Math Acceleration FAQ's

A1: The math acceleration criteria uses a variety of scores and feedback to determine if a student meets the criteria to accelerate. A student’s grades alone will not qualify them to accelerate in math.

The math acceleration opportunity coming out of 4^th grade represents a 2-year jump in mathematics. The student will be skipping 5^th grade math and will enter a path where they will be taking AP Calculus during their 11^th grade school year.

This acceleration is for students who love math, ask to do math at home, and would like to have a high school experience centered on Math and Science. If your child tends to enjoy more activities that are not math related, the 1-year accelerated math path that starts in 8^th grade is the best place for your child.

A2: No. There are three opportunities to accelerate in mathematics in our school district. A student can accelerate in math in 5^th grade, 6^th grade, and 7^th grade. If a student accelerates coming out of 5^th or 6^th grade, they join the students who were previously identified to accelerate in math.

A3: Yes. A student who accelerates in the 1-year path in 8^th grade by taking Algebra 1 will be able to take Calculus during their 12^th grade year of high school. They do not need to accelerate earlier than 8^th grade if you would like for them to take Calculus in high school.

A4: No. The number of students each year who are identified to accelerate is never capped. If a student meets the criteria to accelerate they are offered the opportunity to accelerate. In the past, there have been numbers ranging from 15 students to 35 students who were identified to accelerate.

A5: No. Students in accelerated math class will always be in a class that is all of the same grade level. For example, a 5^th grade accelerated math student will take 6^th grade math in a class of only 5^th grade students. There will not be any 6^th grade students in the 5^th grade accelerated math class. As a result, the class sizes for accelerated math classes can be smaller or larger than the grade level math class.

A6: No. All of our English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science classes are on-grade level and include a mix of all students. Only the math classes have on-grade level or accelerated classes.

A7: No. The appeal process includes looking at additional scores, talking with your child’s math teacher, and determining the best path for your child. At the end of the appeal a student may be accelerated or may stay on-grade level in math.

A8: No. If your child is gifted it does not automatically qualify them for accelerated math. They must meet the criteria for math acceleration to qualify.