Math Classes for High Schoolers

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  • High school credit recovery Algebra1 and Spanish1 during summer?

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    Feb 11, 2023

    My child who is a freshman in an OUSD high school is rebelling by refusing to complete her assignments in Spanish 1 and Algebra 1.  She has a therapist now and I’m also working with the school to try to help her but she may end up with some Fs this June. I understand that it’s up to her in the end but if she does want to make up Algebra 1 and Spanish (or French) 1 during the summer, I’d like recommendations for summer school programs, whether online or in-person. OUSD has a lot of good people working in it but it’s so overwhelmed and underfunded. I’m not sure they’ll have enough credit recovery classes for my daughter to catch up if she wants to. I’m not at all wealthy but I’m willing to pay some money if that will get my daughter accredited online or in-person classes in which she can get the support she needs to pass these classes during the summer. She has no learning problems other than this rebellious refusal to do the work. I really think that she is going to want to graduate on time with her friends and to be accepted to a university upon graduation, so I hope she can catch up during the summer. 
    Thanks for your recommendations. 

    Feb 11, 2023

    This is not exactly what you asked for but one option for catching up on Spanish credits would be to take a class at Laney or another community college. One semester of college language class generally counts for 2 years of high school courses. Since she's having a rough time with school work right now maybe not doing too much this summer but planning on the community college route for language credit if she decides later that she wants to graduate UC eligible may be a good solution. Of course you should check with her HS counselor about this to make sure it would work for her.

    Feb 13, 2023

    Fusion (locations in Berkeley and Walnut Creek) is great for this situation. They have a 1 to 1 teacher/student model that ensures they are able to engage every student. My son left OUSD and now attends full time but there are many that sign up for just one or two classes. He loves going to school there. Enrollment is year round so she can take the classes over the summer- either virtual or in person. They are really good with students that have a history of school refusal or anxiety. 

    Feb 13, 2023

    Community college is free for HS students and they offer summer classes - I'll be that might work for your daughter? Good luck!

    Feb 13, 2023

    I don't know if it's in your budget, but I'd like to recommend Tilden Preparatory School as an option for your daughter. My child started there when a traditional school setting stopped working for him (for a variety of reasons). Tilden is a one-on-one school, and because of that, it's very flexible and perfect for summer catch up (as well as year-round school). There are campuses in Walnut Creek and Albany, but if that's too far for you, teachers can also easily meet with students online. For my kid, the change in academic setting was life-altering. He went from feeling anxious every day at school, to being able to focus on his studies and move at his own pace. In some cases, this meant being able to move much faster than he was able to in a regular school. The teachers are very familiar with all kinds of kids. If it helps, my child has really enjoyed his math and Spanish classes.

    Mar 6, 2023

  • Math enrichment for high school junior

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    Sep 6, 2022

    My high school junior has a somewhat late developing interest in math, and looking for more challenge than what he is getting at Berkeley High (it is too late for him to be in advanced math series). At this point, I think it's also too late for him to get involved with the Berkeley Math Circle (I imagine he would be behind kids who have been doing it for awhile and we missed the fall deadline). He has looked into classes at the community college, but it's a little complicated with his schedule. I know some families have sent their kids to Tilden Prep for math, but that is an expensive option. Just wondering if there are other options out there for high school students who want more of a math challenge? I wish we had started sooner! thanks.

    Sep 6, 2022

    If your son is motivated and can manage on-line courses, there are a lot of options. Our kid is using Khan Academy's AP calculus class to supplement what she's getting in BHS's AP calculus -- your son could just do math courses on-line. Our kid likes the Khan Academy presentation better than the one in school.

    There are on-line calculus and stats classes listed at EdWize, most of which are free or inexpensive:

    https://edwize.org/best-online-calculus-course/

    https://edwize.org/best-online-statistics-course/

    Sep 12, 2022

    Firecracker https://firecrackermath.org is an excellent local organization offering truly interesting math classes. Their classes allowed my son to pursue really interesting math outside of what’s normally taught in a school curriculum. For example, their Math in Motion course teaches the concepts of calculus without the calculations— it’s a joy of a course, opening up so many interesting ideas, and my son loved it. They also have a symmetry in math course my kid didn’t take, but that looks great. Even if nothing there appeals to your kid, Firecracker may know of other resources for him. Online, AOPS (Art of Problem Solving) has some great courses. Stanford also has self-paced online courses for high schoolers, though I’m not sure about their cost. Good luck!

