Wow...a productive thread that helped OP get some answers...so it does happen on DCUM. Awesome work OP and responders!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Responding to the previous two posts.

Taking Algebra 1B and Geometry in 8th grade has not been allowed. However, it is possible to place out of geometry (by taking an outside class and taking an exam at the end of 8th grade) and take Algebra 2 (regular or honors) in 9th grade.

The Integrated math 1 and 2 path has been used for Holton girls who went through the MS curriculum (Algebra 1A and 1B). The new girls in HS get placed into Algebra 2 (regular or honors), Geometry (regular or honors) or Precalc (regular or honors).

I hope this helps.

Very helpful, thank you! How often do Holton girls, who went through MS curriculum, take the path of placing out of Geometry?

And if they do, are they also allowed to do a similar track as the new girls in HS? For example, instead of taking IM 1 and IM 2 etc., they take Algebra 2 reg or hons (9th), Precalc reg or hons (10th), Calc 1 (11th), Calc 1&2 (11th or 12th)?

Yes, that is allowed and it happens. You may want to ask Holton to put you in touch with girls who have taken that path. But keep in mind that the new paths started just 2-3 years ago. So the first cohort that was affected in now in 10th grade.

Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Responding to the previous two posts.

Taking Algebra 1B and Geometry in 8th grade has not been allowed. However, it is possible to place out of geometry (by taking an outside class and taking an exam at the end of 8th grade) and take Algebra 2 (regular or honors) in 9th grade.

The Integrated math 1 and 2 path has been used for Holton girls who went through the MS curriculum (Algebra 1A and 1B). The new girls in HS get placed into Algebra 2 (regular or honors), Geometry (regular or honors) or Precalc (regular or honors).

I hope this helps.

Very helpful, thank you! How often do Holton girls, who went through MS curriculum, take the path of placing out of Geometry?

And if they do, are they also allowed to do a similar track as the new girls in HS? For example, instead of taking IM 1 and IM 2 etc., they take Algebra 2 reg or hons (9th), Precalc reg or hons (10th), Calc 1 (11th), Calc 1&2 (11th or 12th)?

Yes, that is allowed and it happens. You may want to ask Holton to put you in touch with girls who have taken that path. But keep in mind that the new paths started just 2-3 years ago. So the first cohort that was affected in now in 10th grade.

Anonymous wrote:Responding to the previous two posts.

Taking Algebra 1B and Geometry in 8th grade has not been allowed. However, it is possible to place out of geometry (by taking an outside class and taking an exam at the end of 8th grade) and take Algebra 2 (regular or honors) in 9th grade.

The Integrated math 1 and 2 path has been used for Holton girls who went through the MS curriculum (Algebra 1A and 1B). The new girls in HS get placed into Algebra 2 (regular or honors), Geometry (regular or honors) or Precalc (regular or honors).

I hope this helps.

Very helpful, thank you! How often do Holton girls, who went through MS curriculum, take the path of placing out of Geometry?

And if they do, are they also allowed to do a similar track as the new girls in HS? For example, instead of taking IM 1 and IM 2 etc., they take Algebra 2 reg or hons (9th), Precalc reg or hons (10th), Calc 1 (11th), Calc 1&2 (11th or 12th)?

Responding to the previous two posts.

Taking Algebra 1B and Geometry in 8th grade has not been allowed. However, it is possible to place out of geometry (by taking an outside class and taking an exam at the end of 8th grade) and take Algebra 2 (regular or honors) in 9th grade.

The Integrated math 1 and 2 path has been used for Holton girls who went through the MS curriculum (Algebra 1A and 1B). The new girls in HS get placed into Algebra 2 (regular or honors), Geometry (regular or honors) or Precalc (regular or honors).

I hope this helps.

Anonymous wrote:PP here. Algebra 2 cannot be taken simultaneously with another math class (geometry, Precalc).

The more advanced girls who have gone through the MS math curriculum have two main options: 1) take Integrated Math in 9th and 10th grade; 2) place out of geometry, take Algebra 2 honors in 9th grade and Precalc honors in 10th grade. The two tracks “meet” again in 11th grade for Calc honors.

The new girls (who join HS) can get placed into Algebra 2 honors or even Precalc honors in 9th grade.

NP. In practice, do we have a sense of whether these options are actually taken by the more advanced girls who went through the MS math curriculum? Or are they usually taken by the new girls (who join HS) coming from public/magnet with potentially more advanced math coverage?

How does one "place out of geometry"? Genuinely asking to understand.

Do the Integrated Math courses in 9th and 10th grade go into the same depth as the independent Geometry Honors, Algebra Honors and Precalc Honors, but just covered in a more accelerated manner? Or are they the non-Honors version?

