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LRHSD Math Pathways
More Options for Today's Learners
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Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, Lenape Regional High School District students have a new and exciting opportunity to choose a math pathway based on their interests and future plans. We are proud to broaden the range of classes available and provide access to rigorous content and quality instruction for all of our students.
We will continue to offer the traditional math pathway, now called the Calculus Pathway. This will prepare students who are interested in career paths such as science, technology, engineering, math, business, or pre-med. The LRHSD’s traditional Calculus Pathway has seen tremendous success in preparing students for college and university programs.
Recently, the world of data has exploded with technological advances in the ways we collect and use information. In response, we have created the Data Science Pathway. The latest research shows that 21st-century careers require exposure to data science, statistics and computer science. Data is an integral part of every industry, and we believe exposure to data science is worthwhile for every student.
When considering the new Data Science Pathway, students should consider college prerequisites but know that many colleges and universities - including Harvard - are recognizing the value and rigor of classes other than Calculus.
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All students will start with Algebra 1 and Geometry. Students are able to choose between the two different Pathways starting with their Algebra 2 course. All students must take Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.
Students interested in the Calculus Pathway should take Algebra 2 Functions. If a student wants to continue with the Data Science Pathway they will take Algebra 2 Data Science.
Refer to the Math Course Offerings page for pathway course details, options and prerequisites.
More About Math Pathways
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To learn more about the LRHSD Math Pathways, view and/or download the LRHSD Math Pathways slide show or watch the informational video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which LRHSD Math Pathway should I choose?
Answer: The choice of pathway should be based on the career goals, college ambitions, and interests of each individual student.
Career Goals: If a student is interested in pursuing a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), pre-med, economics, business, they should follow the Calculus Pathway. If a student is interested in a career in world language, English, pre-law, psychology, or nursing, they should follow the Data Science Pathway. If they are not sure about their career goals, we suggest they follow the Calculus Pathway.
College Ambitions: Colleges vary in their admissions requirements for high school math classes, so it is important to research. It is also possible different majors will have specific requirements. Students are advised to check admission requirements for colleges/majors on the postsecondary institution’s website or by calling the admissions office. **Many colleges require one year of math past Algebra 2 (AP Statistics, Prob/Stats, or Precalculus), but other schools will want students to take Precalculus in high school.
Interests: If a student enjoys the abstract thinking involved in an algebra class, and if they find themselves interested in the why and how algebra works, they should follow the Calculus Pathways. For a student that would prefer to learn more real-life applications of math and data, they should follow the Data Science Pathway. *If they are interested in eventually taking AP Physics, they should follow the Calculus Pathway.
For additional information, watch our informational video or view/download the presentation PDF.
You can also view the following videos on YouTube. The LRHSD did not produce these videos, but they provide an idea of what to expect in each pathway. -
I know I should consider my future college and major interests when selecting my pathway. How do I find out what the admissions requirements are for the colleges/majors I am interested in?
Answer: Colleges have different requirements for admission, and even some majors within a college will have different requirements for admission. It is important to research what math courses to select in high school for the best chance of being accepted to a particular college. It is suggested to reach out to the admissions office or visit their website to find the requirements.
Below are links to some local college admissions websites:
Rowan University
The College of New Jersey
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Penn State University
Stockton University
Montclair University
Monmouth University
University of Maryland
Drexel University
University of Delaware -
I signed up for the Data Science Pathway because I heard it is easier. Is that true?
Answer: Although you may have been taught to believe the Calculus Pathway is the “harder” pathway, we need students to understand that both pathways are equally rigorous. Both pathways contain honors level courses which lead to multiple AP level courses. Colleges and universities are also now recognizing the academic rigor of classes beyond Calculus- including Statistics and Computer Science. For example, Harvard states on their website:
“**Applicants to Harvard should excel in a challenging high school math sequence corresponding to their educational interests and aspirations. We recommend that applicants take four years of math courses in high school. Ideally, these math courses will focus on conceptual understanding, promote higher-order thinking, and encourage students to use mathematical reasoning to critically examine the world. Examples include rigorous and relevant courses in computer science, statistics and its subfields, mathematical modeling, calculus, and other advanced math subjects. Students’ math records are viewed holistically, and no specific course is required. Specifically, calculus is not a requirement for admission to Harvard.”The choice of pathway should be based on the interests, career goals, and college ambitions of each individual student. See the question above for more information on interests/career goals/college ambitions.
If you need more help making the decision, please speak with your counselor.
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I took Algebra 2 Functions this year. Can I sign up for AP Statistics or Probability & Statistics ACC next year even though it is in a different pathway?
Answer: Yes, you can! You can also double-up with Precalculus since you took the prerequisite course, Algebra 2 Functions.
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I took Algebra 2 Data Science this year, but next year I’d like to try Precalculus. Is that possible?
Answer: The short answer is yes, but it will require some summer work on your part. Students must take a self-paced Khan Academy course over the summer to cover all prerequisite skills in order to be successful in Precalculus. If a student does not complete the summer coursework, it will make it very challenging for the student to achieve success in Precalculus.
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What if I'm not sure what I am going to do as a career, but I know I am going to college?
Answer: First, we suggest you review math admissions requirements for colleges/majors you may be interested in. If this does not help you make the decision, we suggest the Calculus Pathway.
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What if I’m not sure what I am going to do as a career, but I know I am NOT going to college?
Answer: We suggest you choose the Data Science Pathway. Although the Data Science Pathway is just as rigorous as the Calculus Pathway, the Data Science Pathway teaches you practical applications of mathematics that you may be able to apply to your career after high school.
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I’m in the Calculus Pathway but I want to take AP Statistics or Probability and Statistics. Is that allowed?
Answer: Yes! AP Statistics or Probability and Statistics can be taken anytime after a student completes the prerequisite of Algebra 2 Functions OR Algebra 2 Data Science.
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I would like to learn more about Computer Programming, but I also want to take another math course. Is that possible?
Answer: Yes, Computer Programming can be taken at the same time as another math course. In fact, you can take Computer Programming 1 or AP Computer Science Principles at any time after you have completed the prerequisite of Algebra 1.
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I am interested in taking AP Physics in high school. Should this factor into my decision regarding the LRHSD Math Pathway?
Answer: Yes. If you are interested in taking AP Physics in high school, you should follow the Calculus Pathway. In order to take AP Physics 1, you must have completed or be enrolled in Pre-Calculus. In order to take AP Physics C (second year), you must have completed or currently be taking Calculus.
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I am still unsure which pathway interests me. Can you tell me more about what I would be learning in the pathways?
Answer: Sure! Here are some quick videos that explain what you may expect to learn in the Data Science Pathway or the Calculus Pathway. Please note, these are not our videos, but they give a good explanation of the course content, and will hopefully help you make your decision.