    Sep 18, 2022

  • Algebra 1 for rising 9th grader over the Summer?

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    Jan 27, 2022

    My 8th grader was not able to take Algebra this year since the school didn't offer it. She's great at math and interested in taking it over the Summer so she can take Geometry freshman year. I've just started looking at Community College classes or online (like BYU) - but wondered if someone out there had already done this and point me in the right direction. We need OUSD to accept the course and give her credit. Thanks for any advice!

    Jan 27, 2022

    Just my 2c as another current 8th grade parent. Algebra is no longer a standard 8th grade class (as it was 35 years ago when i was in junior high); it would be pretty unusual for a 9th grader to go into Geometry and they would likely be the only person who didn't take Algebra at that school as a freshman. My kid is also a pretty high achiever in math (and it's my eldest, so take all this with a grain of salt) but my understanding based on my research at their prospective public high school and the private high school they've applied to, is that you take freshman math with your cohort, and then from there the teachers will provide more guidance for alternate pathways, summer classes, etc., for students who want to get to AP Calc and beyond by senior year. All that said, if your child is a very very motivated and independent math scholar, you might look into CTY or ATDP for Algebra 1 where they would be in a class with students their own age, versus 19-20 year olds and older.

    Jan 29, 2022

    You might look into staying in Algebra for 9th grade and doing Geometry over the summer before 10th grade.  It's much easier subject matter to master more quickly, and there are multiple summer options that UC recognizes as adequate.  If UC recognizes the course, your school district should too.

    Jan 31, 2022

    Yes, both my kids in OUSD did Algebra at a community college in 8th grade. You will need to show the transcript with a passing grade to the high school guidance counselor to then be placed in geometry in high school. 
     

    There are steps and paperwork via the community college to enroll and register for the class.  Search for “special enrollment” on the community college’s website, where the forms and steps are usually laid out pretty clearly. (Middle schoolers are special enrollment; not all the community colleges offer that.)

    The classes my kids took were great. One was in person and one was all asynch online. Both were very good classes. And free! 

    Jan 31, 2022

    I have to contradict one response here - it is in fact common for kids in my child's school, Oakland Tech, to take Algebra 1 in 8th, then be in Geometry in 9th. Lots of kids do this. My son had many friends in his 9th Geometry class. A subset who are strong at math and have particular paths in mind will then take Algebra 2 (via Peralta system or other community college) in Fall of 10th, then Precalculus in Spring of 10th, and be ready for AP Calculus and AP Statistics by 11th. In fact you can accelerate faster than that if strong at math and willing to do CC classes. Note that if your kid wants to take Calculus in 11th via community college, they have to take both Trig and Precalc (run as 2 separate classes in CC) as prerequisites. 

    f your child is solid at math AND has a lot of parental support or tutoring support, then I think she can do Algebra 1 over the summer. Bear in mind that summer classes are significantly tougher than regular semester classes, because they're condensed into about 8 weeks. This is especially true at the community college level. There is a HS level program via UCB that offers many math classes, in person instruction for about half a day most of the summer. There's BYU. There's SVHS though many parents have told me their classes are weak. There are a lot of programs that *may* be accepted by the HS your kid is entering AND the UC System and other colleges (remember that you need a program accepted by all these). Community colleges can work well though my guess is there will not be many Alg 1 classes offered, bc this is not officially a college class (ditto for Alg 2 and Geometry). In my experience, kids as young as yours just need a lot of parent support and help with organization. My kid has done fine in the CC classes - he's worked hard but it's been manageable. He did need help understanding the concept of a comprehensive final exam, but nothing else has been that challenging.

