We place rising 9th graders in a math course based on the recommendation of their current math teacher. The following five courses are available to rising 9th graders.
1. Introduction to Algebra, which is for students who do not have a solid understanding of +, –, x, ÷, fractions, decimals, percents, and signed numbers. These students might understand some of these concepts, but overall these students have difficulty remembering what to do when given a problem that contains these concepts. Introduction to Algebra previews numerous algebraic topics† to help lay the foundation for success in Algebra 1.
2. Algebra 1, which is for students who have a solid understanding of +, –, x, ÷, fractions, decimals, percents, and signed numbers.
Note: We recommend a 2nd year of Algebra 1 for students who have a solid understanding of +, –, x, ÷, fractions, decimals, percents, and signed numbers and who do not have a solid understanding of the algebraic topics covered in Algebra 1†. If a student's cumulative average on assessments is 79% or below in Algebra 1 this year, they should take a second year of Algebra 1.
3. Geometry, which is for students who have a solid understanding of the algebraic topics covered in Algebra 1†. If a student's cumulative average on assessments is 80% or above in Algebra 1 this year, they should take Geometry.
4. Geometry Honors, which 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†. This course is challenging and can be frustrating for students that do not enjoy math. Honors-level courses also expect a large amount of independence and personal responsibility. If a student's cumulative average on assessments is 93% or above in Algebra 1 this year and they like (or love!) math, they should take Geometry Honors.
5. Algebra 2 Honors, which 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 course is challenging and can be frustrating for students that do not enjoy math. Honors-level courses also expect a large amount of independence and personal responsibility. If a student's cumulative average on assessments is 85% or above in Geometry Honors this year, they had an A in Algebra 1, and they like (or love!) math, they should take Algebra 2 Honors
A few additional notes:
- Algebra 2 (the non-Honors course at this level) is not a course that is available to rising 9th graders. If a rising 9th grader is already ready for an Algebra 2 level course, this student should have the characteristics noted above in the description of Algebra 2 Honors—especially a genuine enjoyment of math and problem-solving. Rising 9th graders who may be ready for an Algebra 2 course and do not fit the description above should seriously consider a 2nd year of Algebra 1, Geometry, or Geometry Honors. Should a student wish to enroll in Algebra 2 as a 9th grader, they should contact the Math Department Coordinator to obtain a Placement Recommendation Override Form.
- Placement in a course beyond Algebra 1 requires that a student has an Algebra 1 credit; such a credit is necessary for graduation.
- Placement in a course beyond Algebra 2 Honors is possible when a current math teachers advises. Such placement may require that a rising 9th grader takes course-specific exams.
- If a current math teacher's recommendation is unavailable, we will ask rising 9th graders to take a math placement test in-person at Hanover High School. In addition, if a student desires to enter a course not recommended by their current math teacher, this student may also take the math placement test.
- To schedule a math placement test, email Jason Hirschhorn, the Math Department Coordinator. (See the Department Members section below for contact information.)
- In order to have enough time to work with the Counseling Department to adjust a student's placement, placement exams must be taken at least one week before the start of the school year.
† See the Program of Studies for more information about the algebraic topics covered in Algebra 1.