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Algebra 1 –  no calculator is required

Geometry –  no calculator is required - any calculator is acceptable, scientific calculators are preferred

Algebra 2 –  a scientific calculator is required, graphing calculators are preferred

Algebra 2 Honors –  a graphing calculator is required

Pre-Calculus/Trig and Honors Pre-Calculus/Trig  –  a programmable, graphing calculator is required

Calculus –  a graphing calculator is required, a TI-89 or TI-Nspire is preferred

Scientific Calculator
●    any calculator that has the following keys – sin, cos, tan, log
●    most cost under $20

Recommended Graphing Calculators
●    TI-83+
- can be found for around $75 – $100

●    TI-84+
- can be found for around $90 – $120 
- advantages: built in USB port, 2x as fast as the 83+

●    TI-84+ silver
- can be found for around $115 – $140
- advantages: same as 84+ but with more memory and many more downloadable applications

●    TI-89
- can be found for around $150
- advantages: same as 84+ silver but with much more built in functions and capability including a function solver and the ability to solve and simplify problems symbolically, can do 3D graphing
- disadvantages: much more difficult to learn how to use than the others – NOT for the timid

●    TI-Nspire
- can be found for around $135-$165
- advantages: the newest model, much faster, much bigger screen, can do 3D graphing, rechargeable battery packs are available, comes with software to integrate a home computer with the calculator 
- disadvantages: cost, for calculus the TI-89 is still a bit more capable, Nspire calculators with the CAS (Computer Algebra System) are not allowed on the SAT and ACT tests

For additional help, see the TI website   http://education.ti.com/

Casio graphing calculators are less expensive than the TI graphing calculators but are a little more difficult to use and are much more difficult to program.  (Pre-calculus/Trig, Honors Pre-calculus/Trig, and Calculus are the only classes where the students will be expected to program their calculators, however.)

(updated 6/29/2011)