    Jan 31, 2022

    We'd recommend ATDP through the University of California at Berkeley or CTY with Johns Hopkins University. You can request the syllabus from ATDP so you can send that to your school for approval before taking the class. However, why is it necessary to get the credit from OUSD, as long as your child is placed into geometry? You don't need algebra I on high school transcripts if your child will have subsequent math classes. ATDP requires a rather comprehensive application but doable. CTY requires taking an exam like SCAT, ACT/SAT to be admitted and only students receiving high enough scores can take their math or other classes. ATDP would be an in-person class and CTY is online so consider your child's learning style. We went through this entire process for my child to take geometry over the summer so she would be placed in algebra II as a freshmen. She already had algebra I in middle school. Her high school would not accept ATDP credit for geometry but would accept CTY. In the end, she said no to additional online school over the summer and didn't do it. (COVID kills a lot of motivation) She's doing well in algebra II now as a sophomore.

    My younger one is slated to take algebra I as a 7th grader next fall. She's in pre-algebra now and doing very well. She wants to take algebra I over the summer to go into geometry next fall. So I'm about to start the process of getting approval from her middle school and testing/applying again for my second child. Neither of my kids are what I would consider gifted in math and never did Kumon, math circles, Russian Math, AoPs or anything like that when they were younger. I wished I did so they could be further ahead but we didn't have the time/money. If you have a motivated kid and time/money, go for it for your daughter! One thought to consider is that strong understanding of algebra I is fundamental for all subsequent math classes in high school. Good luck!

    Jan 31, 2022

    My OUSD freshman son took compression math in 8th grade and is now taking Geometry, along with other freshmen who did the same. I would say the majority of freshmen are taking Algebra 1 this year, but if your daughter wants to move ahead in math, she can do it through any of the local community colleges or BYU, Apex, Silicon Valley High, or UC Scout. My son is now taking Algebra 2 with UC Scout as his freshman workload has been very light. It’s self-paced but good, and he’s been motivated to do it. If she is self-motivated, it’s a good option, and it is accepted by OUSD and the UCs. 

    Feb 2, 2022

    I've taught many students who were accelerated in math in my Calculus class. For some it worked. For others, it was problematic. First on the math level, they didn't have a strong grasp of the pre-algebra, and algebra skills that were needed for Calculus (fractions, factoring, proportion, figure dissection, trig, limits, etc.). Proofs were often challenging for younger students because of the abstract thinking involved. The other, and in some ways worse problem, was that some students who had perfectly reasonable skills, thought of themselves as no good at math because of their struggle with the material when they were too young for it. Slightly accelerated students (Geometry in 9th, Calculus in 12th) usually did ok if they had good student skills and parental support in math. Students who were more accelerated than that had a much more mixed experience. The point of math in high school is that students find it interesting enough that they continue to take math courses in College. I also taught many students in the "normal" sequence who attended UCs, Ivies, and other highly competitive colleges. As a parent, I resisted the hyper-acceleration and my student continued studying (and enjoying) math for the first two years of college at a highly competitive school.

    Feb 7, 2022

  • Algebra 2 During Summer

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    Jun 7, 2017

    My 16 year-old would like to do Algebra 2 this summer in order to start Pre-Calc in Fall. Due to his learning disability, he would need a structured schedule but cannot do a class on his own. He does very well in math. He is familiar with the Alec online program, but would need to have an instructor/tutor. This is his one commitment during the summer.

    As a non-mathematically inclined parent, is this doable?

    Thank you!

    Jun 7, 2017

    My son took Algebra 2 last summer at Tilden Prep. It was pricey, but he learned a lot with the one-on-one instruction (math is NOT his strong suit). To receive credit, your son might need permission from his current school ahead of time, even if he takes it over the summer. We didn't do that and I had to grovel with the registrar at Berkeley High to make sure he got the credit. Your son's current school probably is familiar with Tilden Prep and will be able to let you know the process. Tilden is helpful too. Give them a call: www.tildenprep.com. 

