Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments Which of Two Math Options

My DD10 was ready for pre-algebra this year, but for a variety of reasons she was not allowed to take the class. At the school's suggestion, we now have the pre-algebra book that they would like her to work from in addition to her regular work. She's just so excited to get to learn new math that she doesn't even mind too much that she still has to do her other work.

For next year she's being offered two proposed options. One, she could take pre-algebra next year with her grademates and then for Algebra the following year would be in a class of only high-math-aptitude students so they would be able to work faster. Or, the other option is for her to just start Algebra next year, but in a class of mixed-ability math students, so they may not work as quickly. Which do you think would be best? At this point I think we're leaning toward her just doing algebra next year since I think she'll work through the pre-algebra book by the end of the summer, but it sure would be nice to be able to work quickly. Unfortunately, the fast-paced class won't be offered until the year after next.

Thoughts?

I would definitely do the algebra now.

I vote for Algebra this year (ie not another year of prealgebra) no doubt.. If the class seems "light" then I would sign her up for AOPS Algebra 1 in February. It's fast and covers a lot of material and the problems are tough. This scenario is essentially what we did with DD11 (easy algebra at school/aops algebra at home)

I agree - fast-paced algebra would be nice, but not nice enough to be worth enduring normal-paced prealgebra next year when she's already done the book! An AOPS algebra class would be a nice addition, but rather than waiting for next February, why not sign her up for AOPS's Alcumus site right now? They have prealgebra these days (as well as algebra, counting and probability, and geometry), which would make a nice (probably more challenging) supplement to the prealgebra book she's using, and it's free, so it doesn't matter if she hasn't much time for it during the school year. Alcumus algebra would spice up next year's algebra class for her, too, whether or not you decided to sign her up for a taught AOPS class later in the year.

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