Can a sixth grader take algebra 1?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes you can. Some schools administrate a qualify test to get pass AIM. Parents need to get in contact with school's counselor and math teacher (maybe MS principal as well) ASAP as it's pretty late now. This is your last chance to skip a grade in math. Once in Algebra 1, you are not allowed to skip any grade until hitting the AP level.

I'd say if your 5th grader MAP-M is 288, there's a good chance to persuade the MS to skip AIM, especially if your kid is not attending TPMS.

You can take summer classes for credit to skip ahead.

This is what my younger kids did as they entered MCPS too late to take the placement tests for compacted math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some schools really discourage it, some welcome it. Your kid can take a placement test. I had to do all sorts of things so that my kid could get into that track, coming from a CES and compacted math, with a 280 on her MAP-M. That plus an advanced orchestra class keeps her not entirely miserable in her home school.

This is what happens when MCPS does a stupid lottery for magnets: gifted kids end up not having anything to do at their level at their home school. At what point my kid wrote “I want to kill myself” in her notebook.

I’m sorry to hear that and I hope she’s doing better now. However, even some kids who get into the magnets feel/express suicidal thoughts. Highly gifted kids are vulnerable to such intense responses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC, arising sixth grader found out today that her classmate is registered to take Algebra 1 as a rising sixth grader. My DC and the classmate were in the same elementary school math program and class last school year (compacted math). So can my child also take algebra 1 and if so how to talk with the counselor to make the change (she is currently registered for AIM6)?

They only allow this at a few affluent schools. Usually it requires exceeding a specific mapm score. A kid with a much higher score at a different MS doesn't even have this option.

It's common in the wealthy schools where the tigers demand this. One of my children was scoring in the 290s on their map-m in the 5th and high 280s in 6th who was at a regular DCC school did not get this option.

Did you stand up and ask for opportunity for your child's bright future? I guess not. Do not expect other parents to follow your don't care attitude

No need to since my child is in the magnet where they go into greater depth. But I do find it odd that only schools in Potomac offer these advanced classes.

This is not accurate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC, arising sixth grader found out today that her classmate is registered to take Algebra 1 as a rising sixth grader. My DC and the classmate were in the same elementary school math program and class last school year (compacted math). So can my child also take algebra 1 and if so how to talk with the counselor to make the change (she is currently registered for AIM6)?

They only allow this at a few affluent schools. Usually it requires exceeding a specific mapm score. A kid with a much higher score at a different MS doesn't even have this option.

It's common in the wealthy schools where the tigers demand this. One of my children was scoring in the 290s on their map-m in the 5th and high 280s in 6th who was at a regular DCC school did not get this option.

Did you stand up and ask for opportunity for your child's bright future? I guess not. Do not expect other parents to follow your don't care attitude

No need to since my child is in the magnet where they go into greater depth. But I do find it odd that only schools in Potomac offer these advanced classes.

This is not accurate.

The only kids DC knew at TPMS who were accelerated into Algebra in 6th were from Cold Spring where they had taken AIM in 5th, but the funny part was there were several who didn't but had even higher map scores. I've also read that Frost let's anyone with a 250 MAP-M jump ahead to Algebra in 6th. I think it's just a lot more common in the wealthy part of the county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that everyone is required to take math all 4 years in his regardless of the level. I know families where algebra in 6th seemed like a good idea but by the time they were a junior and thinking about pursuing a journalism or another non tech major...MV Calc was not how they wanted to spend Jr or Sr year. They ended up slowing it down taking Calc ab and then calc bc and then ap stats.

This is true even for a science major. My kid was "good at math" but not a math genius, and by the end of HS (he's a rising senior) he is having to take incredibly complex math, which he isn't really that interested in or good at. It's not even especially applicable to his intended bio major. He would be better off if he were taking BC calc this year instead. I really regret the acceleration. It fed his ego at the time but it has been a PITA in late HS. It's not like you get to be done math and get to take something fun instead.

+1 It sounds great to be in advanced math in 6th grade, but even Algebra in 7th means 2 years of high school calculus ( or 1 year of calc and 1 of stats) which isn't necessary for most kids and a lot of top of all the other honors and AP classes in high school

There is zero reason you have to continue on that track. Our plan is to slow it down in high school or do stats senior year and focus on other interests. My child is also good at math, very good but not genius level.

