I am currently in the 8 th grade taking Geometry with an A. I want to consider taking algebra 2 over the summer and start pre-calc/trig. starting my freshman yr of high school. Do you think this would be a good idea? If so, how should I go about doing it without the help of my school.
Enjoy your summer. You’re already well ahead.
Agreed.
For me, warning flags go off if the school is not going to support you. They might have some insight that is not readily apparent to us.
They can support me, but I wanted to do it more self study.
I took Algebra II over this last summer as a 9th grader. I would highly recommend, and if you’re willing to spend 4+ hours a day working at your own pace, you could even try doubling up on PreCalc and Algebra.
For some context, I found out the textbook my school uses and self-paced my progress. By the end, after having worked for around 60 days with 3.5+ hours of study time, I was able to consistently score 99 or 100 on NY Regents Algebra II exams.
I would highly recommend it
Let us say you do this. What would be your math classes for the four years of HS? Would you be able to do dual enrollment?
If you would run out by senior year, then do not do this.
You are currently on the +2 track:
8: geometry
9: algebra 2
10: precalculus
11: calculus (presumably BC since you are a strong math student)
12: more advanced math at a local college
The additional advancement from taking algebra 2 in the summer to move to the +3 track does not seem to be of particularly great value. Would there be enough opportunities to take math at a local college in 11th and 12th grades in the following scheme:
8: geometry
8.5: algebra 2
9: precalculus
10: calculus (presumably BC since you are a strong math student)
11: more advanced math at a local college
12: more advanced math at a local college
Our advanced math track is
9: Pre AP Algebra 2
10: Pre AP Pre Cal
11: AP CAL BC
12: Multi Variable Cal/ Linear Algebra
Good math students also usually take
11: AP Stats
12: Advanced Stats
I do not recommend taking Algebra 2 over the summer, it is an intense course and should not be rushed because you need a good understanding of Algebra 2 for other math and science courses.
I strongly disagree with those who are voicing their doubts towards this idea.
I took Algebra II over the summer, and I can honestly say that I learned so much more than I would have in a brick-and-mortar classroom. It is invaluable to work at your own pace and settle with mastery rather than completion. The traditional school system has us striving towards arbitrary scores on a test. On and on the cycle ebbs and flows: we work hard a few weeks, cramming in information and forget it after the examination. When you have the liberty to self-pace, you actually make a point in understanding the material purely for comprehension, and I can tell you that if you stay motivated, it will work out much better in this way.
There are so many fantastic resources for students such as ourselves who are motivated and are willing to take on the challenge of working at our own pace. In fact, by choosing this option, you are given the privilege to be taught from some of the most competent teachers in the industry. Trust me, pick up an Algebra II textbook and use YouTube video tutorials in conjunction with Khan Academy. If you slowly work your way through every example and half the problem sets in the book, I can guarantee that you’ll be prepared.
Throughout the whole process, I had to take on the challenge of keeping myself motivated. I feel that the skills developed during this time period have prepared me thoroughly for the challenges of college studying.
In response to @3scoutsmom…
The fact that Algebra II is fundamental is the exact reason why it should be taken over the summer. By doing so, students are given the chance to work towards mastery and understand the skills. I’m now taking PreCalculus after having done so, and feel as though I have a solid foundation set up for Calculus.
With respect to everyone, if you have not taken on the experience of self-studying a class, then I don’t think you’re prepared to accurately gauge whether or not it is a good idea. Truly, it takes first-hand involvement to understand the process. That’s not to say that I would recommend this approach for everyone, however. I mean to say that I think this is a fantastic opportunity for those who are motivated. If you do not think you can handle the challenge of self-motivation, then do not take it on.