Hello! I am currently in my school’s 8th grade gifted program, however I do not feel challenged enough in class. I’m unsure of what to do since the GC is not very helpful… I originally was going to take Alg 1 last year on FLVS but the GC didn’t let me. Should I try taking an online course to up the rigor or just wait until HS?
Just to add that I had already fulfilled the prerequisite for Algebra at the time I had requested to take it. Also, I tried to take Geometry through FLVS starting next semester, and was denied again.
Are you currently taking Algebra I as an 8th grader? If so, there might be some concern about shifting you to geometry next semester without first having a firm foundation in algebra.
If you want to accelerate your math preparation, maybe see if you can take Geometry in summer school, so you can then move into the next course in the fall.
If you stay in your current sequence, would you take precalc as a sophomore and Calculus as a junior?
I think it’s time for a parent to make a phone call to GC
What do your parents say? I had to intervene twice to make sure my son is in an appropriate math class. You can also always try to work on contest problems in your spare time, but it seems a shame you were not allowed to take classes you were ready for.
Can you do math that interests you in your spare time? Khan Academy or Art of Problem solving? Maybe next year your HS will have a math team of some kind you could join.
If you’re interested in math, I really recommend the Art of Problem Solving website (and look into the AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, USAMO) competitions. Those math problems can be pretty interesting and tend to test creative problem solving instead of rote memorization.
I’d also start learning about proof based math (which is what college math will be). But make sure to also do well in your classes, even if they’re boring! Getting good grades now will open up more opportunities later on.
@mamaedefamilia I am currently in Algebra 1, but I already have mastered nearly all of the content from additional practice on my own during the summer (The summer school thing might not work, I tried to take classes over break, was not allowed). Yes, if I did accelerate I would be able to take Calc in jr year.
@Dad2020 My parents have tried, however the communication at my school is weak and inconsistent.
@yuca10 They understand I am not eing challenged enough and have attempted to reach out to my school. I am thinking about buying a geom workbook and going from there.
@intparent I am thinking about Khan Academy or buying a geometry workbook :).
Art of Problem solving is fun (for people who like math). Go for that one.
You are only focusing on math. There is a world in front of you. What about reading and literature, history and geography, and on and on. There is no need to board. Just thinking about ideas you have heard and developing a perspective. Think and learn rather than being bored!!!
@zannah Apologies for the miscommunication, but I’m bored in all of my classes, except Science. However, my main focus right now is math.