9th graders choose among Introduction to Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Geometry Honors, and Algebra 2 Honors. A student’s placement is determined through a recommendation from their present math teacher and/or the completion of a placement test. (Placement into more advanced courses is possible when a present math teacher advises.)
Enrollment in Introduction to Algebra is for students who do not have a solid understanding of +, –, x, ÷, fractions, decimals, percents, and signed numbers. You might understand some of these things, but overall you have trouble remembering what to do when given a problem. Algebraic topics† will be previewed in Introduction to Algebra to help lay the foundation for success in Algebra 1.
Algebra 1 is for students who have a solid understanding of +, –, x, ÷, fractions, decimals, percents, and signed numbers.
A 2nd year of Algebra 1 is for students who have a solid understanding of +, –, x, ÷, fractions, decimals, percents, and signed numbers and who do not have a solid understanding of algebraic topics†. If your cumulative average on assessments is 79% or below in Algebra 1 this year, you should take a second year of Algebra 1.
Geometry is for students who have a solid understanding of algebraic topics†. If your cumulative average on assessments is 80% or above in Algebra 1 this year, you should take Geometry.
Geometry Honors is for students who (A) enjoy math and problem solving, (B) have an exceptional work ethic, and (C) have a rock-solid understanding of algebraic topics†. This class is challenging and can be frustrating for students that do not enjoy math. Honors-level classes also expect a large amount of independence and personal responsibility. If your cumulative average on assessments is 93% or above in Algebra 1 this year and you like (or love!) math, you should take Geometry Honors.
Algebra 2 Honors is for students who (A) enjoy math and problem solving, (B) have an exceptional work ethic, and (C) have a rock-solid understanding of the algebraic topics† covered in Algebra 1 and the geometric topics covered in Geometry. This class is challenging and can be frustrating for students that do not enjoy math. Honors-level classes also expect a large amount of independence and personal responsibility. If your cumulative average on assessments is 85% or above in Geometry Honors this year and you had an A in Algebra 1, you should take Algebra 2 Honors. Many students are recommended to take a 2nd year of Algebra 1 or Geometry/Geometry Honors instead of Algebra 2 Honors.
† Per the Program of Studies, "Algebra 1 is based on the Illustrative Mathematics Algebra 1 curriculum. The topics covered in this course include:
- One-variable statistics (measures of center and variability; comparing and contrasting data distributions; the effects of outliers)
- Two-variable statistics (two-way tables; scatter plots; correlation coefficients)
- Linear equations, inequalities, and systems (solving linear equations and inequalities; graphing linear equations and inequalities; solving systems of linear equations and inequalities)
- Functions (function notation; domain and range; piecewise functions; absolute value functions; inverse functions)
- Quadratic equations (graphing quadratic equations from factored, standard, and vertex forms; solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula)"