Math Class Difficulty and FInding the Right Class

Yet again, another post about my math ability. Alright, I take Honors Algebra II and Precalculus Combined as an 8th grader. I’m not feeling challenged enough right now because I’ve already done pretty much all the curriculum in an Algebra II class. I think that if I were moved into Precalculus this year, it would’ve been a better and more challenging fit for me. I want to bring this up to my teacher about transferring to Precalc. But the thing is, I’m pretty sure that it’s way too late to transfer to a more difficult class. And also, I feel like my teacher is gonna talk about how I’ve still made mistakes on quizzes and things. I have made mistakes, but all of them are silly mistakes; an issue I’ve had as a child making constant stupid errors. Regardless of my few silly mistakes, I still manage to keep an average of 99.58% in my class. I haven’t learned anything in this class, but I feel like I’ll be seen as overly confident if I bring this up especially considering I was already moved from a middle school class to an upper school class. What do you think both my parents and my teacher would say if I brought this up? Should I even bring this up this late in the year?

IMo it is probably too late to switch classes so I’d let it be. You are already ahead in math and it is fine to have one class that is easy for you.

@happy1 I guess you are correct but I am DESPERATE and EAGER to get into Calculus as a 9th grader.

Why? Calc in 10th grade is already way ahead of the curve. I know it all seems super important now but in the scheme of life taking calc in 9th or 10th grade won’t matter one bit.

I suggest you spend the extra time on your other classes, on finding and making a difference in ECs you enjoy, on being with friends etc. You are clearly gifted at math so why not take the opportunity to work on other parts of yourself?

Certainly you can talk to your parents and even your teacher if you so choose but that is the advice I’d give my own child.

You’re ahead in math. And you make “sloppy” mistakes. I would stick it out in your current class and make a goal of eliminating those silly errors.

Since you like math, why not consider an online class focused on math competition, for example? You can use your ability and the extra bandwidth afforded by your current math class situation to augment, rather than accelerate, your math skills.

If you get into PEA, or its peers, there is no guarantee that you will be taking calc as a 9th grader. Placement is based on placement tests. Algebra 2 ir geometry or precalc at Exeter is light years removed from the classes at your current school. Many new students repeat their last Nathan (and language) class when entering boarding school.

There is no need to rush.

You are already ahead in your math.
Take extra time not to make dumb mistakes.
Spend your extra time reading or on your other classes.

You can coast in this class but spend extra time doing an online statistics class. You can do an online econ class. You can study astronomy, physiology, any one of 100 topics not taught in a HS. Why are you fixated on taking calculus early? There are so many areas you could be exploring right now.

And making sloppy mistakes now seems trivial towards your life plan (whatever that may be). But oncologists prescribe an exact dose- a sloppy mistake could kill the patient. A civil engineer calculates the exact load on a retaining wall- not a “kinda/sorta” load. An aerospace engineer designs a braking system exactly calibrated to the weight of a fully loaded aircraft- without a “sloppy” error.

This is something you can fix. Now.

Edit: Looks like I provided the same advice in your other thread. You’ll find that happens when you ask the same question.

If you are truly interested in math, vs. just being “ahead”, I would strongly suggest looking at math classes at AoPS and finding a local math circle/team.

As a start, AoPS’s titled classes are much more in-depth than similar HS classes - try Algebra or Pre-Calc there.

But I would suggest exploring the Number Theory and Counting and Probability courses to get a broader exposure to math topics.

I’d also suggest reading https://artofproblemsolving.com/news/articles/avoid-the-calculus-trap

My D has benefitted much, much more from AoPS and a local math circle taught by Masters students at a local college than her 2-year advanced high school math (where’s she’s missed exactly one homework, quiz, or test problem in each of the last 3 years).

Ok, it seems I haven’t made myself clear. I do make silly mistakes, but only every once in a while but my teacher is still very picky about those occasional silly mistakes. But thank you to everyone concerned about my silly mistakes. But let’s be completely honest (everyone makes them)

Is your school in person or online?
My sons school is in person and they are not allowing any class switching due to covid.

@2plustrio I’m online.

I guess I’m still lost - why is it so important to be in calculus 1 in 9th grade. What are you plans for math in 10-12th grade? Don’t neglect other subjects to get ahead in math (not saying you are) since colleges care about more than just stem classes.

If your current class is alge II/precal combined it sounds like it moves faster than just a precal class and both will have you prepared for Calculus next year or am I missing something?