Algebra 2 in 8th Grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our child is advanced in math because he was ready and needed something more than was offered. She doesn't take math class anywhere except school. We have no interest in TJ but did want her to be learning something in class instead of just sitting there. Why is that so hard to understand?

It isn't. But your kid is unusual. Most A2 students are there for TJ only, and get there by geometry summer school.

[Anonymous]

I have a kid at TJ who took Geometry in 8th. Around 70% of each incoming class has not taken Algebra 2. A significant portion of the kids coming in with Algebra II are recommended to go into Math 3, with is TJ speak for repeating Algebra II. For TJ, it is way more important to be thoroughly grounded in the basics than move fast. If your kid gets through Algebra II under their own steam during the school year-- great. But the vast majority of kids do not and are tiger parented into it. And the info about the new TJ test for next year makes in look like TJ is finally getting serious about understanding less math better. Before you push more math for a TJ edge, look at the new testing info.

One more thing about math for the sake of TJ. Yes-- it is possible to get through TJ without summer school. But it means no electives. Almost all kids do summer school at least one summer, and generally two. And TJ summer school is normal summer school on Steroids. Once your kid gets to TJ, they will routinely do homework until after midnight. And they will spend 5 weeks a summer in summer school the first couple of years, and possibly start band or a fall sport the following week. After junior year, they will try to intern. Plus generous TJ summer homework.

Think hard before you do summer school geometry, because a lot of these kids are so incredibly burnt out after a year or two at TJ. If your kid does TJ, the summer after 7th will be their last real break. There is an interesting public Facebook page called TJ Vents, where kids anonymously share their feelings about being at TJ. It should be a must read for any parent and any kid looking at TJ-- and before killing a summer with Geometry. If your going to do it, do it with eyes wide open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at TJ who took Geometry in 8th. Around 70% of each incoming class has not taken Algebra 2. A significant portion of the kids coming in with Algebra II are recommended to go into Math 3, with is TJ speak for repeating Algebra II. For TJ, it is way more important to be thoroughly grounded in the basics than move fast. If your kid gets through Algebra II under their own steam during the school year-- great. But the vast majority of kids do not and are tiger parented into it. And the info about the new TJ test for next year makes in look like TJ is finally getting serious about understanding less math better. Before you push more math for a TJ edge, look at the new testing info.

One more thing about math for the sake of TJ. Yes-- it is possible to get through TJ without summer school. But it means no electives. Almost all kids do summer school at least one summer, and generally two. And TJ summer school is normal summer school on Steroids. Once your kid gets to TJ, they will routinely do homework until after midnight. And they will spend 5 weeks a summer in summer school the first couple of years, and possibly start band or a fall sport the following week. After junior year, they will try to intern. Plus generous TJ summer homework.

Think hard before you do summer school geometry, because a lot of these kids are so incredibly burnt out after a year or two at TJ. If your kid does TJ, the summer after 7th will be their last real break. There is an interesting public Facebook page called TJ Vents, where kids anonymously share their feelings about being at TJ. It should be a must read for any parent and any kid looking at TJ-- and before killing a summer with Geometry. If your going to do it, do it with eyes wide open.

Once at TJ you do have to test into whatever math class they think you would belong.

+100

[Anonymous]

My son did algebra in sixth grade....went to the MS every morning. He isn't being pushed. He may turn TJ down even if offered due to craziness.

[Anonymous]

My child is on track to do Algebra in elementary but is not a "math kid" and wasn't pushed into anything. I would strongly discourage DC from applying to TJ. It's amazing but too much for us. We have a lot of family members who went to HYP and they are no happier than the ones who did not but spent their high school years studying. I would like DC to have a more balanced childhood.