Our secondary math program is guided by: 

• Primary Math (6th Grade) and Big Ideas Math (7th and 8th grade) curriculum 
• Common Core Standards (K-8) 
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principles to Actions 
• College readiness benchmarks including the SAT 
• AP College Board course frameworks in Advanced Placement courses 

These frameworks ensure strong conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, mathematical reasoning, and readiness for advanced coursework and college-level expectations. 

Math placement is based on multiple measures. No single score determines placement. 

Middle School Placement Factors: 

• All 6th grade students learn in mixed-ability math classes designed to support a range of learners. Formal math pathway placements begin in 7th grade. 
• Academic achievement (grades in current course and teacher recommendation) 
• Aggregate Track My Progress Data (from the current school year) 
• Algebra 1 Placement Test (for rising 7th graders – administered in Spring) 

Upper School Placement Factors:

• Academic achievement (grades in current course and teacher recommendation) 
• End-of-Course Algebra 1 Exam (for rising 8th and 9th graders completing Algebra- administered in Spring) 
• PSAT or PreACT data (when available) 

Honors (On-Grade Level) 

• Strong focus on skill development and procedural fluency 
• Content taught to grade-level standards 
• Emphasis on mastery of foundational skills 
• Balanced conceptual and procedural learning 

Pre-AP 

• Faster pacing 
• Greater emphasis on mathematical reasoning and explanation 
• Deep conceptual focus 
• Higher expectations of independence and student work habits 
• Limited reliance on calculators; emphasis on mental and algebraic fluency 
• Designed to prepare students for AP coursework 

AP (Advanced Placement) 

• College-level curriculum following College Board frameworks 
• High level of analytical thinking and problem solving 
• Significant independence and student work habits and expectations 
• Culminates in a national AP exam 

Yes, movement is possible. 

Movement consideration requires: 

• A meeting with the student and department chair and a review of academic data to determine completion of pre-requisite skills 
• Additional course placement assessments, specific to the course being requested 

Placement decisions are made in partnership with the parents, math department, and administration, with the goal of ensuring an appropriate level of challenge and readiness for success. 

We intentionally: 

• Allow students to experience the expectations of middle school math 
• Focus on strengthening foundational skills 
• Strengthen and observe work habits and independence before determining long-term pathways 

This approach ensures thoughtful placement beginning in 7th grade. 

In 6th grade, we support advanced learners through: 

• A rigorous curriculum that strengthens 6th grade standards while introducing key pre-algebra concepts, preparing students for placement in either Pre-Algebra or Algebra I in 7th grade. 
• Differentiated enrichment and challenge within the curriculum 
• Participation in the iThinkers competitive math team as an additional elective 
• Optional practice through platforms such as IXL and Kahn Academy 

Our focus in 6th grade is depth, flexibility, and problem solving for securing foundational skills. 

Families should meet with the Academic Dean to: 

• Review prior coursework 
• Determine whether prerequisites have been met 
• Assess readiness for the next level 

Placement decisions are individualized based on demonstrated mastery. 

Students who demonstrate strong mastery, consistent performance, and readiness for increased challenge may benefit from enrichment or be considered for advancement.  Enrichment opportunities include: 

• Participate in math team opportunities (iThinkers in grades 4-8, and Mu Alpha Theta in grades 9-12) 
• Acceleration options may include: 
• Summer Geometry Course 
• Doubling math during freshman year (in lieu of an elective or study hall) 
• Accelerated AP Pre-Calculus leading to AP Calculus BC 

It is important to remember that: 

• The SAT is heavily algebra-based 
• A deep and durable algebra foundation is critical for long-term success. 
• Students who take Algebra 1 in 8th grade still have the opportunity to complete Calculus BC by senior year. Early acceleration is not required to reach advanced mathematics by senior year. 

We encourage students to begin by working directly with their classroom teacher during office hours, Personal Learning Time (PLT), or study hall. Teachers are the first and most important source of support. 

Students are encouraged to: 

• Practice consistently and thoughtfully 
• Seek teacher support early and often 
• Use supplemental practice tools (e.g. IXL and Khan Academy) 
• Upper School students may also attend MARC for additional help 
• Work with a CAE learning specialist for more targeted academic support when appropriate. 

If concerns persist, families are encouraged to reach out to the teacher or academic dean so we can partner together to determine the most appropriate next steps.