Algebra 3?
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Anonymous
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Our 8th grader just finished Algebra 2, and we're pretty disappointed with the school curriculum.
In school, he's taking AP/DE Precalculus next. We're thinking of signing him up for AoPS's Intermediate Algebra next (previously called Algebra 3). Is this a good idea, or are there any school-offered courses that could fill the gaps? |
Anonymous
| The school year is over, and they're done with Algebra II? If your child enjoys doing more advanced work, AoPS is a good choice. |
Anonymous
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There is a troll on this forum holding bitterness towards advanced students who are completing Algebra 2 in 8th grade. Get over it.
There is a reason why FCPS has kept Algebra 2 by 12th grade as minimum standard diploma requirement for vast majority, and offers advanced math pathway to complete multivariable calculus for advanced students at top schools. |
Anonymous
Yeah. Block schedule. That's why we have the need to look for some continuous math engagement with a schedule, etc. |
Anonymous
| In our circle, friends who focus on math use Khan Academy because it's free! AoPs is quite expensive for what it offers in terms of normal to advanced enrichment. There are many more affordable enrichment options, especially in Northern Virginia. Kumon, RSM, Curie, Sunshine, fairfax collegiate, etc., get mentioned frequently here. |
Anonymous
The most advanced pathway is typically complex analysis + differential equations senior year, and that's when you're done with Algebra 2 in 8th. Multivar and linear algebra is for Algebra 1 in 7th. |
Anonymous
| Confused. Is he taking precalc in 2nd semester of 8th grade, starting now? Or is is done with school math for the year and planning to start precalc as a 9th grader, but you are looking to fill 2nd semester with something? |
Anonymous
| Not in FCPS, but my child was on an accelerated math track with condensed classes in middle school. Somewhat same issue you experienced. He took precalc second sememester in 8th grade. While his Alg II teacher in first semester was excellent, the precalc teacher was not very thorough and I felt like there were a lot of gaps. After going through Alg II and precalc in 8th grade and all the homework that involved, I wasn’t going to push for summer classes. He decided to take precalc again in 9th grade, and that worked out very well. |
Anonymous
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AoPS intermediate algebra is great.
If you have discipline you can just use the book and the free Alcumus website. Also look into Mathcounts material and AoPS Geometry for enrichment. |
Anonymous
How do students do that when 6th grade algebra 1 isn't possible at most schools? |
Anonymous
Summer geometry is the most common pathway if wanting Alg II in 8th. But some schools offer condensed acceleration allowing for 2 math classes in one school year |
Anonymous
The latter. Our local CC (through which the AP/DE Precalculus course is offered) doesn't allow middle schoolers to take it; it's also only offered on A/B schedule (yearlong). I was actually a bit disgusted by the school-provided Algebra II curriculum and pace. No textbook, only online exercises, rather shallow curriculum. DC ended with a 100+ score on assignments and a 600 SOL, but far too little practice overall, and no depth. Hence the need for supplementation. I'm intrigued by the AoPS Algebra 3 curriculum. If you look at their post test, that's pretty interesting stuff. Would require me to sit down and think a bit... |
Anonymous
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DE Precalc??
Why isn't this a regular HS class? |
Anonymous
I can’t speak to AoPS class but it sounds like a good option, or do an Outschool Alg II full curriculum class. Precalc is really hard. Honestly I think it is even harder than calculus. He needs very solid adv algebra skills and hopefully remembers most of geometry too |
Anonymous
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My grade advanced DC took the Algebra 3/intermediate algebra class through AOPS in 8th and really enjoyed it. It was, however, far beyond what most schools offer. I also recommend you check out their intro to algebra course as well if you think your school was weak, as the intro class is a combined algebra 1 and 2 course more or less but goes substantially deeper than a traditional curriculum. If you think your child has gaps or just memorized random formulas with little deep understanding, that course would be a great fit.
My DC also really enjoyed the intro to number theory course, if your looking for something just to challenge your DC since the school curriculum falls so short. |