Saxon Geometry or Algebra II NEED ADVICE...

[Ann in SC]

Hello users of Saxon math,

I have 8th grader dd getting ready to take Algebra II. She completed Algebra I with a solid B in 7th grade. I am aware that Saxon integrates geometry throughout their program as long as you continue through Advanced Math. (Algebra I, 20%, Algebra II, 20%, Advanced Math 60% geometry)

My question is...should I give her an extra year (easier math year and she loves geometry) next year and take Saxon's geometry instead of Algebra II? (I know this will double up the same things she will be learning in the Algebra II and Advanced Math but it will also give her a year of maturity...)

Her current track is...

8th Algebra II
9th Advanced Math (completing Geometry and Trig)
10th Calculus
11th ? (Possible community college)
12th ?

Thanks for any advice,

Ann in SC

[Jann in TX]

I would SLOW her down a bit. A solid 'B' means that she did not master 20% of the material--and that could snowball (cause BIG troubles) when using a curriculum like Saxon.

I assume you are using the older Saxon texts--since you said they incorporate Geometry...

Saxon's Algebra 2 is tough... and a full Geometry course is tough for many 8th graders...

The solid 'B' just throws a lot of red flags to me... Your daughter has a very good chance of NOT being ready for pre-Calc in 9th or even 10th grade! Only the top 10% of high school students are ready (maturity wise) by 11th!

In your situation I would probably consider moving on to Algebra 2. If she does well fine. If not you could switch to another program--maybe reviewing some of the Algebra 1 and then start Algebra 2 again...You could mix in some pre-Geometry (like the Key's series) to slow her down a bit ...it is amazing what an extra year can do.

Just a side note--MANY students who take Algebra 1 in 7th or 8th grades may do fine with that level of thinking--but MOST come to a point where their mental maturity (logical reasoning) has not developed enough and they become frustrated or start falling 'behind' (even though they are ahead!). --Just something to keep in mind. There is not a good reason to rush and lots of potential reasons to slow down...