1) My #1 did not take a pre-algebra course at all, going directly from 3/4 year of 7th grade math to algebra I (Pearson/Prentice Hall Common Core). (Moved from 6th to 7th grade math mid-year.) I, OTOH, seem to recall that I did a year of semi-independent pre-algebra, and then skipped algebra I altogether, to go to alg II/trig. I have the impression that none of my siblings took an actual alg I class, either. From which N=tiny, I conclude that a reasonably math-minded individual can pick up enough alg I from either pre-algebra or alg I to successfully transition into trigonometry & geometry.
2) Does the school have end-of-course assessments for pre-algebra and algebra I? Unit/chapter tests for same? Perhaps you could request that they do some placement testing using their own curriculum.
