected to be able to operate both with and without a scientific calculator, and an introduction to the TI-nspire graphics calculator in class will allow for a smoother transition to the use of this device in the 9th grade.
Math 8 Advanced

MATH 8 ADVANCED

Grade 8

#FX382

This course features a thorough investigations into all the key aspects of a high school Algebra I course. Topics include a quick review of key pre-algebra concepts; solving equations and inequalities (both for one and two variables); development of the rules of exponents; introduction to polynomials and factoring; and an introduction to function notation and comprehensive coverage of several types of functions, including linear, quadratic, square roots, and rational functions.
Algebra I-CP

ALGEBRA I
Grade 9
#314 College Prep
Full Year

Prerequisites: Placement is based on entrance exam scores, the Xaverian Placement exam and junior high school mathematics scores. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: Algebra I reviews and extends the structure and properties of real numbers. Students will master the fundamental topics of algebra - equations, graphs, basic techniques of solving word problems, percent, ratio, and exponents. This course will be completed as part of Geometry College Prep 324.
Algebra I-A

ALGEBRA I
Grade 9
#312 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Average scores on each of the following: the entrance exam, the Xaverian Algebra placement examination, and junior high school mathematics course. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: Algebra I reviews and extends the structure and properties of real numbers. The students will master and understand the geometric concepts of area, volume, and surface area, as well as unit conversions within systems and from system to system. Students will master the fundamental topics of algebra - equations, graphs, basic techniques of solving word problems, percent, ratio, and exponents. In general, this course will prepare students for continued studies in advanced mathematics and science.
Geometry-CP

GEOMETRY
Grade 10
#324 College Prep
Full Year

Prerequisites: Students will be placed in this course upon the recommendation of their teacher and/or departmental approval. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: Completion of Algebra I to be followed by Geometry topics. Measurable attributes of length, area, volume and angles with similarity and congruency will be examined. Emphasis in this course is placed on Euclidean Geometry; with students expected to use definitions, postulates and theorems to validate their work. More practice in the fundamental topics of, graphs, basic techniques of solving word problems will prepare students for advanced topics in Intermediate Algebra College Prep.
Geometry-A

GEOMETRY
Grade 10
#322 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Satisfactory performance in Algebra I (#312) or approval by the department of a suitable equivalent series of courses (normally honors). Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: Measurable attributes of length, area, volume and angles with similarity and congruency will be examined using inductive and deductive reasoning. Emphasis in this course is placed on Euclidean Geometry; with students expected to use definitions, postulates and theorems to validate their work. More practice in the fundamental topics of, graphs, basic techniques of solving word problems will prepare students for advanced topics in Algebra II and Trig accelerated.
Geometry-H

GEOMETRY
Grade 9
#311 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Honors scores on each of the following: the entrance exam, the Xaverian algebra placement examination, and middle school algebra course or outstanding performance in Algebra I (312). Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: Emphasis in this course is placed on Euclidean Geometry; students are expected to use definitions, postulates and theorems to validate their work. Some work with formal proofs is expected. Measurable attributes of length, area, volume and angles with similarity and congruency will be examined using inductive and deductive reasoning. Triangle trigonometry applications will be examined to prepare students for advanced level math courses. After completion of Geometry Honors, students should have mastered the concepts required for the detailed development of advanced topics in Algebra II and Trig Honors.
Algebra II/Trig-CP

ALGEBRA II & TRIGONOMETRY
Grade 11
#334 College Prep
Full Year

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Geometry College Prep (#324) and/or approval of the department. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: The student will continue with his study of Algebra. Students in this course will start with the topic of signed numbers and quickly review all of the topics of Algebra I, practicing these topics incrementally while progressing toward more advanced topics.to system. More practice in the fundamental topics of algebra equations, graphs and basic techniques of solving word problems.
Algebra II/Trig-A

