Private school to MCPS Guidance for Course Registration?

[Anonymous]

I feel so dense but can't find the info on my own. We are moving from an independent school to MCPS (9th grade at Churchill). I have a call into the school and haven't heard back but hopefully someone here can point me in the right direction. How do you know what courses to register for? My DD took Algebra A in 7th grade and is currently in Algebra B and does not want to repeat either. Does the school provide any guidance regarding what she should take next? I have looked in MCPS' site but perhaps I'm missing it. She's not a particularly strong math student so I'm thinking perhaps online Summer school is a good idea for reviewing. But how do you find the specific options at your home high school and suggested (or at least typical track of courses)?! Thank you so much for any help you may have.

[Anonymous]

Does that mean algebra 1 split into two years? If so she should take geometry.

[Anonymous]

Usually the track is algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, pre-calc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does that mean algebra 1 split into two years? If so she should take geometry.

That is a great question, thank you. Here is the description of the two.

Algebra A

Algebra A provides a foundation in number sense, algebra, proportional reasoning, and problem-solving. Students pursue the question: how do we communicate relationships mathematically? The curriculum emphasizes key computational skills involving integers, decimals, fractions, and percentages. Algebraic topics include working with monomials and an in-depth study of linear inequalities and equations (solving and graphing). The course also covers the geometric topics of area and volume.

Algebra B

Algebra B explores topics related to mathematical modeling and problem-solving traditionally using basic algebraic methods. Students pursue the question: how do we model the world mathematically? The class is project-based and focuses on conceptual aspects of mathematics—reasoning, pattern-seeking, problem solving, questioning, and communicating with precision. Students explore linear functions and the relationships they can model through art and business simulations. The course concludes with an exploration of quadratic functions as students use these to model objects traveling through the air.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does that mean algebra 1 split into two years? If so she should take geometry.

That is a great question, thank you. Here is the description of the two.

Algebra A

Algebra A provides a foundation in number sense, algebra, proportional reasoning, and problem-solving. Students pursue the question: how do we communicate relationships mathematically? The curriculum emphasizes key computational skills involving integers, decimals, fractions, and percentages. Algebraic topics include working with monomials and an in-depth study of linear inequalities and equations (solving and graphing). The course also covers the geometric topics of area and volume.

Algebra B

Algebra B explores topics related to mathematical modeling and problem-solving traditionally using basic algebraic methods. Students pursue the question: how do we model the world mathematically? The class is project-based and focuses on conceptual aspects of mathematics—reasoning, pattern-seeking, problem solving, questioning, and communicating with precision. Students explore linear functions and the relationships they can model through art and business simulations. The course concludes with an exploration of quadratic functions as students use these to model objects traveling through the air.

Hit "submit" too soon. OP here. I think her Algebra A and B classes are equivalent to Algebra 1?

[Anonymous]

OP- Your daughter should register for Geometry. Check the Counseling pages for additional information.

https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/wchsschoolcounseling/home/class-of-2027-information

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does that mean algebra 1 split into two years? If so she should take geometry.

That is a great question, thank you. Here is the description of the two.

Algebra A

Algebra A provides a foundation in number sense, algebra, proportional reasoning, and problem-solving. Students pursue the question: how do we communicate relationships mathematically? The curriculum emphasizes key computational skills involving integers, decimals, fractions, and percentages. Algebraic topics include working with monomials and an in-depth study of linear inequalities and equations (solving and graphing). The course also covers the geometric topics of area and volume.

Algebra B

Algebra B explores topics related to mathematical modeling and problem-solving traditionally using basic algebraic methods. Students pursue the question: how do we model the world mathematically? The class is project-based and focuses on conceptual aspects of mathematics—reasoning, pattern-seeking, problem solving, questioning, and communicating with precision. Students explore linear functions and the relationships they can model through art and business simulations. The course concludes with an exploration of quadratic functions as students use these to model objects traveling through the air.

Hit "submit" too soon. OP here. I think her Algebra A and B classes are equivalent to Algebra 1?

Sounds like it. Algebra 1 in MCPS is also devised into A and B but it’s taken in one year not two. Geometry is next.

[Anonymous]

Have you already enrolled? Contact the counseling department to get an appointment and bring appropriate paperwork. Once enrolled you will meet with the counselor to register for classes. It’s a pretty standard set of courses for 9th grade. They will likely recommend starting in Honors level classes with the bulk of students. After a couple of weeks they can adjust course level if something is too fast.

This is likely what they will take:
H English
H Geometry
H or AP Government
H Biology
language (Spanish/French)
Art or Tech class
PE
You will discuss details with you counselor.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much, everyone!