Navigating the 2025–26 Mathematics and Statistics Curriculum Changes at TJHSST

EduAvenues
Aug 9
4 min read

Introduction

TJHSST is rolling out sweeping changes to its mathematics and statistics curriculum starting in the 2025–26 school year. These updates are designed to better align with national standards, reduce course redundancy, and offer more flexibility to students progressing at different speeds. This guide covers what’s changing, how it affects student planning, and what you need to know as a future or current applicant.

Overview of Curriculum Changes

Old Structure	New Structure (Starting 2025–26)
Math 3 (Algebra 2) + RS1 (semester)	Math 3 Alg 2 Stats TJ HN
Math 4 and Math 5 (Precalc topics)	Replaced by AP Precalculus
RS2 (AP Statistics)	Restructured as a fully standalone AP Statistics course

Combined Math 3 + RS1: Algebra + Statistics in One Year

Previously, TJHSST students would complete Math 3 (Algebra 2 content) and then take RS1, a semester-long Research Statistics course that served as a prerequisite for AP Statistics (RS2).

Starting in 2025–26, these two will be merged into a single, full-year course called Math 3 Alg 2 Stats TJ HN (combined Math 3 + RS1)

What Will Be Covered

Algebra 2 topics
- Rational functions, conics, systems of equations
- Polynomials, sequences and series, exponential/logarithmic functions
- Function transformations and graphing
RS1 topics (now built into Math 3)
- Descriptive statistics: mean, median, standard deviation
- Probability and distributions
- Intro to experimental design
- Basic inference and data collection

Why This Change Matters

Reduces redundancy between RS1 and AP Statistics
Gives students earlier exposure to statistical thinking
Enables a smoother transition into AP Stats without needing an extra semester slot

This makes the pathway cleaner: once Math 3 + RS1 is complete, students are fully eligible to take AP Statistics without a gap semester.

Introduction of AP Precalculus

In line with the College Board’s 2023 release of the AP Precalculus framework, TJHSST will retire the Math 4/5 model and replace it with AP Precalculus, a full-year course that introduces:

Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
Function behavior and modeling with real-world applications
Parametric and polar equations (optional modules depending on pacing)

Key Notes

Weighted as an AP course on GPA
Can serve as a launchpad to both AP Calculus AB and BC
Recommended for students who want depth and rigor in precalc before jumping into calculus
Valuable for students who intend to pursue STEM fields but aren't ready for calculus yet

AP Statistics: Fully Reimagined

Previously known as RS2, the AP Statistics course is being formalized and updated to better meet national standards and testing expectations.

Changes to Expect

Full-year standalone course
No longer depends on taking RS1 separately
Built to prepare students for the AP Stats exam and beyond

Topics Covered

Exploratory data analysis
Probability theory
Simulation and randomization
Sampling and survey methods
Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing
Linear regression and residual analysis

The course will retain TJHSST’s project-based approach but now has tighter alignment with the AP framework. It is open to students who complete the new Math 3 + RS1 sequence.

Summary of Pathway Changes (2025–26)

Old Course Name	New Course Name / Structure	Level	GPA Weight
Math 3	Math 3 + RS1	Algebra 2 + Intro Stats	Honors
RS1	Integrated into Math 3	—	—
RS2 (AP Stats)	AP Statistics	AP	AP
Math 4 / Math 5	AP Precalculus	Pre-Calculus	AP

Impact on Acceleration and Planning

Students who previously doubled up (e.g., Math 3 in fall, RS1 in spring) can now take Math 3 + RS1 as one course, freeing up a semester for electives or acceleration.
AP Precalculus allows stronger preparation for AP Calculus, especially for students coming from non-traditional middle school math tracks.
The restructured pathway removes unnecessary steps while retaining rigor.

Students can now follow these common math sequences depending on their pace:

Traditional: Math 3 + RS1 → AP Precalc → AP Calc AB → Multivariable Calc

Accelerated: Math 3 + RS1 → AP Stats and AP Precalc simultaneously → AP Calc BC

Highly Accelerated: Math 3 + RS1 (early) → AP Stats, AP Precalc (early) → MV Calc by junior year

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still double up on math courses?

Yes. These changes don’t restrict acceleration. Students can take AP Statistics and AP Precalc at the same time, or pair AP Stats with AP Calc depending on readiness.

Q: Does AP Precalculus replace AP Calculus?

No. AP Precalc is not a substitute for AP Calc AB or BC. It is designed as a stepping stone and a rigorous option for students not quite ready for calculus.

Q: If I already took RS1, do I need to retake Math 3 + RS1?

No. Current students who completed RS1 will not be required to retake the combined course. New students starting in 2025–26 will follow the integrated structure.

Q: Will AP Statistics be harder now that RS1 is no longer a prerequisite?

Not necessarily. The new Math 3 + RS1 course is designed to fully prepare students for AP Stats. The change actually improves coherence and reduces overlap.

Q: Is AP Precalculus required to take AP Calculus?

No, but it is strongly recommended for students who would benefit from a full year of focused precalculus before tackling calculus.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming changes to TJHSST’s mathematics and statistics curriculum reflect a broader shift in how math is taught at advanced high schools nationwide: streamlined, skill-focused, and aligned with college-level expectations. By integrating RS1 into Math 3, introducing AP Precalculus, and reformatting AP Statistics, TJ is not only reducing redundancy but also giving students earlier and more meaningful exposure to real mathematical thinking.

For families and students mapping out academic paths, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead, explore options, and choose pathways that match both your readiness and long-term STEM goals.