ALGEBRA II & TRIGONOMETRY
Grade 11
#332 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Geometry Accelerated (#322) and/or approval of the department of a suitable equivalent series of courses (normally Geometry). Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: This course is part 1 in preparing the student for Pre-Calculus. The topics include advanced topics in algebra, the structures and properties of geometric figures, analysis, proof, trigonometry, and probability.
Algebra II/Trig-H

ALGEBRA II & TRIGONOMETRY
Grade 10
#321 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Honors average (#311) and teacher approval of a suitable equivalent series of courses (normally an honors Algebra I and a Geometry course taken elsewhere) or outstanding performance in Algebra I (312) and Geometry (322). Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: This course is part 1 in preparing the student for Calculus. The topics include advanced topics in algebra, the structures and properties of geometric figures, analysis, proof, trigonometry.
Pre Calculus-A

PRE-CALCULUS
Grade 12
#342 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Algebra II and Trig Accelerated, along with departmental approval, or approval. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: This course is the first part of the student's investigation into Calculus. The topics include advanced topics in algebra, the structures and properties of geometric figures, analysis, proof, complex numbers, conversion, and exponential growth.
Calculus-H

CALCULUS
Grade 12
#341 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Pre-Calculus Accelerated (342) or Algebra II and Trig Honors (321) and department approval. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: The Honors Calculus Course is an introduction to the topics normally covered in a typical college calculus course. However, the quantity of material covered is less than what is done in the AP courses. Specific topics of study include limits and continuity, differential calculus along with its applications, integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus, selected applications of integration, and analytic geometry. The graphing calculator is used throughout as a tool of exploration and enhancement of the concepts presented in the course.
Intro to Calculus AB-H

INTRODUCTION TO CALCULUS AB
Grade 11
#331 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II and Trig Honors (#321) and/or the recommendation of the teacher. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: This course will complete precalculus topics and begin the AP Calculus AB curriculum. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to move into the Advanced Placement (AP) AB level as seniors. Topics include rational functions, sequences and series, a thorough review of trigonometry, along with limits, continuity and a brief introduction to differential calculus. The graphing calculator is used throughout as a tool of exploration and enhancement of the concepts presented in the course.
AP Statistics

AP STATISTICS
Grade 12
#360 Advanced Placement
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Advanced Algebra Honors (321), Introduction to Calculus (331), or Pre- Calculus (342) and/or departmental approval. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1. Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns; 2. Planning a study: Deciding what and how to measure; 3. Anticipating Patterns: Producing models using probability theory and simulation. 4. Statistical Inference: Confirming model. All students who take this course are required to take the AP Statistics exam.
AP Calculus AB

AP CALCULUS AB
Grade 12
#340 Advanced Placement
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Introduction to Calculus (#331) and/or the recommendation of the teacher. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: The Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) course is a fast-paced, in-depth investigation of a college level understanding of the principles of calculus. The course is recommended for those students interested in a college major of mathematics, science, or engineering. This course is also a preparation for the AP Calculus (AB) exam. Specific topics of study include limits and continuity, differential calculus along with its applications, integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus, applications of integration, transcendental functions, and separable differential equations. The graphing calculator is used throughout as a tool of exploration and enhancement of the concepts presented in the course. All students who take this course are required to take the AP Calculus exam.
AP Calculus BC

AP CALCULUS BC
Grade 12
#350 Advanced Placement
Full Year

Prerequisites: Exemplary completion of Introduction to Calculus (#331) and/or teacher recommendation. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (The NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: The Advanced Placement Calculus (BC) course is an intensive exploration and analysis of the topics covered in a multi-semester college calculus sequence. The course is recommended for those truly exceptional high school students interested in a college major of mathematics, science, or engineering. This course is also a preparation for the AP Calculus (BC) exam. Specific topics of study include applications of the derivative, integration (including techniques of integration), the fundamental theorem of calculus, applications of integration, transcendental functions, differential equations, infinite series, and the calculus of parametric and polar equations. The graphing calculator is used throughout as a tool of exploration and enhancement of the concepts presented in the course. All students who take this course are required to take the AP Calculus exam.
Post-AP Multivariable Calculus

MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
Grade 11 and 12
#352
Full Year

Prerequisites: Completion of Advanced Placement Calculus BC and teacher/department approval.

