Anonymous
04/23/2026 16:10
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:We got the same email. Superintendent Reed has been really pushing to get more kids through Alg I by 8th. So each year one of the requirements is removed. Last year they did away with the Iowa assessment. Now I guess they're nixing the SOL requirement as well. Our kid is in level IV but we opted out of Alg I this year because it would have been virtual at our school (not great for a kid with pretty bad ADHD). But good to know we don't need to stress about the SOL anymore.
Superintendent Reed is answering the needs of advanced students, as requested by us the parents. You opted out and did what's suitable for your kid. We kept our student in Alg1 since our student felt it's appropriate fit. What seems to be the problem here?
The option should be to opt in, not out. The County is making a choice for the parents to hyper accelerate their children. The County should give the parents the option of placing their child into the class, just like you have to opt in to Advanced Math or Level III or AAP.
Let’s be real. Affluent middle-class parents already know how to navigate all this AAP jargon. A lot of other families don't, including the landscaper's. Automatic placement into advanced math like Algebra 1 early on gives those kids a shot at building a stronger academic profile and competing for STEM college majors just like those from informed middle class.
So is it really that big of an ask for engaged parents, who have plenty of time to post replies on this forum, to send one opt-out email?
Except that most of the country doesn’t allow Algebra until 8th grade, opting kids into Algebra in 6th grade is not going to influence college decisions. Kids with Calculus are accepted into top tier schools from FCPS even though there is the option to take math beyond Calculus.
They would be better opting kids into M7H and making sure they have strong skills so that they can do well in A1H in 8th grade.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 15:34
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:We got the same email. Superintendent Reed has been really pushing to get more kids through Alg I by 8th. So each year one of the requirements is removed. Last year they did away with the Iowa assessment. Now I guess they're nixing the SOL requirement as well. Our kid is in level IV but we opted out of Alg I this year because it would have been virtual at our school (not great for a kid with pretty bad ADHD). But good to know we don't need to stress about the SOL anymore.
Superintendent Reed is answering the needs of advanced students, as requested by us the parents. You opted out and did what's suitable for your kid. We kept our student in Alg1 since our student felt it's appropriate fit. What seems to be the problem here?
The option should be to opt in, not out. The County is making a choice for the parents to hyper accelerate their children. The County should give the parents the option of placing their child into the class, just like you have to opt in to Advanced Math or Level III or AAP.
Let’s be real. Affluent middle-class parents already know how to navigate all this AAP jargon. A lot of other families don't, including the landscaper's. Automatic placement into advanced math like Algebra 1 early on gives those kids a shot at building a stronger academic profile and competing for STEM college majors just like those from informed middle class.
So is it really that big of a ask for engaged parents, who have plenty of time to post replies on this forum, to send one opt-out email?
Anonymous
04/23/2026 15:01
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
The big problem is that it's still skipping prealgebra, not acceleration. So you just can't know until you try, unless you did private prelagebra. And the earlier you start algebra, the higher your mathematical aptitude needs to be, so you don't crash out after 10th grade calculus.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 14:51
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:We got the same email. Superintendent Reed has been really pushing to get more kids through Alg I by 8th. So each year one of the requirements is removed. Last year they did away with the Iowa assessment. Now I guess they're nixing the SOL requirement as well. Our kid is in level IV but we opted out of Alg I this year because it would have been virtual at our school (not great for a kid with pretty bad ADHD). But good to know we don't need to stress about the SOL anymore.
Superintendent Reed is answering the needs of advanced students, as requested by us the parents. You opted out and did what's suitable for your kid. We kept our student in Alg1 since our student felt it's appropriate fit. What seems to be the problem here?
The option should be to opt in, not out. The County is making a choice for the parents to hyper accelerate their children. The County should give the parents the option of placing their child into the class, just like you have to opt in to Advanced Math or Level III or AAP.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 14:36
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:We got the same email. Superintendent Reed has been really pushing to get more kids through Alg I by 8th. So each year one of the requirements is removed. Last year they did away with the Iowa assessment. Now I guess they're nixing the SOL requirement as well. Our kid is in level IV but we opted out of Alg I this year because it would have been virtual at our school (not great for a kid with pretty bad ADHD). But good to know we don't need to stress about the SOL anymore.
Superintendent Reed is answering the needs of advanced students, as requested by us the parents. You opted out and did what's suitable for your kid. We kept our student in Alg1 since our student felt it's appropriate fit. What seems to be the problem here?
I’ve been looking through this string wondering the same thing. It’s just more options for students. If you don’t want your child in it, opt them out!
Anonymous
04/23/2026 13:52
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:We got the same email. Superintendent Reed has been really pushing to get more kids through Alg I by 8th. So each year one of the requirements is removed. Last year they did away with the Iowa assessment. Now I guess they're nixing the SOL requirement as well. Our kid is in level IV but we opted out of Alg I this year because it would have been virtual at our school (not great for a kid with pretty bad ADHD). But good to know we don't need to stress about the SOL anymore.
Superintendent Reed is answering the needs of advanced students, as requested by us the parents. You opted out and did what's suitable for your kid. We kept our student in Alg1 since our student felt it's appropriate fit. What seems to be the problem here?
Anonymous
04/23/2026 13:44
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I am opting my 5th grader out of 6th grade Algebra. It is totally unnecessary.