That's not really an option for kids who take Algebra in 6th. There's no way to avoid 2 years of Calc in high school, unless you repeat Algebra II in 9th. Otherwise, the easiest path is

9th precalc
10th Calc AB
11th Calc BC
12th Stats

If a 6th grader can take Algebra I without any difficulties, he/she is likely going to be able to skip Calc AB. So precal for 9th, Calc BC for 10th, and two APs for 11th and 12th. I know Blair offers AP stat, AP linear algebra and Multi-variable Calculus. Or student can go to Montgomery College.

At our HS school (not in the area), the highest math level is Calc BC. So students who took 6th grade algebra (about 20) follow the sequence above - precalc, Calc AB, Calc BC, Stats. In theory they could go straight to BC but there aren't enough spots and those go to upper classmen. Those who want higher math do DE at a local community college junior and senior year but most stay at the HS and follow this track. If your HS school offers linear algebra/multi-variable calc, I'd assume skipping AB is commonly done and your kid may feel pressure to do it even if she's not interested in pursuing math, engineering etc.. Definitely something to think about.

I realize you are trying to be helpful but what is happening at your HS is very different from MCPS. The schools here offer the higher level or you can do it through Virtual Academy or the community college. I'll let my child progress at the level they feel comfortable but despite starting younger I feel no need to rush it.

Sounds pretty similar to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some schools really discourage it, some welcome it. Your kid can take a placement test. I had to do all sorts of things so that my kid could get into that track, coming from a CES and compacted math, with a 280 on her MAP-M. That plus an advanced orchestra class keeps her not entirely miserable in her home school.

This is what happens when MCPS does a stupid lottery for magnets: gifted kids end up not having anything to do at their level at their home school. At what point my kid wrote “I want to kill myself” in her notebook.

I’m sorry to hear that and I hope she’s doing better now. However, even some kids who get into the magnets feel/express suicidal thoughts. Highly gifted kids are vulnerable to such intense responses.

Anybody can suffer at any age regardless of any other talent they may have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that everyone is required to take math all 4 years in his regardless of the level. I know families where algebra in 6th seemed like a good idea but by the time they were a junior and thinking about pursuing a journalism or another non tech major...MV Calc was not how they wanted to spend Jr or Sr year. They ended up slowing it down taking Calc ab and then calc bc and then ap stats.

This is true even for a science major. My kid was "good at math" but not a math genius, and by the end of HS (he's a rising senior) he is having to take incredibly complex math, which he isn't really that interested in or good at. It's not even especially applicable to his intended bio major. He would be better off if he were taking BC calc this year instead. I really regret the acceleration. It fed his ego at the time but it has been a PITA in late HS. It's not like you get to be done math and get to take something fun instead.

+1 It sounds great to be in advanced math in 6th grade, but even Algebra in 7th means 2 years of high school calculus ( or 1 year of calc and 1 of stats) which isn't necessary for most kids and a lot of top of all the other honors and AP classes in high school

There is zero reason you have to continue on that track. Our plan is to slow it down in high school or do stats senior year and focus on other interests. My child is also good at math, very good but not genius level.

That's not really an option for kids who take Algebra in 6th. There's no way to avoid 2 years of Calc in high school, unless you repeat Algebra II in 9th. Otherwise, the easiest path is

9th precalc
10th Calc AB
11th Calc BC
12th Stats

If a 6th grader can take Algebra I without any difficulties, he/she is likely going to be able to skip Calc AB. So precal for 9th, Calc BC for 10th, and two APs for 11th and 12th. I know Blair offers AP stat, AP linear algebra and Multi-variable Calculus. Or student can go to Montgomery College.

At our HS school (not in the area), the highest math level is Calc BC. So students who took 6th grade algebra (about 20) follow the sequence above - precalc, Calc AB, Calc BC, Stats. In theory they could go straight to BC but there aren't enough spots and those go to upper classmen. Those who want higher math do DE at a local community college junior and senior year but most stay at the HS and follow this track. If your HS school offers linear algebra/multi-variable calc, I'd assume skipping AB is commonly done and your kid may feel pressure to do it even if she's not interested in pursuing math, engineering etc.. Definitely something to think about.

I realize you are trying to be helpful but what is happening at your HS is very different from MCPS. The schools here offer the higher level or you can do it through Virtual Academy or the community college. I'll let my child progress at the level they feel comfortable but despite starting younger I feel no need to rush it.

Sounds pretty similar to me.

