Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 10:15     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
I am the OP of the previous pre algebra post. I'll say this, while my child did get As throughout 4th and 5th compacted math without any outside support, their MAP- M scores were around the 89%. Additionally, this year has been very chaotic because MCPS seems to be developing the class and norming the grades as they go. It sounds like next year will be a much more organized class and that your child is well suited for it. All in all, I think the more acceleration the better because in my opinion, mcps is focused on the below grade level students more so than the above. At least this seems to be true in our down county schools. And I'm not sure that's a bad thing either.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 10:14     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
Anonymous wrote:Isn't there a fair bit of geometry on the SAT? It seems like a bad idea to remove geometry content from the curriculum for students planning to take the SAT...


I think it’ll be fine for SATs - the parts they slimmed down are more for Calc kids who will be doing proofs etc. But hopefully MCPS beefs up Precalc.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 10:08     Subject: Re:6th grade pre-algebra
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:PP. There are a lot of kids who have much lower scores who get placed into Pre Algebra in sixth, because of how the lottery cutoffs work. Scores can be as low as 60 or 70th percentile nationally on the MAP to qualify for the lottery - and MCPS uses fourth and fifth grade MAP so they don’t make sure kids actually can do sixth grade math before advancing to PreAlgebra, which is compacted grade 7 and 8 math. That’s really what the discussion is about. Over a third of kids in Compacted Math are not passing the state assessments later. And because the selection criteria was locally normed, the accuracy of placement depended on your school. You can see the rates if kids passing Geometry at your local school here on the Geometry MCAP tab: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Btm7A1i0FJw1ssLDht_L6KocVrRwcM1Y/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=111799539092517039560&rtpof=true&sd=true


It wasn’t too much for my kids at the 98/99th percentile on MAP (I should add that MAP scores are not exactly tied to state math standards). And my kids don’t supplement. Both also did very well in math later. But they took the current Algebra - Geometry sequence.

You can see how they do on the district progress checks, etc., next year and slow down to Accel Math 6, or retake Accel Math 7 of you’re nervous, but probably not necessary.

The biggest issue is choosing math courses in high school. You will need to find four years of math. Right now MCPS is suggesting Precalc > Calc AB > Calc BC, and that leaves one more class. Multivariable Calc is what they currently offer at some schools or Montgomery College. Your child might not want to do that, so maybe AP Stats.

But hopefully they have some other options by high school for the kids who are not hardcore Calc. Your child might be - it really is an individual decision.


Calc AB, BC, Stats is path for "non hardcore calc" tar lets kids review all thenalgebra and geometry they missed in Integrated Algebra



There may be more options too - the idea of IA is that they are slimming it down to essential concepts for the non Calc kids. Then creating alternate pathways:

- Quantitative Reasoning pathway develops real-world mathematical skills in
problem-solving, modeling, financial literacy, and data-driven decision-making.

ii. Data and Data Analytics are increasingly essential, and this pathway builds foundational skills in data analysis, programming, and mathematical reasoning.
It leverages technology to explore real-world datasets and prepare students for
a data-driven future.

iii. Algebraic Foundations of Calculus pathway is designed for students pursuing
STEM fields. It provides a deep exploration of functions and change in
preparation for Calculus.

iv. Statistics and Probability builds students’ understanding of data, uncertainty,
and statistical inference. It focuses on using quantitative research on real-world
phenomena to enhance understanding of relationships in the world around us.

Kids might want to mix and match. A class that mixed programming (or AI programming) and data analysis is very useful and matches what they’ll see in college if they take Stats now. (source: my child who just finished Stat 100 in college - it was mostly programming)

Here is an example of a class that Washington and Charles County are piloting next year for their data analysis pathway:

https://www.utdanacenter.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Framework-ISQR-Sept2024_FINAL1.pdf

Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:54     Subject: Re:6th grade pre-algebra
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:If they’ve been doing well on the MCAPs too (Exceeds Expectations) they will be fine. The only issue is that in 27-28 they will be the first to take the new Integrated Algebra sequence, which leads to Precalc freshman year and Calc sophomore year. Nobody knows if the new Integrated Algebra pathway will be enough for kids taking Calc. Hopefully by then MCPS will have a better option than “we’ll see.” You might want to supplement on Geometry which is where they skimp the most.