    Jun 8, 2017

    The challenge is that Pre-Calc is much more abstract and less procedural than Algebra II, at most schools. Taking a class one-on-one with a tutor often allows a student to learn the material on a surface level, but not deeply enough to go on to the next mathematics class. Algebra II is the class where the understanding of functions is developed, so a student who doesn't have a rigorous Algebra II experience will struggle in Pre-Calc and Calculus. In terms of UC Eligibility it is ok to graduate at the Pre-Calc level.

    In my experience as a teacher, many students who took a summer class to "jump" a level struggled in the more advanced course. On the other hand, previewing a class is fine.

    He might also consider doing some logical-thinking enrichment like a coding class.

    Jun 10, 2017

    Our son is currently enrolled for Alg 2 at our local Community College. He has medical issues as well and needs help. The Alg 2 in his CC is split into two parts, and he is taking Part A in summer and Part B in fall. We have also engaged a private tutor for him after class to help him. The College has a department for Disabled Students which can provide accommodations to students, such as extra time for tests, a quieter place to take tests etc. The DSPS department of the college, communicates with the teacher on behalf of each student to set this up. So it is entirely doable. I would recommend that you approach your local Community College and ask them about your son's requirements. Best Wishes!

    Jun 12, 2017

    Many of the local community colleges offer summer math courses -- that cover a year of the course in 6-8 weeks in the summer. Prices are affordable, but it is intense.  Check Berkeley City College, Laney College, etc.

    Jun 12, 2017

    Tilden prep. Cost a lot but my daughter learned a lot.

    Jun 14, 2017

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Questions

College Calculus over the summer

Nov 2012

A few years ago I wrote BPN regarding high school algebra II over the summer and got wonderful recommendations. Now I'm looking for college calculus over the summer. Has anyone had experience with the junior colleges, UC Berkeley, Stanford or another college in the area? My daughter wants to take college calculus over the summer. She took AP calculus senior year but couldn't fit calculus in her freshman year of college out of state and she will be home for the summer. Thank you! Mom of a kid who wants to take college calculus over the summer

Dear Mom, I strongly recommend you read the article in the October issue of Time magazine. http://nation.time.com/2012/10/18/college-is-dead-long-live-college/ If your daughter is self motivated she might be interested in taking on line courses and avoid the hassle of finding a spot in community colleges. Some of these courses give you college credit. I think that Birmingham University does. But according to this article YouTube courses are getting really good. many of them are put together by MIT, Stanford, or Harvard professors like Udacity, Cursera and edX. Much luck Gladys

Advanced math class for freshman this summer

March 2011

Hi my son is taking geometry honors in his freshman year in high school. He is planning on taking algebra 2 honors next year. He wants to prepare for this in summer. We live in Fremont. Any suggestions about intensive summer math classes. Thanks in advance. Mona

The Head-Royce School Summer Program offers a 6-week Algebra 2 course for credit or just for prep. Check out the website: www.headroyce.org, click on Summer Programs.

Algebra II over the summer?

Nov 2009

My sophomore is taking Geometry this year and is doing well. She is thinking about taking Algebra II over the summer. She wants to take more math in high school than the next two years will allow if she doesn't. I think she should enjoy her summer and dad is in favor of our daughter taking Algebra II this summer (it is okay to disagree on this). My question is has anyone had experience positive or negative with your high school student taking this course over the summer at a junior college in this area? Please let me know is Laney, Contra Costa, DVC, Chabot, Berkeley preferable? Any advise is welcomed. Many thanks!! summer free???

My daughter took geometry over the summer at Ohlone College with English 101A (basically, college English) - it was very strenuous because it was the first time she'd ever taken a college-level course set, but she stuck with it every day and got A's. The next summer she took chemistry 101B with lab (2nd semester college chemistry) and pre-calculus at the college and handled them well, since she was now used to the rigor and expectations of college (she aced both).

So I'd say that if your daughter is mature and motivated, she can do very well in such a course if it's understood that college courses are *not* high school courses - she'll have to go to every class (the summer schedule allows no slippage or vacations), do every problem set and likely go to office hours, plus she'll have to deal directly with the professor for any issues on homework, grading, etc. Finally, it is part of her college record, so the grade matters.

