Why do so few private schools offer accelerated math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since when is algebra in 6th grade the standard? In the Takoma Park magnet program, with arguably the strongest middle school math students in the area, algebra is in 7th grade and geometry is in 8th.

It isn't standard, and it isn't a good idea for the vast majority of children.

Most privates don’t offer the Algebra in 7th option either. And some that do have Algebra for both 7th & 8th and the kids can take geometry over the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since when is algebra in 6th grade the standard? In the Takoma Park magnet program, with arguably the strongest middle school math students in the area, algebra is in 7th grade and geometry is in 8th.

It's not standard. I'm in LCPS and it's optional for very very advanced kids. The end result is needing to be bussed from. Middle school in 8tb grade to your high school for math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since when is algebra in 6th grade the standard? In the Takoma Park magnet program, with arguably the strongest middle school math students in the area, algebra is in 7th grade and geometry is in 8th.

It's not standard. I'm in LCPS and it's optional for very very advanced kids. The end result is needing to be bussed from. Middle school in 8tb grade to your high school for math.

It depends on the county. MCPS allows 6th grade algebra in some schools who are willing to offer it. Usually 10-20 students take it (regular not magnet schools). 7th is more common for smarter kids. 8th for average kids. Kids who struggle in math do it in 9th.

Many kids who are smart and should be in the magnet program aren't. The magnet programs only take a few hundred kids total so many of our smart kids get left out.

MCPS has Algebra 2 in some MS or kids go to the high school. Or, hopefully they will offer it virtually for some of our kids when they hit 8th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am always confused by this question as private schools teach advanced math. I have two kids in private schools. Both schools offer multivariable calculus to seniors on the regular and one school has a select few taking number theory beyond that. I don't know of any private school that stops at regular calculus. How much more math do you want than that?

And AP Chem as a sophomore is the norm, I think.

Not even close. It's bio in 9th, Chem in 10th and then you can do AP Chem. Not sure how you could jump bio to AP Chem in 10th without basic Chem first.

You'd have to take regular Chem if offered summer before 10th to get in AP Chem in 10th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Private schools don't want to afford to pay the STEM teachers.

The are teaching to the middle. Publics teach to the lowest.

[Anonymous]

Son took AP chem as sophomore - skipped regular chem. He got a 5 on the exam (only say to show it was a fine path). There was a whole section of kids who tracked like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Private schools don't want to afford to pay the STEM teachers.

The are teaching to the middle. Publics teach to the lowest.

And the highest, particularly in science. I know, I was a private school lifer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Private schools don't want to afford to pay the STEM teachers.

The are teaching to the middle. Publics teach to the lowest.

And the highest, particularly in science. I know, I was a private school lifer.

If they were teaching to the highest, they'd have Algebra in 6th and 7th for those capable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Son took AP chem as sophomore - skipped regular chem. He got a 5 on the exam (only say to show it was a fine path). There was a whole section of kids who tracked like this.

Not in my public high school where I teach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Son took AP chem as sophomore - skipped regular chem. He got a 5 on the exam (only say to show it was a fine path). There was a whole section of kids who tracked like this.

Not in my public high school where I teach.

Kid in private school. Sorry my bad - just assumed many schools were like this since so many kids took the AP route at son’s school and also my friends with kids in public school seem to have way more AP options available so I figured they must be doing it too if they can get to 10+ AP classes. My son will never get to double digit APs and has taken most of what is offered at his school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am looking at private schools for my older child and I feel like most of the time choosing private decreases the quality and level of math or science DC could be taking? Why is this the case for private schools. I know there are some exceptions but it seems like privates do better as a rule with writing, sometimes foreign language at younger ages, and critical thinking. It seems like strong math and science are things parents want so why are schools not providing it?

I will also say this is a long term issue, I left a big 3 for a public as a kid in part because the math and science at the public were so much better. I am totally happy about that in retrospect although I missed having the strong writing focus private gave.

Cathedral schools offer accelerated math and science and I am sure other schools do. Look at the classes they offer - AP calculus, AP BIO, all sorts of classes. Pretty sure Sidwell, GDS, and others do as well. You can see class offerings normally online I believe.

[Anonymous]

I know this is a troll post, but I’ll post anyway, just for posterity.

Private high school freshman is taking accelerated algebra 2 and honors physics, and a seventh grader taking advanced algebra 1.

Those are the normal accelerated tracks for their grade. There are a handful of kids who take more advanced maths in their grades, but it’s rare.

If your kid is really THAT advanced in math, private school seems like a much easier place to work with rather than public school. If the kid is ready, they make it happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a troll post, but I’ll post anyway, just for posterity.

Private high school freshman is taking accelerated algebra 2 and honors physics, and a seventh grader taking advanced algebra 1.

Those are the normal accelerated tracks for their grade. There are a handful of kids who take more advanced maths in their grades, but it’s rare.

If your kid is really THAT advanced in math, private school seems like a much easier place to work with rather than public school. If the kid is ready, they make it happen.

I think OP is complaining that algebra isn't available for 6th graders at most private schools (also not for public, but hey, why look at facts).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a troll post, but I’ll post anyway, just for posterity.

Private high school freshman is taking accelerated algebra 2 and honors physics, and a seventh grader taking advanced algebra 1.

Those are the normal accelerated tracks for their grade. There are a handful of kids who take more advanced maths in their grades, but it’s rare.

If your kid is really THAT advanced in math, private school seems like a much easier place to work with rather than public school. If the kid is ready, they make it happen.

May I ask which school this is? Not trying to troll just curious!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a troll post, but I’ll post anyway, just for posterity.

Private high school freshman is taking accelerated algebra 2 and honors physics, and a seventh grader taking advanced algebra 1.

Those are the normal accelerated tracks for their grade. There are a handful of kids who take more advanced maths in their grades, but it’s rare.

If your kid is really THAT advanced in math, private school seems like a much easier place to work with rather than public school. If the kid is ready, they make it happen.

I think OP is complaining that algebra isn't available for 6th graders at most private schools (also not for public, but hey, why look at facts).

If OP’s kid is talented enough, it is. It’s just not publicized as an option because it would create a mass stampede of tiger parents…I can hear the frantic clicks of the emails being typed right now! “My kid needs to be in this class!!! Or they will never get into a good college!!!”