Description: The course will continue the study of Calculus progressing to Multivariable Calculus with applications of Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra.
Intro to Calculus BC-H

INTRODUCTION TO CALCULUS BC

Grade 11

# 330 Honors

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II and Trig Honors (#321) and/or the recommendation of the teacher. Possession of a graphing calculator utility (TI NSpire CAS) is required.

Description: This course is the first part of the student's investigation into calculus. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to move into the Advanced Placement (AP) BC level as seniors. The topics include advanced topics in algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry, parametric and polar equations and graphs, limits and continuity, and differential calculus. The graphing calculator is used throughout as a tool of exploration and enhancement of the concepts presented in the course.
Introduction to Business Principles-A

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS PRINCIPLES

Grades 11-12

# 363 Accelerated

Full Year

Prerequisites: none

Description: This is an introductory business course designed to provide students with a fundamental overview of the accounting, marketing, and finance professions. This course will also explore key business concepts including entrepreneurship, management, business ethics, law, and international business. Readings, guest speakers, and collaborating on a business plan are key components of this course.
Statistics-A

STATISTICS

Grade 12

#362 Accelerated

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II/Trigonometry-A (332) or Pre-Calculus-A (342) and/or departmental approval.

Description: The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to broad conceptual themes such as exploring data: observing patterns and departures from patterns; anticipating patterns: producing models using probability theory and simulation; and planning a study: deciding what and how to measure.
Summer Geometry-U
SUMMER GEOMETRY

Rising sophomores wishing to advance in Mathematics

#311 Honors and #312 Accelerated

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Algebra I-A with a Grade of 95+ and/or departmental approval.

Description: The course is designed to give students a solid foundation in Geometry. Measurable attributes of length, area, volume and angles with similarity and congruence will be examined using inductive and deductive reasoning. Emphasis in this course is placed on Euclidean Geometry; with students expected to use definitions, postulates, and theorems to validate their work. This class provides students an opportunity to move into either Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors or Algebra 2/Trigonometry Accelerated upon successful completion of the course. In either outcome, a student would be on track to take a Calculus class during their senior year. (Note: Participation in the class does not guarantee placement into Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors or Algebra 2/Trigonometry Accelerated. Students must satisfactorily complete summer coursework, including the final exam, in order to satisfy their Geometry requirement and move on to one of the Algebra 2/Trigonometry courses.) To register for this course, students must see their math teacher.

Schedule: Summer 2025 - The class will be taught over the course of three weeks with 3.5-hour sessions each day.
- June 9 - 12 from 8:30-12:00
- July 7 - 10 from 8:30-12:00
- July 14 - 17 from 8:30-12:00
All classes are in person at Xaverian Brothers High School. There will be a “final exam” on July 17th, the last day of the course.

Cost: $500. Checks can be made payable to “Xaverian Brothers High School” and given to Mrs. Wesalowski in the Student Life Office no later than April 30th.

Faculty

Gerard Lambert '88

Boston College - M.S.
College of the Holy Cross - B.A.

glambert@xbhs.com

1994
Bio
Gerard Lambert '88 joined Xaverian in the 1994-1995 school year. Mr. Lambert joined the school directly after his graduate studies at Boston College. Besides his teaching duties, Mr. Lambert is the Head Coach of the Varsity Baseball Team. Mr. Lambert received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the College of the Holy Cross in 1992 and a Master's in Secondary Mathematics from Boston College in 1994.
Jennifer Bowers

Northeastern University - B.S.
Framingham State University - M.A.

jbowers@xbhs.com

2018
Bio
Ms. Jennifer Bowers, P ’21, ’24, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2018-2019 school year. Prior to teaching at Xaverian, Ms. Bowers founded a mathematics tutoring business and taught at Needham High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Northeastern University and a Master of Education in Mathematics from Framingham State University. Ms. Bowers coaches FXD soccer.
Mary Briody

