I am kind of in the same boat as you and equally ambivalent. DS is scheduled to be assessed by the school for the purpose of determining whether Pre-Algebra or Algebra will be an appropriate curriculum for him. Even if he passes their assessment for Algebra, I will still consider having him repeat Pre-Algebra this year. He is currently a 4th grader so studying Algebra this year means he will be have completed all three semester of Calculus by the time he graduates from middle school. However, our school system does offer Differentail Equations, Linear Algebra and Statistics or there is the option of the community college.
I am considering Algebra for this year more seriously after my conversation with DS' Davidson Consultant. All things being equal, it is beneficial for him to learn at his readiness level.
