Why Math Helps

A question I hear a lot from students, and even from adults, is:

 “When are we ever going to use this in real life?”

And it’s a valid question. Math can sometimes feel abstract, like it's just about solving for x or memorizing formulas. But what I really want parents to understand is that math is much more than the specific content. It’s about building a way of thinking.

In math class, your child is learning how to approach problems, analyze situations, and work through something step by step, even when it feels challenging. That kind of thinking transfers to every part of life, whether it’s managing money, making decisions, understanding how systems work, or even planning their time effectively.

And of course, if your child is interested in any kind of career in science, technology, medicine, business, or engineering (or even something creative like architecture, game design, or music production) math is part of that foundation. It’s the language behind the scenes, helping make those dreams possible.

Even if they don’t end up using every formula they learn, the reasoning skills, the attention to detail, the logic; it stays with them. So when we teach math, we’re not just teaching numbers. We’re helping students become clearer thinkers and better problem-solvers. And that’s something they’ll carry with them, no matter what path they choose.

So what's next? 

If you are up to the challenge, there are courses that are offered here at Easton Area High School that can provide a rigor and interest that will help you with wherever you want to go next; assuming you are ready. 

In math, we have AP courses that on paper are no different that traditional math courses.  You learn, you try, you fail, you re-learn, you retry, you succeed.  Where Advanced Placement courses differ from traditional courses is in the greater emphasis on theory rather than application.  

In an AP course, you learn to fundamentally understand why you need to know how a derivative allows you to predict the rate of change of car speeding on the highway rather than just being able to find that rate of change. That depth of knowledge provides a better translation for your analytical thinking skills as you prepare to enter the real world post graduation. 

Should Students Take AP Calculus AB? (30 second version)

• Equivalent to a first-semester college calculus course, typically covering limits, derivatives, and integrals of functions of one variable.

• Students can earn college credit or advanced placement depending on their AP score and the college they attend. 

Why it is worth it

College Credit Opportunities

• AP Calculus AB is one of the most widely accepted AP courses for college credit. More than 70% of U.S. colleges and universities grant credit for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam. Some schools, including Commonweath Universities, begin accepting scored of 3 or higher. 

• This means students can often skip Calculus I in college and move directly into more advanced courses like Calculus II or multivariable calculus. While I personally do not recommend this, it is definitely an avenue to consider when planning your first year of college as you could considerably lower your credit load per year. 

A Strong Signal on College Applications

• Taking AP Calculus AB sends a clear message to colleges: this student is ready for serious academic work. It’s especially valuable for students applying to programs in STEM, business, or economics. The course also helps boost your GPA, and many high schools list it as the most rigorous math option available—something admissions offices notice on transcripts.

A Head Start in College

• Studies have shown that students who take calculus in high school, whether or not they retake it in college, tend to perform better in future math classes. They’re more confident with the material, and the early exposure can make a big difference in their success during the first year of college.

What to Be Aware Of

Credit Policies Vary

• While many colleges accept AP Calculus AB for credit, some highly selective schools (like Columbia, Harvard, or MIT) may only use it for placement. In those cases, students won’t earn college credit, but they can still skip introductory courses and move into more advanced math.

Some Majors May Require Retaking Calculus

• For majors like engineering, physics, or computer science, colleges often want students to take their own version of calculus; especially if it includes labs or advanced applications not covered by the AP curriculum.

Who Should Consider This Course?

AP Calculus AB is a great fit for:

• Juniors or seniors who are preparing for college and have a strong background in Algebra and Trigonometry.

• Students interested in science, technology, engineering, or math who want to challenge themselves with higher-level content before college.

• Those looking to raise their GPA and strengthen their college applications with a course that stands out.

Resources

Below, you can find some generic resources to help you with our class this year.