Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 15:37     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Our school does not offer AP Prec AB. The options were non-honors precalculus or AP Precalc BC.
My son did honors geometry, regular algebra 2, and ap precalc BC.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 15:10     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid took algebra 2 regular and then AP pre calc.


OP here: AP Precalculus AB or BC? Our counselor is advising that moving from Algebra 2 (non-honors) to AP Precalculus BC would be too big of a jump. However, my daughter is very strong in math and is confident she can make up any gaps through independent study and free online enrichment classes. She’s highly self-motivated about this--it’s coming from her, not me--but the counselor’s warning is making me uneasy, and I’m not sure how much weight to give it. My daughter believes the counselors may be overstating the risk based on what she’s heard from others, presumably the high school students she’s friends with. I’m trying to understand whether there’s real substance behind the concern or if it’s being exaggerated.


I think she should take AP PreCalculus AB. And then she can decide between AP Calculus AB or BC at the next level.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 15:08     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Anonymous wrote:My kid took algebra 2 regular and then AP pre calc.


OP here: AP Precalculus AB or BC? Our counselor is advising that moving from Algebra 2 (non-honors) to AP Precalculus BC would be too big of a jump. However, my daughter is very strong in math and is confident she can make up any gaps through independent study and free online enrichment classes. She’s highly self-motivated about this--it’s coming from her, not me--but the counselor’s warning is making me uneasy, and I’m not sure how much weight to give it. My daughter believes the counselors may be overstating the risk based on what she’s heard from others, presumably the high school students she’s friends with. I’m trying to understand whether there’s real substance behind the concern or if it’s being exaggerated.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 15:07     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
My kid’s math teacher in regular Geometry is telling the entire class to not take H Alg 2 and to take the regular class. This year has been easy and her grade has never gone below 96. Last year in Alg 1 was more challenging.

I’m inclined to agree with her to stay in Alg 2 regular but want to make sure she’s prepared for AP precalc in her junior year. Her other courses in 10th grade will be a mix of honors and AP and she doesn’t want to overextend herself. We welcome advice from those who have BTDT with AP precalc.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 15:00     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
My kid took algebra 2 regular and then AP pre calc.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 14:16     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Anonymous wrote:My DC is moving into 9th and working with their counselor on math selection. Counselor said there is no upper math step after Algebra 2 non-honors. The leap is too big to pre-calc, which is only offered as an AP course. So then the option is statistics or another low-level math course.

Counselor recommended staying in the math honors classes for this reason.


This must be specific to your high school, because they have a standard level pre-calc at our school and my older son took it and then took Appied Calc after that since he is not going into a stem field, but enjoyed having a math class
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 13:48     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Anonymous wrote:Counselor is encouring DD to take Algebra 2 HN if she wants to progress to taking AP Precalc BC and AP Calc BC. She prefers to take Algebra 2. Wondering if there's really a need to take Algebra 2 HN.


There isn't a "need'> But does she want to progress to AP Precalc and AP Calculus? If so, better to get that transition out of the way sooner than later. If that's not a goal, then I guess it doesn't matter.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 13:45     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
My DC is moving into 9th and working with their counselor on math selection. Counselor said there is no upper math step after Algebra 2 non-honors. The leap is too big to pre-calc, which is only offered as an AP course. So then the option is statistics or another low-level math course.

Counselor recommended staying in the math honors classes for this reason.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 13:38     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Any idea what topics might have been missed by taking standard Geometry and would be needed for Algebra 2 Honors?
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 13:27     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Oh and they go faster and more in depth in honors.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 13:26     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Our HS provides slides that show the different expectations in each class. It says the difference is that “regular” does not require as much independent learning. Tests reflect problems given on homework. Whereas in Honors the test may require thinking beyond what was on the class and homework assignments. Taking what you learned and making additional connections.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 13:21     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Our son did regular Geometry as a freshman and aced it so he was recommended for Alg 2 honors as a sophomore, which he is now taking. Definitely a faster pace. He seems to struggle more with Algebra vs. Geometry so it may just be his personal experience.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 13:19     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Can I add on to this and ask what people’s experiences have been with taking standard Geometry as a Freshman and going up to Algebra 2 HN in Sophomore year?
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 12:53     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Bump
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 11:39     Subject: Difference between Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 HN
Counselor is encouring DD to take Algebra 2 HN if she wants to progress to taking AP Precalc BC and AP Calc BC. She prefers to take Algebra 2. Wondering if there's really a need to take Algebra 2 HN.