Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are new to MCPS; the kid is strong in math, entering fifth grade. We are in a W high school pyramid. What kind of math in fifth grade leads to Algebra 1 in sixth grade, assuming there is such path? What types of math tracks are available in fifth grade and how do kids qualify for those?

You're in the right pyramid which will make this easier. Some ES offter AIM in 5th which will lead to Algebra in 6th. Other MS like Frost will allow any student who scores 250+ on their MAP-M to take Algebra in 6th. If you honestly believe your child is ready, I'd reach out to their school MS councilor. At some schools you will need ask or even push to make this happen, but W feeders are typically receptive unlike many other areas in the county.

Anonymous wrote:Not sure how it works downcounty, but as a recent graduate I did:

Compacted 4/5 in 4th, (joined the class during the fall after it started based on teacher rec/testing)
Compacted 5/6 in 5th, (kids from my school also joined partially through)
IM7 in 6th, but then got moved to Algebra 1 after the first week based on teacher recommendation
Geometry in 7th
Algebra 2 at the HS in 8th
Precalc in 9th (on-level, pandemic year, should have taken honors)
BC calc in 10th (teacher recommendation)

If it wasn't for IB I would've taken multivariable at MC in 11th.

As someone who did it, there's no need to push your kid if they're not ready. You can ask, but any acceleration is good.