Except all our schools offer upper level classes whereas yours don’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that everyone is required to take math all 4 years in his regardless of the level. I know families where algebra in 6th seemed like a good idea but by the time they were a junior and thinking about pursuing a journalism or another non tech major...MV Calc was not how they wanted to spend Jr or Sr year. They ended up slowing it down taking Calc ab and then calc bc and then ap stats.

This is true even for a science major. My kid was "good at math" but not a math genius, and by the end of HS (he's a rising senior) he is having to take incredibly complex math, which he isn't really that interested in or good at. It's not even especially applicable to his intended bio major. He would be better off if he were taking BC calc this year instead. I really regret the acceleration. It fed his ego at the time but it has been a PITA in late HS. It's not like you get to be done math and get to take something fun instead.

+1 It sounds great to be in advanced math in 6th grade, but even Algebra in 7th means 2 years of high school calculus ( or 1 year of calc and 1 of stats) which isn't necessary for most kids and a lot of top of all the other honors and AP classes in high school

There is zero reason you have to continue on that track. Our plan is to slow it down in high school or do stats senior year and focus on other interests. My child is also good at math, very good but not genius level.

That's not really an option for kids who take Algebra in 6th. There's no way to avoid 2 years of Calc in high school, unless you repeat Algebra II in 9th. Otherwise, the easiest path is

9th precalc
10th Calc AB
11th Calc BC
12th Stats

If a 6th grader can take Algebra I without any difficulties, he/she is likely going to be able to skip Calc AB. So precal for 9th, Calc BC for 10th, and two APs for 11th and 12th. I know Blair offers AP stat, AP linear algebra and Multi-variable Calculus. Or student can go to Montgomery College.

At our HS school (not in the area), the highest math level is Calc BC. So students who took 6th grade algebra (about 20) follow the sequence above - precalc, Calc AB, Calc BC, Stats. In theory they could go straight to BC but there aren't enough spots and those go to upper classmen. Those who want higher math do DE at a local community college junior and senior year but most stay at the HS and follow this track. If your HS school offers linear algebra/multi-variable calc, I'd assume skipping AB is commonly done and your kid may feel pressure to do it even if she's not interested in pursuing math, engineering etc.. Definitely something to think about.

I realize you are trying to be helpful but what is happening at your HS is very different from MCPS. The schools here offer the higher level or you can do it through Virtual Academy or the community college. I'll let my child progress at the level they feel comfortable but despite starting younger I feel no need to rush it.

Sounds pretty similar to me.

Except all our schools offer upper level classes whereas yours don’t.

First rule of Ws is you do not talk about Ws.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC, arising sixth grader found out today that her classmate is registered to take Algebra 1 as a rising sixth grader. My DC and the classmate were in the same elementary school math program and class last school year (compacted math). So can my child also take algebra 1 and if so how to talk with the counselor to make the change (she is currently registered for AIM6)?

They only allow this at a few affluent schools. Usually it requires exceeding a specific mapm score. A kid with a much higher score at a different MS doesn't even have this option.

It's common in the wealthy schools where the tigers demand this. One of my children was scoring in the 290s on their map-m in the 5th and high 280s in 6th who was at a regular DCC school did not get this option.

Did you stand up and ask for opportunity for your child's bright future? I guess not. Do not expect other parents to follow your don't care attitude

No need to since my child is in the magnet where they go into greater depth. But I do find it odd that only schools in Potomac offer these advanced classes.

This is not accurate.

The only kids DC knew at TPMS who were accelerated into Algebra in 6th were from Cold Spring where they had taken AIM in 5th, but the funny part was there were several who didn't but had even higher map scores. I've also read that Frost let's anyone with a 250 MAP-M jump ahead to Algebra in 6th. I think it's just a lot more common in the wealthy part of the county.

My kid is one of those Cold Spring ones. The original idea originated from a cohort of CES students who were exceptionally advanced in math. At least 10+ of them ended with MAP-M of 280+ at 5th grade. Only a handful of them went to TPMS, but together with other kids that were selected using the CoGAT and regional percentile method, TPMS had around 20 kids took Algebra 1 at 6th grade. Even though half of the content was skipped due to pure virtual environment back in 2020-2021, they had no issue accelerating more through active math varsity team activities (Thanks to Mrs. M!). Now there is a 300+ MAP-M group in TPMS. I feel so fortunate that they caught the last magnet bus. Now you can never see such a cohort in any local MSs with the lottery selection, so the talented student really needs parent's advocate to argue for acceleration on an individual base.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that everyone is required to take math all 4 years in his regardless of the level. I know families where algebra in 6th seemed like a good idea but by the time they were a junior and thinking about pursuing a journalism or another non tech major...MV Calc was not how they wanted to spend Jr or Sr year. They ended up slowing it down taking Calc ab and then calc bc and then ap stats.