On the plus side, it's a great way to get ahead on math in high school to get on the most advanced track, and that makes a big difference on the Math Level 2 SAT subject test - all the kids said that to do well on that exam, which they usually take end of junior year, it really helps to have completed or be enrolled in trig/precalc, which is *after* algebra 2. And it also exposes your daughter to college-level work and processes and helps level-set expectations *before* the college application process begins. Good luck. Lynne

Head Royce school in Oakland offers intensive math classes during the summer. My son took an algebra I class the summer before he entered high school which enabled him to take geometry his freshman year. The class was all morning, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. It was not inexpensive but it got the job done. They also offer algebra II (when last I checked). Jane

As long as you daughter wants to take classes over the summer, it's fine. Taking Geometry in 10th grade means that she is a little behind a lot of the other kids on the college track. Taking extra courses over the summer does help on the college applications.

If your daughter is willing, then the question is where. The Peralta district--Laney, Merritt, etc. have online math courses. One of my son's friends took Algebra II online--Laney, and he was fine. You should also check out ATDP at U.C. they are way more strict about attendance and tardiness than the CC's. Without a scholarship, ATDP is also way more expensive. I suspect however that ATDP looks better on the transcript than Laney. Math Dad

Math classes for teen who wants to accelerate

January 2005

I looked around last summer for courses that would allow my child to accelerate. My search, which was not exhaustive, turned up Head Royce, which offers regular college prep math classes for credit during the summer and Berkeley's Academic Talent Development Program, which offers regular courses as well as prep courses that get students ready to take a particular course. Your high school may or may not accept the ATDP courses for credit, but if your school offers placement exams for kids who want to accelerate, they are good prep for that. You can also try local community colleges, but I found actual course availability to be iffy. My son did summer school at Head Royce last year and I thought the quality of instruction was excellent. Nina

Summer review of Algebra II

April 2004

My (soon to be a junior) daughter needs to take a review course this summer in Algebra 2. She had it as a freshman and got a good grade but it was so poorly taught that she does not feel ready to go on to Math Analysis. She is now in Geometry at BHS. Any suggestions ? Alexa

I know that Salesian High School is offering summer classes in many subjects including Algebra II. Some are limited to current students only and I am not sure if this is one of them. They are located in Richmond, a few blocks from the San Pablo Dam Road exit. You can call the school at 234-4433 and ask. Susan

Taking High School Math over the Summer

April 2004

My (soon to be a junior) daughter needs to take a review course this summer in Algebra 2. She had it as a freshman and got a good grade but it was so poorly taught that she does not feel ready to go on to Math Analysis. She is now in Geometry at BHS. Any suggestions ? Alexa

I know that Salesian High School is offering summer classes in many subjects including Algebra II. Some are limited to current students only and I am not sure if this is one of them. They are located in Richmond, a few blocks from the San Pablo Dam Road exit. You can call the school at 234-4433 and ask. Susan R

2001

Does anyone know of options for a 7th grader (in pre-algebra class at King Middle school) taking Algebra over the summer? This would be in lieu of taking the traditional 8th grade algebra class at King next year. With the new requirement that all 8th graders take algebra next year--ready or not-- we are thinking it might be a good idea for students who are prepared to look for a summer algebra class. The Academic Talent Development Program (secondary program) at UC Berkeley has one that is 6 weeks long, 1/2 day (8:30 to 12:30) and costs $500. We were wondering what the other options might be? Does anyone have experience Thanks, Kathy

We went to Head Royce for the Algebra program. We didn't do it in-Lieu of, but it gave my son a huge amount of confidence when taking algebra in 8th Grade. It's only a 6 week program and the cost was pretty reasonable. Also, there is a bus from (64) from Berkeley Bart that takes them about 3 blocks away from the school. Elizabeth

Piedmont High has full-year algebra and geometry over the summer. It's very good. Last summer my son took geometry there because he was a year behind in math at BHS. PHS was hard work - intense, homework every night, he had to get up early in the morning for 6 weeks and catch 2 buses to get there. But he did very well! It was about $300.