Anonymous wrote:PP here. Algebra 2 cannot be taken simultaneously with another math class (geometry, Precalc).

The more advanced girls who have gone through the MS math curriculum have two main options: 1) take Integrated Math in 9th and 10th grade; 2) place out of geometry, take Algebra 2 honors in 9th grade and Precalc honors in 10th grade. The two tracks “meet” again in 11th grade for Calc honors.

The new girls (who join HS) can get placed into Algebra 2 honors or even Precalc honors in 9th grade.

OP here. Thank you everyone! I realize I misnamed one of the courses when I asked:
"Is there an option for your DD to do Algebra (part 2) simultaneously with another math class if she chose to do so? (e.g. Precalc or one of the IM options)? "

I actually meant to ask:
"Is there an option for your DD to do Algebra 1B (Holton's designation of the 2nd year Algebra 1 course), simultaneously with another math class (e.g. Geometry) if she chose to do so?

One potential path for MS students to get to Multi-variable Calculus by 12th grade (if they want to pursue the most advanced math class) after spending two years on Algebra 1 is:

Algebra 1A in G7 -> Algebra 1B in G8 -> IM 1 in G9 -> IM 2 in G10 -> Calculus 1 & 2 in G11 -> Multi-variable Calculus in G12. The IM1 and IM 2 courses are Holton's compressed courses that covers Geometry, Algebra 2 and Precalculus over 2 years.

However, this path seems to add much more pressure to grades 9 onwards than if Algebra 1 were to be covered in just 1 year (e.g. Grade 7), allowing for coverage of Geometry, Algebra 2 or Precalculus in the its own separate year leading up to Calc 1 and Calc 1&2 in junior and senior years, or Calc 1&2 and Multi-variable Calc in the junior and senior years?

And while we understand there are many other factors that come into play such as course schedule, math maturity, interests etc., we're mainly trying to understand if there is even an option to do Geometry concurrently with Algebra 1B within the school, should DD be interested in.

Thanks everyone for the patience as we try to figure this out. All your feedback has been invaluable.

Anonymous wrote:I have a relative who recently graduated from Holton and its STEM program is first-rate. It's the only school that I think has STEM comparable to Sidwell and GDS (and DD attends one of these). They will work with girls who are stand out talents too as my niece was telling me there was a customized class for one of the other students.

I think you should send your child to Holton and then if she wants you can have her apply to the HS magnet. If she gets in she'll make a choice then. She may grow up to find she hates STEM or the situation at Holton or the magnet may change. You're talking about years out but I think the best decision you can make for now is to send her to Holton.

Sidwell does not have a great STEM program.
Sidwell is below both of them.

To be clear there is both Honors Math and Honors Science classes in a variety of subject that continue through HS.

I have a Holton HS student and would not say students lean toward liberal arts careers vs STEM. Both programs are strong. My STEM oriented daughter loved that they had many trimester long science electives so she could see what sciences might interest her to further pursue. There is Honors Math and Science starting in 9th that continue through HS. There is also a Science Research project for which girls can apply junior year where they do an eight week internship in engineering or a lab and then present their final project to school. The science teachers are really excellent and hands-on at Holton.

I have a relative who recently graduated from Holton and its STEM program is first-rate. It's the only school that I think has STEM comparable to Sidwell and GDS (and DD attends one of these). They will work with girls who are stand out talents too as my niece was telling me there was a customized class for one of the other students.

I think you should send your child to Holton and then if she wants you can have her apply to the HS magnet. If she gets in she'll make a choice then. She may grow up to find she hates STEM or the situation at Holton or the magnet may change. You're talking about years out but I think the best decision you can make for now is to send her to Holton.

Anonymous wrote:Taking AP English, and getting a 4 or 5 on the test, doesn't necessarily mean you have "solid writing skills."

Holton HS has a huge emphasis on writing—teachers still take the time to print out essays and hand write tons of personal feedback—this includes all subjects, not just English. They will literally go thru virtually every sentence/word. They have several writing oriented clubs as well.

Taking AP English, and getting a 4 or 5 on the test, doesn't necessarily mean you have "solid writing skills."

To PPs with kids in public magnets, it’s my impression that all the magnet kids take 2 AP English’s (literature and writing). Does that not get them through high school with solid writing skills?

OP, science classes are great at Holton and math has options for advancement. We had picked Holton for our daughter over public for the more personal attention, especially when it comes to developing writing and speaking skills, and for the state that classes at HA are closer to the model of the Ivies, which you simply won’t find at public. The school tours sold us simply on these factors.