Simply Smart’s Exploring Math utilizes a fun, hands-on approach that is efficient and effective for elementary school (read more here). However, as your student approaches middle and high school, they should transition to a more structured math program. The purpose of this blog is to suggest some ideas you might want to consider when planning your high school math study. Now is always a great time to look ahead and start thinking of options. Before creating a plan, consider the following questions:

What are your goals?

• Graduate from high school with a solid, relevant education, but with no plans for a four-year college degree
• Get admitted to a four-year university immediately following high school
• Attend a local college and transfer later to a four-year institution
• Graduate early from high school
• Major in science, technology, engineering, or math-based major (STEM)

What kind of high school transcript are you planning on?

• A transcript issued through an accredited home study or charter school program
• A homeschool transcript, created by the parent, detailing academic work, but not issued by an accredited institution
• No formal transcript

The answers to these questions are important to consider when deciding the path you want to choose for middle and high school math. So, let’s cover the basics.

What Math Classes Should I Take?

The traditional classes for high school students are:

• Algebra I
• Geometry (integrated in some math courses, like Saxon Math)
• Algebra II
• Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus
• Calculus Part 1 (AB)
• Calculus Part 2 (BC)

Note: some high schools jump students from pre-calculus to Calculus BC, rather than spreading calculus out over two years.

You may also want to take the following math-based courses:

• Statistics (taken any time after Algebra II)
• Physics (must take Algebra II or Calculus first, depending on the type of physics)
• Other advanced math courses that may be required for the students major

High schools frequently require 3 to 4 years of high school math and colleges also frequently want to see 3-4 years from applicants (usually high school math taken in middle school will count though). Universities commonly recommend taking “the most rigorous courses available to you.” Competitive universities often want to see AP/IB, honors, or college credit classes taken concurrently while in high school.

For a strong education, regardless of whether a student is college-bound, completing the first three courses (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) is standard. For college-bound students, taking trigonometry/ pre-calculus is often expected. For admission to highly selective universities or for STEM majors, completing calculus and even more advanced math courses is ideal.

While it is true that not everyone needs calculus for their life plan, here are some good reasons for taking it anyway:

• Increases logical and analytical thinking
• Improves problem-solving skills for complex situations
• Builds confidence when tackling challenging material; makes first-year college courses easier
• Provides a well-rounded education
• Strengthens college applications by showing academic rigor
• Prepares students for careers in engineering, science, economics, medicine, business, and technology
• Expands future academic and career opportunities

Where Can I Take Math Classes & How to Gain College Credit?

Math courses can be taken:

• At home using Saxon Math (read more here) or another textbook-based math program
• At a local high school that allows part-time access to homeschool students
• Online from educational sites offering high school courses, such as Kahn Academy, or High School Math Live
• At a local community college concurrently while in high school, or from a university offering online courses

We have tried lots of curricula, but Saxon Math always floats to the top of the list. Our favorite option is to use Saxon Math (starting with Saxon 7/6), but then switch and take calculus, physics and statistics through a community college (read more about Saxon Math here). Especially for more advanced math classes, like calculus, taking courses at a community college is a particularly good option for students wanting to earn college credit while in high school (assuming the student is prepared to get an A in the class, so they do not wreck their GPA). Each one-semester class taken at a community college generally earns two semesters of high school credit in addition to the college credit earned. Some local colleges also offer a “math lab” where you can go, do your homework, and get free tutoring help if needed. They may also offer classes free, or for a reduced rate, to high school students.

While Saxon has always worked great for our family, it may not be a great fit for everyone. If your child struggles staying on task, needs assistance beyond what you can offer (or the tutoring options listed here), you may want to consider a live, online math class that has a teacher (not mom) holding your child accountable. If this is the case, High School Math Live may be something you want to look at. We prefer the Saxon textbooks to the ones they use, but the teachers are consistently rated as excellent and provide online help included in the price of the course.

Another option for obtaining college math credit is to take an AP math exam. There are four AP math exams: 1) Precalculus, 2) Calculus AB, 3) Calculus BC and 4) Statistics. You can study for an AP exam using any curriculum and then pay the $99 fee to take the test. Before you take an AP exam, make sure to check with the university you plan to attend for information about which classes the AP test will fulfill.

