Sorry, could not get to the computer last night:-) Sweets and champagne :-)
Math - Geometry is on the SAT, so do not even think about skipping it completely. For Ghost the sequence is Algebra I- Geometry- Algebra 2/Trigonometry-Pre Calc -Calculus BC.
I believe that the bigest difference in the way the courses are tauhght is in the Algebra 2/Trigonomery/Pre Calc area. Some schools combine Algebra 2 with Trig, some combine Trig with Pre Calc. Ghost has been working with matrices lately, which his teacher is actually skipping this year as this is the part of Pre Calc curriculum, so says she. My friend, a mathematician who used to teach college and now teaches HS Calculus, differs, saying that matrices belong with Algebra 2. Who do you believe?
Overall, my impression is that for a weak math student, if the choice for the last class of HS math is between Geometry and Algebra 2, I would skip Geometry and do Algebra just becasue it will be more useful in college.
For a strong do not skip Geometry.
How strong mathematically is your son? What do you think he is going to major in , how much college math does he really need?
As for English - if he is a strong reader, I would push him as far as possible. Is it ACS, who regrets now not pushing for a higher level English class for her son?
Cym - let me know where do you see your son in 3 years, what major and whether in state or out of state college and I will try to be more specific.
Ania