This is true even for a science major. My kid was "good at math" but not a math genius, and by the end of HS (he's a rising senior) he is having to take incredibly complex math, which he isn't really that interested in or good at. It's not even especially applicable to his intended bio major. He would be better off if he were taking BC calc this year instead. I really regret the acceleration. It fed his ego at the time but it has been a PITA in late HS. It's not like you get to be done math and get to take something fun instead.

+1 It sounds great to be in advanced math in 6th grade, but even Algebra in 7th means 2 years of high school calculus ( or 1 year of calc and 1 of stats) which isn't necessary for most kids and a lot of top of all the other honors and AP classes in high school

There is zero reason you have to continue on that track. Our plan is to slow it down in high school or do stats senior year and focus on other interests. My child is also good at math, very good but not genius level.

That's not really an option for kids who take Algebra in 6th. There's no way to avoid 2 years of Calc in high school, unless you repeat Algebra II in 9th. Otherwise, the easiest path is

9th precalc
10th Calc AB
11th Calc BC
12th Stats

If a 6th grader can take Algebra I without any difficulties, he/she is likely going to be able to skip Calc AB. So precal for 9th, Calc BC for 10th, and two APs for 11th and 12th. I know Blair offers AP stat, AP linear algebra and Multi-variable Calculus. Or student can go to Montgomery College.

At our HS school (not in the area), the highest math level is Calc BC. So students who took 6th grade algebra (about 20) follow the sequence above - precalc, Calc AB, Calc BC, Stats. In theory they could go straight to BC but there aren't enough spots and those go to upper classmen. Those who want higher math do DE at a local community college junior and senior year but most stay at the HS and follow this track. If your HS school offers linear algebra/multi-variable calc, I'd assume skipping AB is commonly done and your kid may feel pressure to do it even if she's not interested in pursuing math, engineering etc.. Definitely something to think about.

I realize you are trying to be helpful but what is happening at your HS is very different from MCPS. The schools here offer the higher level or you can do it through Virtual Academy or the community college. I'll let my child progress at the level they feel comfortable but despite starting younger I feel no need to rush it.

Sounds pretty similar to me.

Except all our schools offer upper level classes whereas yours don’t.

First rule of Ws is you do not talk about Ws.

I am not talking about w schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC, arising sixth grader found out today that her classmate is registered to take Algebra 1 as a rising sixth grader. My DC and the classmate were in the same elementary school math program and class last school year (compacted math). So can my child also take algebra 1 and if so how to talk with the counselor to make the change (she is currently registered for AIM6)?

They only allow this at a few affluent schools. Usually it requires exceeding a specific mapm score. A kid with a much higher score at a different MS doesn't even have this option.

It's common in the wealthy schools where the tigers demand this. One of my children was scoring in the 290s on their map-m in the 5th and high 280s in 6th who was at a regular DCC school did not get this option.

Did you stand up and ask for opportunity for your child's bright future? I guess not. Do not expect other parents to follow your don't care attitude

No need to since my child is in the magnet where they go into greater depth. But I do find it odd that only schools in Potomac offer these advanced classes.

This is not accurate.

The only kids DC knew at TPMS who were accelerated into Algebra in 6th were from Cold Spring where they had taken AIM in 5th, but the funny part was there were several who didn't but had even higher map scores. I've also read that Frost let's anyone with a 250 MAP-M jump ahead to Algebra in 6th. I think it's just a lot more common in the wealthy part of the county.

My kid is one of those Cold Spring ones. The original idea originated from a cohort of CES students who were exceptionally advanced in math. At least 10+ of them ended with MAP-M of 280+ at 5th grade. Only a handful of them went to TPMS, but together with other kids that were selected using the CoGAT and regional percentile method, TPMS had around 20 kids took Algebra 1 at 6th grade. Even though half of the content was skipped due to pure virtual environment back in 2020-2021, they had no issue accelerating more through active math varsity team activities (Thanks to Mrs. M!). Now there is a 300+ MAP-M group in TPMS. I feel so fortunate that they caught the last magnet bus. Now you can never see such a cohort in any local MSs with the lottery selection, so the talented student really needs parent's advocate to argue for acceleration on an individual base.