For AP exams, keep in mind:

• If a student gets a 4 or 5 on the Calculus AB exam, it usually fulfills Calculus 1 (or if they get a 3 on the Calculus BC exam).
• If they get a 4 or 5 on the Calculus BC exam, it usually equates to taking Calculus Part 2.
• The AP Statistics exam usually will not give a student credit for a calculus based statistics class (so it may not be helpful to some STEM majors). However, a 4 or 5 on the AP Statistics exam will usually give credit for a lower level, algebra based statistics course.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an Accelerated Math Path?

Cons:

• An overly accelerated math path can crowd out other important things in a student’s life, such as time to be a kid, time for extracurricular activities, or time for elective classes. Sometimes being well-rounded is more important than one-dimensional acceleration.
• The zeal to speed through a class may exceed the student’s commitment to work carefully and methodically, causing holes in the student’s mastery.
• Some students might not have the maturity or attention span for accelerated math work and may develop burnout or anxiety about math, especially if pressured to complete courses quickly.

Pros:

• In high school, students can focus on taking one college course at a time, which can especially be beneficial when taking challenging math courses. A student taking calculus as their only college course is more likely to be able to master the material and get an A than if they are taking 12 other college credits simultaneously.
• Students who accelerate often reach calculus or beyond in high school, giving them a stronger math background and better preparing them for college. This is especially important for those applying to competitive universities or for STEM majors.
• Students have more time to complete general education requirements for college, or math courses required for their major prior to graduating high school, freeing up time & saving money while in college.
• If your child is ahead in math, it allows time to slow down while taking the more challenging math courses and take the course at their own pace without stressing or getting behind.
• Students who grasp math quickly can often get bored by slow or repetitive coursework. Acceleration prevents boredom, maintains intellectual engagement, and provides increased motivation.
• It is not uncommon for homeschoolers to graduate early. Starting high school math in middle school makes it possible to complete the sequence sooner, facilitating early graduation.

There is one more factor to consider when choosing your math track: preparation for college entrance exams, specifically the SAT and ACT. If the university of your choice recommends taking the ACT or SAT, you want to be well prepared. To score competitively on the ACT, you will want to have thoroughly mastered the equivalent of Saxon Algebra II first. It is beneficial to take the ACT earlier in high school, without having your scores sent to any school (if allowed by the university). This gives you an idea of where you stand testing wise and allows you to take the ACT multiple times to practice. The sooner you complete Algebra II, the faster your math score will go up and the more prepared you will be to start taking the ACT. However, if you take Algebra II early, you may need to regularly review the concepts being tested on the ACT, so they stay fresh in your mind. Math scores are one of the easiest parts of your ACT score to improve, and Saxon Math is a great way to do that.

Key Points When Planning Your Math Path

• Do not stress about math. Uptight, anxious children will not excel as much. Allow students to work carefully and methodically rather than rushing through material. The advantage of transitioning to Saxon 7/6 Math early is they have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the process and spread challenging courses out if needed.
• Look ahead. Create a realistic plan early on that makes sense for your child. Be flexible and ready to adjust as needed.
• If your child is not where you want them to be with math, talk to them about their interests and goals. Provide them with positive experiences related to math, increasing their enjoyment & helping them understand why math is valuable.
• If you do not feel comfortable helping your child with advanced math, find a friend, get a tutor or take an online math course providing assistance for students. Nicole the Math Lady provides online videos for Saxon and allows children to work more independently (read more here).  Outschool  provides on-demand tutoring and live math classes for Saxon Math and other courses. Saxon Math Tutors  or High School Math Live is also an option for those wanting additional tutoring assistance or live classes. You may also want to consider community colleges that offer “math labs” for students that are struggling.
• Some programs, like ASU Universal Learner Courses, allow students to take math courses at their own pace while getting college credit. If your child does not finish the course, or is unhappy with their grade, they only pay $25. They can unenroll at any time during the course without impacting their academic record.
• Remember, there are times and seasons in life. Sometimes your child may take a slower pace with math, and sometimes a faster pace. In high school, students usually need to keep a transcript listing what courses they took when, but otherwise, they can go as fast or as slow as they need to. There is no one right answer or path for all students.