Prep school transfer conflict

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>Hi guys,
I've been doing loads of research and I simply can't seem to find any reasonable summer program at a university, or merely a course at a community college, for me, a freshman in high-school. The reason why I'm interested in such a course is because I'm in 9th grade and taking Integrated Algebra, a grossly rudimentary course. I'm in a Jewish college prep-school, the Yeshivah of Flatbush. I was considering switching to Ramaz for junior year (more rigorous courses, wider range of AP's, greater college acceptance, fine reputation) , a college prep-school in Manhattan. Now I'm an all-honors student, so basically I'm in every honors class possible, and doing rather excellent in every class. However, Ramaz does not follow the NYS Regents curriculum; they delve further into each respective course. Thus, since most 8th graders take "Elementary Algebra", 9th grade is simply a repeat of this course, with a different title ("Integrated Algebra"), and slightly more emphasis on graphing, parabolas, linear theory etc. Ramaz begins 10th grade math, geometry, in 9th grade, and completely skips the Integrated Algebra course. Now logically, I would think that I can somehow accelerate myself. Perhaps, I would take Geometry next year, as usual, and then take a course somewhere in Algebra 2/Trig, and cover bothj courses in 1 year. Hence, I would switch to Ramaz, and be in their Pre-calc program in junior year. However I have a plethora of dilemmas. Self-teaching/tutoring is out, since my school won't give credit, and they won't allow me to take the Regents unloess I've gone through a year-long track. Moreover, albeit Algebra 2 is not stressed that much on the SAT's, I feel it is important that I take it formally, since I may want to go into engineering in college. The problem is I can't find a satisfactory program for my requirements. Some schools near me don't even offer an Algebra 2 course, or even a Pre-calc course (as long as I accomplish 1 year of high-school math, I can accelerate). The ones that do, are slightly far, thus requiring me to live on-campus. Since I'm Jewish, it wouldn't work out so well, for religous reasons. The only true program I fell in love with was Harvard's SSP: a summer course for 1:45-2:30 PM, for two months, and I would receive 4 credits. Problem? I live 4 hours away! If anyone could reccommend something for me to do, I'd really appreciate it.</p>

<p>P.S. Apologies for over-elaborating on the issue.</p>

2

<p>Some people accelerate using EPGY [EPGY</a> Mathematics Department](<a href=“http://epgy.stanford.edu/courses/math/]EPGY”>http://epgy.stanford.edu/courses/math/)</p>

3

<p>Why not talk to Ramaz. Im sure they have had students with situations such as yours and know how to handle them, and moreover would probably be happy to help</p>

4

<p>I think you would find it very manageable to meet your religious requirements on most college campuses. Before you rule out all residential summer programs on college campuses, you may find it helpful to talk to your rabbi about colleges where others from your temple have gone.</p>

5

<p>^ Thank you. Smart idea; I’m in such a frenzy, I can barely collect myself and rationalize.</p>

6

<p>I second Burb Parent’s EPGY suggestion. </p>

<p>My son’s school allowed him to challenge the regents after completing the ALEKS course in algebra. It goes far beyond the regents integrated algebra. It’s inexpensive and worked well for him. The best thing about it was that it allows you to print out a summary of all topics mastered and their correlation to NYS standards (or any state, for that matter). After seeing the level of difficulty of the problems and the “official” report, his school let him take the regents and gave him credit. </p>

<p>Have you talked to your school to see what options they are willing to make available to you, if any?</p>