Just to clarify. It’s the state that is skimping on Geometry in the new Integrated Algebra 1 and 2. Some of that Geometry is pushed down to grade 7-8 in the new math. Your child will get the new grade 7/8 standards next year, so you can see how it feels and redo Amp 7 plus if you want. I think your child probably will be fine though.


AMP 7+ will not exist in 2 years. I think.


Sorry, yes I mean Accel Math 7 which replaces Amp 7 +.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:38     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
Anonymous wrote:Isn't there a fair bit of geometry on the SAT? It seems like a bad idea to remove geometry content from the curriculum for students planning to take the SAT...


The dumbed down SAT geometry will be in Integrated Algebra
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:34     Subject: Re:6th grade pre-algebra
Anonymous wrote:PP. There are a lot of kids who have much lower scores who get placed into Pre Algebra in sixth, because of how the lottery cutoffs work. Scores can be as low as 60 or 70th percentile nationally on the MAP to qualify for the lottery - and MCPS uses fourth and fifth grade MAP so they don’t make sure kids actually can do sixth grade math before advancing to PreAlgebra, which is compacted grade 7 and 8 math. That’s really what the discussion is about. Over a third of kids in Compacted Math are not passing the state assessments later. And because the selection criteria was locally normed, the accuracy of placement depended on your school. You can see the rates if kids passing Geometry at your local school here on the Geometry MCAP tab: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Btm7A1i0FJw1ssLDht_L6KocVrRwcM1Y/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=111799539092517039560&rtpof=true&sd=true


It wasn’t too much for my kids at the 98/99th percentile on MAP (I should add that MAP scores are not exactly tied to state math standards). And my kids don’t supplement. Both also did very well in math later. But they took the current Algebra - Geometry sequence.

You can see how they do on the district progress checks, etc., next year and slow down to Accel Math 6, or retake Accel Math 7 of you’re nervous, but probably not necessary.

The biggest issue is choosing math courses in high school. You will need to find four years of math. Right now MCPS is suggesting Precalc > Calc AB > Calc BC, and that leaves one more class. Multivariable Calc is what they currently offer at some schools or Montgomery College. Your child might not want to do that, so maybe AP Stats.

But hopefully they have some other options by high school for the kids who are not hardcore Calc. Your child might be - it really is an individual decision.


Calc AB, BC, Stats is path for "non hardcore calc" tar lets kids review all thenalgebra and geometry they missed in Integrated Algebra
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:32     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
Isn't there a fair bit of geometry on the SAT? It seems like a bad idea to remove geometry content from the curriculum for students planning to take the SAT...
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:30     Subject: Re:6th grade pre-algebra
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:If they’ve been doing well on the MCAPs too (Exceeds Expectations) they will be fine. The only issue is that in 27-28 they will be the first to take the new Integrated Algebra sequence, which leads to Precalc freshman year and Calc sophomore year. Nobody knows if the new Integrated Algebra pathway will be enough for kids taking Calc. Hopefully by then MCPS will have a better option than “we’ll see.” You might want to supplement on Geometry which is where they skimp the most.



Just to clarify. It’s the state that is skimping on Geometry in the new Integrated Algebra 1 and 2. Some of that Geometry is pushed down to grade 7-8 in the new math. Your child will get the new grade 7/8 standards next year, so you can see how it feels and redo Amp 7 plus if you want. I think your child probably will be fine though.


