Blair Magnet: what level of math do most 9th graders enter at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

From the website:

Magnet Functions A/B
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.

https://mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/courses_math.php

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

From the website:

Magnet Functions A/B
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.

https://mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/courses_math.php

So, its only offered at Blair and a faster pre-cal. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child is at a non-W and started Algebra in 6th but it is rare. You can take a class in summer school either though MCPS or privately to bump up a level too but its very hard to fit everything in 6 weeks. Kids either do Algebra 2 at the school, if offered, go to the high school or virtually.

This doesn't really matter at Blair. Whether they come in after Geometry or Algebra 2, they’ll take a course that combines Algebra 2 and PreCalc. Functions does that in 2 semesters, the typical course does it in 3. There are kids who come in after Geometry who take Functions, and kids who come in after Algebra 2 who don’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

From the website:

Magnet Functions A/B
Functions begun in Algebra 1 are continued and expanded to include all forms of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions. The study of each includes a precise definition, a consideration of graphs and applications, an analysis of distinguishing and interesting features, and an identification of related tangents and slopes. Students study trigonometry, approached from circular functions, conics, limits, and derivatives.

https://mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/courses_math.php

So, its only offered at Blair and a faster pre-cal. Thanks.

Blair and Poolesville.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

Regular magnet precalc is 3 semesters instead of 4. Functions covers the same material in 2. You have to be recommended for this class. It is very challenging and involves 2-4 extra hours of HW per night. It is not for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

How does it go deeper if they are combining two classes in one? That seems kinda strange to do all that in one year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

How does it go deeper if they are combining two classes in one? That seems kinda strange to do all that in one year.

time dilation!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

How does it go deeper if they are combining two classes in one? That seems kinda strange to do all that in one year.

It's that much work. The Calc classes are too. Much deeper than AP Calc BC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

How does it go deeper if they are combining two classes in one? That seems kinda strange to do all that in one year.

It's that much work. The Calc classes are too. Much deeper than AP Calc BC.

There is no way they can add 1/3 more material and go deeper. Its just faster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

How does it go deeper if they are combining two classes in one? That seems kinda strange to do all that in one year.

It's that much work. The Calc classes are too. Much deeper than AP Calc BC.

There is no way they can add 1/3 more material and go deeper. Its just faster.

They do and then some. Double the material (functions is 2 years condensed to one) and greater depth. You must not be familiar with this class. Since my kid actually took it, I am.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

Ugh, don’t start that again. https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1078504.page

+1

According to that thread (https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1078504.page), there have been cases at non-W schools, SSI and Wood for example. Here is another thread where a DCC parent is asking about HS math pathway for their kid taking Algebra 2 in eighth (meaning, that kid took Algebra 1 in sixth grade): https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1076564.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

How does it go deeper if they are combining two classes in one? That seems kinda strange to do all that in one year.

It's that much work. The Calc classes are too. Much deeper than AP Calc BC.

There is no way they can add 1/3 more material and go deeper. Its just faster.

No, it’s deeper. For example, they’ll teach something in class, and then the homework will require them to apply it in a way that wasn’t explicitly taught. And then the test will include a novel application that wasn’t on the homework. Magnet Pre-Calc is 3 semesters and is much more typical in that if you understand the classwork you’ll be able to do well on the homework and tests.

They say to think of Functions as a class plus 2 extracurriculars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can't speak to Blair but I assume Poolesville similar and most enter having taken Geometry in 8th grade. There are a handful of kids that took Algebra 2 in 8th (not sure how, this was never an option for my kid). They do a placement test for the "Functions" class. Anyone scoring high enough on that ends up in the same class, regardless of whether they took Alg 2 or not.

But you have gone to one of those wealthy W feeders that accelerate math to get to Alg 2 in 8th.

It's mostly kids from the Takoma Magnet Middle that take it.

No, most TPMS take Geometry in 8th. The TP schools (at least several years ago, may have changed) did not accelerate students beyond this level. A few came into TPMS from other schools that did. Seems to be a per school basis.

But, there is a small group entering Blair (many former TPMS kids) tgat take a class which essentially combines Alg 2/Trig and Pre Calc into one year. Those students finish Calc BC as sophomores.

The majority finish up Calc BC as 1st sem juniors. Some students in Blair magnet take Geom in 9th and go from there. So, there are several math tracks in the magnet.

Then, after Calc BC, as a PP said, they often take Multivar, Linear Alg, Complex, Discrete, Ligic, etc. There's plenty of math to go around!

My kid graduated in 2020. There was 1 Functions class (mostly from TPMS). 2 Pre-Calcs and 1 Geometry (that had non magnet kids too). The Functions class was the smallest and a chunk usually drop it in the first quarter.

What is functions? I keep hearing people talking about it.

I described it on the 1st page of this thread. It's a class that combines Alg2 Trig and pre calc in 1 year. Deep and intense

How does it go deeper if they are combining two classes in one? That seems kinda strange to do all that in one year.

It's that much work. The Calc classes are too. Much deeper than AP Calc BC.

There is no way they can add 1/3 more material and go deeper. Its just faster.

They do and then some. Double the material (functions is 2 years condensed to one) and greater depth. You must not be familiar with this class. Since my kid actually took it, I am.

+1

I had 2 kids who took it, both of whom had previously had the magnet version of Algebra 2 at Takoma Park Middle School and still found Functions tough. It goes very deep, very fast, and a significant portion of the Functions students is expected to drop the class, switching to Precalc. Whatever you may expect from a standard math class (Precalc, Calc, Stats, etc.), the Blair Magnet version is going to go deeper.