Those hardy soles, who complete algebra II get to take pre-calculus. Many of the topics already covered in algebra II are repeated in greater depth.

Functional analysis is the backbone of this course, which prepares students for the rigors of calculus. The previously-learned skill with quadratics is extended to polynomials of degree n. The topics of exponents, conic sections and probability are also repeated and extended. Pre-calculus problems are, however, more challenging and more realistic.

One interviewee, who prefers anonimity, stated; "Pre-calculus is a definite challenge. It's worth taking just to test your mettle." Another interviewee summed up the experience this way; "If you duck challenges, duck pre-calculus."