AMP 7+ will not exist in 2 years. I think.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:28     Subject: Re:6th grade pre-algebra
Anonymous wrote:If they’ve been doing well on the MCAPs too (Exceeds Expectations) they will be fine. The only issue is that in 27-28 they will be the first to take the new Integrated Algebra sequence, which leads to Precalc freshman year and Calc sophomore year. Nobody knows if the new Integrated Algebra pathway will be enough for kids taking Calc. Hopefully by then MCPS will have a better option than “we’ll see.” You might want to supplement on Geometry which is where they skimp the most.



Just to clarify. It’s the state that is skimping on Geometry in the new Integrated Algebra 1 and 2. Some of that Geometry is pushed down to grade 7-8 in the new math. Your child will get the new grade 7/8 standards next year, so you can see how it feels and redo Amp 7 plus if you want. I think your child probably will be fine though.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:24     Subject: Re:6th grade pre-algebra
PP. There are a lot of kids who have much lower scores who get placed into Pre Algebra in sixth, because of how the lottery cutoffs work. Scores can be as low as 60 or 70th percentile nationally on the MAP to qualify for the lottery - and MCPS uses fourth and fifth grade MAP so they don’t make sure kids actually can do sixth grade math before advancing to PreAlgebra, which is compacted grade 7 and 8 math. That’s really what the discussion is about. Over a third of kids in Compacted Math are not passing the state assessments later. And because the selection criteria was locally normed, the accuracy of placement depended on your school. You can see the rates if kids passing Geometry at your local school here on the Geometry MCAP tab: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Btm7A1i0FJw1ssLDht_L6KocVrRwcM1Y/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=111799539092517039560&rtpof=true&sd=true


It wasn’t too much for my kids at the 98/99th percentile on MAP (I should add that MAP scores are not exactly tied to state math standards). And my kids don’t supplement. Both also did very well in math later. But they took the current Algebra - Geometry sequence.

You can see how they do on the district progress checks, etc., next year and slow down to Accel Math 6, or retake Accel Math 7 of you’re nervous, but probably not necessary.

The biggest issue is choosing math courses in high school. You will need to find four years of math. Right now MCPS is suggesting Precalc > Calc AB > Calc BC, and that leaves one more class. Multivariable Calc is what they currently offer at some schools or Montgomery College. Your child might not want to do that, so maybe AP Stats.

But hopefully they have some other options by high school for the kids who are not hardcore Calc. Your child might be - it really is an individual decision.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:23     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
New Pre-Algebra -> IM1 -> IM2 -> Pre-Calculus way is 1-year faster than the traditional Pre-Algebra -> Algebra1 -> Geometry -> Algebra2 -> Pre-Calculus pathway. Based on your DC's MAP-M percentile, Pre-Algebra should fit. They will have at least two years in HS to take math electives/or dual-enrollment at MC.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:23     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
It’s fine. Don’t listen to the nonsense here. The big issue is the curriculum and quality of the teacher.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 09:22     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
Your child is more than ready.

MCPS undereducates students. But giving your kid even less won't help.

Don't follow the example of the bottom 90% of math kids for your 99.9%ile kid.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 08:37     Subject: Re:6th grade pre-algebra
If they’ve been doing well on the MCAPs too (Exceeds Expectations) they will be fine. The only issue is that in 27-28 they will be the first to take the new Integrated Algebra sequence, which leads to Precalc freshman year and Calc sophomore year. Nobody knows if the new Integrated Algebra pathway will be enough for kids taking Calc. Hopefully by then MCPS will have a better option than “we’ll see.” You might want to supplement on Geometry which is where they skimp the most.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2026 08:27     Subject: 6th grade pre-algebra
My child just received the placement into pre-algebra next year. They are very strong in math and regularly scoring in the 99.9th percentile on their MAP test, so I have generally thought the more acceleration the better. But in all these discussions about compacted math people seem to feel like the 6th grader pre-pathway is excessive and may not prepare kids well for algebra and geometry. Can any parents who have experience with this kind of acceleration if they feel their child’s been adequately prepared?