Boston College - B.A.
Framingham State - M.Ed.

mbriody@xbhs.com

1994
Bio
Ms. Mary Briody joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1994-1995 school year. Prior to Xaverian, Ms Briody taught at the Red Cloud Indian High School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and at Leominster High School. She has a Bachelor of Art in Secondary Education (Mathematics) from Boston College and a Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction and Technology from Framingham State University. Ms. Briody serves as the chess club moderator and Students Against Destructive Decisions co-moderator.
Dennis Donovan

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - M.S.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - B.S.

ddonovan@xbhs.com

1992
Bio
Mr. Dennis Donovan joined Xaverian's faculty in the 1992-1993 school year. Prior to joining Xaverian, he was a software engineer with Atex, Inc. Mr. Donovan earned both his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and a Master of Mathematics for Educators from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Donovan serves as the advisor to the interscholastic math team and moderator of the math club.
Timothy Gardner

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - M.M.E.
Williams College - B.A.

tgardner@xbhs.com

1998
Bio
Mr. Timothy Gardner, P ’19, joined Xaverian in the 1998-1999 school year. He earned his B.A. in English from Williams College and his Master of Mathematics for Educators from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Gardner previously taught at Suffield Academy and Worcester Academy. At Xaverian, Mr. Gardner has served as a coach for lacrosse, wrestling, soccer, and football.
Conor Hawley '13

Boston College - B.A.
Fitchburg State University - M.E.D.

chawley@xbhs.com

2019
Bio
Mr. Conor Hawley ’13 joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2019-2020 school year. He holds a B.A. in mathematics from Boston College, with a minor in secondary education, and an M.E.D. from Fitchburg State. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Hawley served as a mathematics teacher and soccer coach at Boston Trinity Academy.
Jason Iannoni

University of Vermont - B.A.
Boston University - M.Ed.

jiannoni@xbhs.com

2014
Bio
Mr. Jason Iannoni ’02 joined Xaverian full time in 2014, teaching math to grades 7 through 9. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Iannoni obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in and earned a Master of Education in Sports Psychology from Boston University in 2008. He also completed the Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Teaching program at Bridgewater State University. Mr. Iannoni previously taught eighth grade at The Raymond School in Brockton. He has served as a coach for the baseball, basketball, and soccer programs.
Cory Johnston

Bryant University - B.S.
Endicott College - M.Ed.

cjohnston@xbhs.com

2022
Bio
Mr. Cory Johnston joined the faculty in the 2022-2023 school year. He has a B.A. in business administration from Bryant University, a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Fitchburg State University, and a second master’s in administration and educational leadership from Endicott College. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Johnston taught at Galvin Middle School in Canton.
William Wallace

Bridgewater State College - B.S.

wwallace@xbhs.com

2020
Bio
Mr. William Wallace started teaching at Xaverian in the 2020-2021 school year. Prior to that, Mr. Wallace dedicated 34 years to the Walpole Public School system where he taught math and was an assistant principal. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Bridgewater State College.
Mark White '07

University of Massachusetts - Boston - M.Ed.
Northeastern University - M.S.A.
Stonehill College - B.S.

mwhite@xbhs.com

2015
Bio
Mr. Mark White ’07 joined Xaverian’s faculty in the 2015-2016 school year. Prior to teaching at Xaverian, Mr. White worked as an accountant for Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Boston. Following his time as an accountant, Mr. White completed a post-baccalaureate teaching program at UMass Boston and a teaching residency with Boston Public Schools. He has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Stonehill College, a Master of Accounting from Northeastern University, and a Master of Education from UMass Boston. Mr. White serves as the moderator of the business club and a coach for the football, basketball, and track and field programs.

Curriculum Detail

View Our Curriculum

Mathematics

Faculty

Xaverian Brothers High School