Cym wrote:
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DS 13 is a good (not great) math student. He works at it, understands, but DS 9 is more of a "natural" math person. He picks things up fast and almost intuitively. DS 13 is not like that, but he is at the top of his HS class for math.
I so understand! My DD10 is in top of her class (which is actually a year acceleration), but her math abilities can't compare with Ghost's. I guess here is a proof that there can be a huge difference between 98% and 99%.
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My goal was not to push him ahead in math, but to question rather than accept blindly the formulaic schedule (I regret accepting it last year, but I didn't know any better--he should have tested out of Alg 2).
Well, I don't know, because Algebra 2 can be a tough subject, plus all college level math courses are based upon a good understanding of Algebra. Geometry on the other hand is never looked into past HS. So I said stick with Geometry because it is on the SAT, and because it is his only chance of really learning it, but Geometry in the US is basically triangles, so maybe he could do it during the summer, or combine Geometry with Trigonometry, and then do Calculus? I am assuming that Trigonometry at your school is combined with Pre Calc. What kind of Calculus are they offering after that? How likely will he be to pass an AP exam?
My understanding is that to be competitve for top colleges, it helps if one has several AP courses - not as means to earn advance standing but to show one is ready for college level work. It also helps when you are looking into scholarships or trying to get into Honors College. How many AP courses can your son take by the time he graduates? Maybe talking about that could be one of your goals?
Remember also, that taking Pre Calc, opens doors to other courses, like AP Physics.
As to math competitions - does the school offer AMC 10 and AMC 12? If they do, have one of your son's goals be scoring high enough to be invited into AIMO.

I think you should push them (the school people) to the limit, because you have another boy following in few years. Think ahead:-) I would really look into taking college classes, even if your son is resistive. Find the info and then talk about it.

I do not know a lot about English classes, but I know that the HS we are looking at puts the kids in the highest track into Honors 10 while in 9th grade. Then they can start taking AP courses in 10.

I have also learned, that you have to really look ahead when choosing HS courses. It is not as easy to jump between classes as it is in MS.

Good Luck Cym!
Ania