There are two options: one includes an optional live class component, where students must submit work each week, while the other is self-paced, allowing students to work at their own pace.

 

Application

Students intending to enroll in AP® Calculus in the future may choose to participate in this AP® Precalculus class or the Honors Precalculus course. This AP Precalculus class will focus on both the Precalculus material and readiness for the AP exam. For the difference between the two classes, please scroll down for further explanation.

Anyone interested in joining Ms. Chan’s AP® Precalculus class should sign up and submit tuition to hold a spot.

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Course Description

This AP® course is designed to provide a comprehensive study of functions, which form the foundation of calculus and other higher mathematics courses. Students study the properties and graphs of trigonometric, polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions, as well as inequalities, polar coordinates, complex numbers, conic sections, vectors, and matrices.

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Who Should Apply?

Students should have successfully completed Geometry and Honors Algebra II. Students who have not completed Algebra II should enroll in Honors Algebra II before taking this course. See how AP Precalculus fits into your mathematics pathways. 

Taking the AP® exam is optional, especially for students planning to take AP® Calculus. For students intending to enroll in AP Calculus in the future have the choice to participate in the Honors Precalculus course. This AP Precalculus class will focus on both the Precalculus material and readiness for the AP exam.

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How my students perform in the AP Exam.

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Why Take This Class?

This course prepares students for calculus, including AP® Calculus AB and BC, and supports success in both STEM and non STEM majors. Students who take math all four years of high school are 140.5% more likely to be considered “college ready” and “calculus ready.” Taking the AP exam is optional.

It can fulfill a math requirement at a diverse range of colleges and universities, including the majority of public institutions. The course also offers a valuable tool for guiding math and science placement for newly enrolling students. College Board is working with colleges and universities to expand credit policies and ensure that AP Precalculus sets a strong foundation for college success. 

Students interested in non STEM majors seeking a fourth year of math with the opportunity to earn college credit or placement.

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What is the difference between AP Precalculus and Honors Precalculus? 

Both courses provide excellent preparation for calculus, and each class includes instructor created video lectures. The AP class is not harder than the Honors class; the primary difference is that the Honors Precalculus course does not include live sessions. Students can ask questions in the discussion forum, where both the TA and the instructors provide answers, and many students have found success through this format.

For students who wish to take an AP exam as a capstone to their high school math education, AP Precalculus is an excellent choice. However, for students planning to take calculus in high school, an AP Precalculus class is not strictly necessary. If your goal is to take the AP Precalculus exam, the AP course will thoroughly prepare you to succeed. Taking the AP class does not require you to take the AP exam, and you may still list AP Precalculus on your transcript. Additionally, some homeschool families prefer an AP class for the weighted GPA benefit.

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Course Fee

Early Bird Special: $730
After June 30: $779

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Textbook and Materials

No textbook is required. Ms. Chan provides all instructional materials aligned with the AP® Precalculus curriculum.

Students need to purchase AP® Exam Review in February. It includes exam tips and strategies, practice multiple choice and free response questions, and videos covering released College Board AP free response questions. Cost: $29.

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Technical Requirements

• Computer with high speed internet access, email capability and camera

• Smartphone or scanner to save multiple handwritten pages as a single PDF file

• Graphing calculator: TI 89, TI Nspire, or TI 83/84 Plus or College Board approved calculators

 

Course Delivery

A. Asynchronous Components

Students access class materials on Canvas and College Board AP Classroom at any time. All materials are available 24/7.

• Video lectures produced by Ms. Chan

• Weekly assignments, quizzes, unit exams, and final exam

• Discussion forum monitored by TAs and the instructors

• Free Response Questions will be graded by the instructors.

• College Board designed practice test questions. 

• AP Exam Review

B. Optional Live Sessions

One optional live Zoom session focused on key concepts challenging assignments, AP multiple choice and free response questions. Attendance is optional and recording will be made accessible for those who cannot attend. The course is designed to be asynchronous, so students who are unable to attend live classes will not be at a disadvantage. Student who cannot attend the class should watch the recording.

Live sessions are taught by Mr. Clark. (See instructor qualifications.)

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Course Schedule

The course runs from August 17, 2026 through early May 2027. Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks are included. Exact dates are to be determined.

Optional live Zoom session meets on Monday at 1 pm -1:55 pm EST

Grading and Assessment

• Homework & Quizzes:  Homework is extremely important. Students’ success in this class depends on their ability to complete and understand the homework problems. Watch the video lessons and complete the homework.

• Unit Exams: There will be an exam at the end of each Unit. 

• Exams: There will be a final exam.

Questions and Support

Students may ask questions through the discussion forum or bring them to the live Zoom sessions. 

 

Instructor Qualifications

Amelia Chan
She holds an M.A. in Mathematics from Columbia University in New York and dual B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a math instructor at De Anza College. Her professional background includes work as an Investment Banker, Financial Software Engineer, and Actuarial Consultant. After her children began school, she chose to homeschool them, designing customized courses to fit their individual abilities and needs. Through this experience, she began teaching mathematics to homeschool co ops and after school programs. Many of her students have excelled academically and won national math competitions. She has taught mathematics online and in person for over 20 years and is passionate about teaching students from around the world and supporting their success in mathematics. For more information about her and her teaching philosophy, please visit About Me.

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Dorr Clark

Mr. Clark holds a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Santa Clara University. He was a mathematics and computer science instructor in the Graduate School of Engineering at Santa Clara University for 28 years. He brings decades of experience as a software engineer and is an expert in networking, with extensive industry experience and conference speaking engagements. After working as a software engineer, he chose to dedicate his time to teaching mathematics, technology, and debate to young students (www.clarksdebate.com). He has taught AP® Calculus to homeschooling students and has co taught summer math camps with Ms. Chan, making advanced mathematical ideas accessible through intuitive and exploratory learning. In addition to teaching, Mr. Clark has homeschooled his three now-adult children. and is the founding Debate Chair of the StoaUSA National Speech and Debate League, bringing an emphasis on logical reasoning and clear communication to his instruction.

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