Same but I’m annoyed that all the kids are talking about it and now think they should take it if they’re strong in math. We’ve talked at length about this all yr and DC is fine w/ the decision not to rush this but was second guessing a bit this week after hearing all the chatter. Our crazy competitive school will likely have more than 1/2 of the AAP class enrolling.
Feels like the choice has become to insecurity, or hold them back. Do they have enough teachers…
Insecurity was meant to read unnecessarily rush
I see your point but I don't think having my AAP kid take pre algebra honors in 7th is holding her back. She has so many other things going on and is not in love with math. She will take calculus her senior year and it will be fine.
I read the poster as agreeing with your position, that parents who were pushing their kids into A1H in where rushing when they didn't need to.
if other kid is better than yours, does that mean their parent is pushing? Why compare at all, if not for some sense of insecurity of falling behind?
Anonymous
04/23/2026 10:58
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I am opting my 5th grader out of 6th grade Algebra. It is totally unnecessary.
Same but I’m annoyed that all the kids are talking about it and now think they should take it if they’re strong in math. We’ve talked at length about this all yr and DC is fine w/ the decision not to rush this but was second guessing a bit this week after hearing all the chatter. Our crazy competitive school will likely have more than 1/2 of the AAP class enrolling.
Feels like the choice has become to insecurity, or hold them back. Do they have enough teachers…
Insecurity was meant to read unnecessarily rush
I see your point but I don't think having my AAP kid take pre algebra honors in 7th is holding her back. She has so many other things going on and is not in love with math. She will take calculus her senior year and it will be fine.
I read the poster as agreeing with your position, that parents who were pushing their kids into A1H in where rushing when they didn't need to.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 10:13
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
So how do they separate the kids who opt for Algebra 1 in 6th vs don't? I have a current AAP 5th grader and will be opting out of Algebra next year. Do the kids stay together for most of the day but separate for their respective math classes?
Anonymous
04/23/2026 07:42
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I am opting my 5th grader out of 6th grade Algebra. It is totally unnecessary.
Same but I’m annoyed that all the kids are talking about it and now think they should take it if they’re strong in math. We’ve talked at length about this all yr and DC is fine w/ the decision not to rush this but was second guessing a bit this week after hearing all the chatter. Our crazy competitive school will likely have more than 1/2 of the AAP class enrolling.
Same but we've talked to a couple of parents we know who are on board with waiting to take a high school level class until middle school, so my DD won't be alone.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 07:32
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Same poster as above...in fact pushing her into unnecessary math acceleration could hold her back from enjoying everything else.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 07:27
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I am opting my 5th grader out of 6th grade Algebra. It is totally unnecessary.
Same but I’m annoyed that all the kids are talking about it and now think they should take it if they’re strong in math. We’ve talked at length about this all yr and DC is fine w/ the decision not to rush this but was second guessing a bit this week after hearing all the chatter. Our crazy competitive school will likely have more than 1/2 of the AAP class enrolling.
Feels like the choice has become to insecurity, or hold them back. Do they have enough teachers…
Insecurity was meant to read unnecessarily rush
I see your point but I don't think having my AAP kid take pre algebra honors in 7th is holding her back. She has so many other things going on and is not in love with math. She will take calculus her senior year and it will be fine.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 07:26
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
I teach 5th advanced and I talked with my classes about how this is a family choice, and that some kids have other priorities like sports and hobbies that won’t allow them to put all of the time in for Algebra I homework that will be required. We also talked about how you can share your choice if you want, but you shouldn’t pressure anyone to tell you, and also that they still need to pass the math SOL.
I really wish they’d given teachers more guidance. These are little humans (even if they don’t see themselves as little).
I am most sad for my kids who already struggle (as in, need significant support) but whose parents will push them into Algebra 1.
I really wish they’d given teachers more guidance. These are little humans (even if they don’t see themselves as little).
I am most sad for my kids who already struggle (as in, need significant support) but whose parents will push them into Algebra 1.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 07:20
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think the May 8 deadline is due to staffing reasons. They want to see which schools will have enough kids for a teacher (15+) vs virtual.
You can withdraw your kid from Algebra I at any time through the third quarter (which is problematic because then they’ve missed foundational instruction). So you can certainly opt out after the May 8 deadline, even if they might not be happy with you.
Last year they required 245 MAP (average 6th grade algebra 1 student had 259) and pass advanced on SOL. It would be a good idea to hold off on a final decision until you have that information. It’s perfectly reasonable to change your mind if it turns out your child isn’t there yet.
this is FCPS’s first year using MAP. i think for the current grade 6 kids taking algebra it was 1125Q on iready and they had to do a math 7 assessment before they started to make sure they had a foundation. plus pass advance. it’s just stupid to make it standard pass
245 on MAP is the equivalent to the 1125Q on iReady. Principals received a slide show with that information.
Anonymous
04/23/2026 05:56
Subject: Automatically enrolled into Algebra 1 honors
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I am opting my 5th grader out of 6th grade Algebra. It is totally unnecessary.
Same but I’m annoyed that all the kids are talking about it and now think they should take it if they’re strong in math. We’ve talked at length about this all yr and DC is fine w/ the decision not to rush this but was second guessing a bit this week after hearing all the chatter. Our crazy competitive school will likely have more than 1/2 of the AAP class enrolling.
Feels like the choice has become to insecurity, or hold them back. Do they have enough teachers…
Insecurity was meant to read unnecessarily rush