This is exact situation. We are planning to accelerate through community college courses for our DS so that the progress continues MCPS refuses to support and unfortunately Math class will be boring and will have to find something else to do at that time instead of pacing at kids at different level

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CES prepared the kids with pre-algebra. Why not give them exposure to Algebra and let them explore the world of mathematics? Why do you want to hold them back because average joes cannot catch up?

CES has absolutely NOTHING to do with math.

Kids in CES have the same math options as other kids in the same school. Most take compacted math, but not all. And lots of non-CES kids take compacted math.

Clearly you do not know what you are talking about.

What’s incorrect? Did they add a special CES-specific math class since my kid went through it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that everyone is required to take math all 4 years in his regardless of the level. I know families where algebra in 6th seemed like a good idea but by the time they were a junior and thinking about pursuing a journalism or another non tech major...MV Calc was not how they wanted to spend Jr or Sr year. They ended up slowing it down taking Calc ab and then calc bc and then ap stats.

This is true even for a science major. My kid was "good at math" but not a math genius, and by the end of HS (he's a rising senior) he is having to take incredibly complex math, which he isn't really that interested in or good at. It's not even especially applicable to his intended bio major. He would be better off if he were taking BC calc this year instead. I really regret the acceleration. It fed his ego at the time but it has been a PITA in late HS. It's not like you get to be done math and get to take something fun instead.

+1 It sounds great to be in advanced math in 6th grade, but even Algebra in 7th means 2 years of high school calculus ( or 1 year of calc and 1 of stats) which isn't necessary for most kids and a lot of top of all the other honors and AP classes in high school

There is zero reason you have to continue on that track. Our plan is to slow it down in high school or do stats senior year and focus on other interests. My child is also good at math, very good but not genius level.

That's not really an option for kids who take Algebra in 6th. There's no way to avoid 2 years of Calc in high school, unless you repeat Algebra II in 9th. Otherwise, the easiest path is

9th precalc
10th Calc AB
11th Calc BC
12th Stats

If a 6th grader can take Algebra I without any difficulties, he/she is likely going to be able to skip Calc AB. So precal for 9th, Calc BC for 10th, and two APs for 11th and 12th. I know Blair offers AP stat, AP linear algebra and Multi-variable Calculus. Or student can go to Montgomery College.

At our HS school (not in the area), the highest math level is Calc BC. So students who took 6th grade algebra (about 20) follow the sequence above - precalc, Calc AB, Calc BC, Stats. In theory they could go straight to BC but there aren't enough spots and those go to upper classmen. Those who want higher math do DE at a local community college junior and senior year but most stay at the HS and follow this track. If your HS school offers linear algebra/multi-variable calc, I'd assume skipping AB is commonly done and your kid may feel pressure to do it even if she's not interested in pursuing math, engineering etc.. Definitely something to think about.

I realize you are trying to be helpful but what is happening at your HS is very different from MCPS. The schools here offer the higher level or you can do it through Virtual Academy or the community college. I'll let my child progress at the level they feel comfortable but despite starting younger I feel no need to rush it.

Sounds pretty similar to me.

Except all our schools offer upper level classes whereas yours don’t.

Ok. Makes sense now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some schools really discourage it, some welcome it. Your kid can take a placement test. I had to do all sorts of things so that my kid could get into that track, coming from a CES and compacted math, with a 280 on her MAP-M. That plus an advanced orchestra class keeps her not entirely miserable in her home school.

This is what happens when MCPS does a stupid lottery for magnets: gifted kids end up not having anything to do at their level at their home school. At what point my kid wrote “I want to kill myself” in her notebook.

Why create discriminatory environment by providing opportunities for some kids and not all kids?

Welcome to mcps, this is basically their motto.

Time to move to other counties where they care about all children's bright future

Which is where exactly?

There are plenty of places to consider if people can afford to move. Fairfax, Loudoun, Howard, Frederick, Caroll county

LOL. Thanks for the jokes

Seriously, one of the funniest comments I’ve read in awhile!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CES prepared the kids with pre-algebra. Why not give them exposure to Algebra and let them explore the world of mathematics? Why do you want to hold them back because average joes cannot catch up?

CES has absolutely NOTHING to do with math.

Kids in CES have the same math options as other kids in the same school. Most take compacted math, but not all. And lots of non-CES kids take compacted math.

Clearly you do not know what you are talking about.

What’s incorrect? Did they add a special CES-specific math class since my kid went through it?

There has been talk about a few ES schools offering AIM in 5th but not many. Most kids are skipping AIM and going directly into Algebra from compacted math.