Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 12:04     Subject: Algebra 3?
Anonymous wrote:Our 8th grader just finished Algebra 2, and we're pretty disappointed with the school curriculum.
In school, he's taking AP/DE Precalculus next.

We're thinking of signing him up for AoPS's Intermediate Algebra next (previously called Algebra 3).

Is this a good idea, or are there any school-offered courses that could fill the gaps?


Why isn't he taking honors precalc next?

If he can't handle that, he shouldn't be hyper accelerated in math.

He'll be stuck after basic calc in 10th, stats in 11th, and not prepared for anything else.

Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 12:02     Subject: Algebra 3?
Anonymous wrote:DE Precalc??
Why isn't this a regular HS class?


It's an FCPS thing.

DE is the middle level, below honors, for kids who want to college, but don't like math, and might want to try exempting from the basic math distribution credit for a non-STEM major at a non hyper elective college.

The goal is to separate these students from the students who are on the non-remedial but non-college basic high school track.

https://herndonhs.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/AP%2BElectives%20Fair%20-%20Jan%202021%20-%20PreCalc%20Regular%20vs.%20DE%20vs.%20Honors.pdf
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 11:54     Subject: Re:Algebra 3?
Anonymous wrote:My grade advanced DC took the Algebra 3/intermediate algebra class through AOPS in 8th and really enjoyed it. It was, however, far beyond what most schools offer. I also recommend you check out their intro to algebra course as well if you think your school was weak, as the intro class is a combined algebra 1 and 2 course more or less but goes substantially deeper than a traditional curriculum. If you think your child has gaps or just memorized random formulas with little deep understanding, that course would be a great fit.

My DC also really enjoyed the intro to number theory course, if your looking for something just to challenge your DC since the school curriculum falls so short.


We've already done the Algebra A + B course. It is beyond school math.

FWIW, there's no assigned Alcumus in this class, interestingly.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2025 21:19     Subject: Algebra 3?
Anonymous wrote:In our circle, friends who focus on math use Khan Academy because it's free! AoPs is quite expensive for what it offers in terms of normal to advanced enrichment. There are many more affordable enrichment options, especially in Northern Virginia. Kumon, RSM, Curie, Sunshine, fairfax collegiate, etc., get mentioned frequently here.
Those are all much more expensive than then AoPS books + Alcumus

OP, I suggest your DC do the introduction to algebra topics on Alcumus on the hard or very hard difficulty before starting intermediate algebra if they cannot pass this test: https://data.artofproblemsolving.com//products/diagnostics/intro-algebra-posttest.pdf