Here they do pre-algebra and then kids have the option to take "Middle school algebra" which is probably a dumbed down introductory version of algebra, then they would take Algebra 1 in 9th grade high school. A lot of kids take Algebra 1 in middle school, but they give h.s. credit for it. So it's the "middle school algebra" that they are having DS skip. He just finished Pearson Math Connects course 3.