.

Its surprising how often this topic comes up.

I think last similar one was:

http://giftedissues.davidsongifted....6/Re_AoPS_Book_vs_Course.html#Post200496

I wrote our second grade experience down here:

http://giftedissues.davidsongifted....ar_in_math_a_retrospecti.html#Post194683

I tend to think about what to do from the end goal perspective. Finishing algebra before middle school is not necessarily that useful for even most smart kids if they are only aiming to reach calculus. Reasons to do so anyway I've considered:

1. Early matriculation to college. In which case you want to make sure along the way that the material is retained especially if done years prior to pertinent tests etc.

2. Interest in math competitions later on. In which case you're looking for depth along the way rather than just breadth and acceleration.

3. Genuine passion for the subject perhaps leading to advanced studies later on in which case you really want to foster mathematical interest and skills and not burn out.

The problem for us at least is determining what my son will want 10 years from now is hard. So for me it mostly falls into keeping our options open as long as the risk vs. reward is not too great.

Good luck

I disagree, because proficiency with algebra is needed to study many subjects, including physics, chemistry, economics, and computer science.

AOPS; their Algebra course looks really good and satisfies a pre-requisite for Epsilon Camp.

If he isn't home schooling, we are working on DS8 getting high school math credit for algebra.

Honestly, I don't think you're disagreeing with me much since reaching any level of science that really requires algebra prior to 6th grade puts you probably in the followup categories I listed.

That said CS definitely does NOT require algebra and is actually an interesting lateral path to go down.

I agree with Bostonian.

I have never been exposed to epgy after you have been hitting the books for a while.
I am not sure what the K-7 includes. If you have time a Good Pre-Algebra course would be nice to get in before he started Algebra in 6th. Some say you don't need Pre-Algebra. Some say don't go without it. You could also supplement with previous AMC8 and AMC10 contest. You can also get previous MathCounts contest to take.

IT pro perspective here: Err... no.

You can't even program a Lego Mindstorms robot without algebra (or at least you can, but you're throwing away many of the most useful features).