Chalkdust Algebra vs Saxon - What will we have missed?

[Caia]

I am using Chalkdust's algebra 1 program this year with my daughter. I am looking at putting her into a classical school next year that uses Saxon. In order for her to be placed into geometry, they are going to give her a saxon placement test.

Should I be concerned about the difference in scope and sequence between the two curriculums. I believe I have heard that Saxon does not have a separate geometry text and that it includes geometry throughout their algebra courses. Is she going to be missing a lot of geometry information and do poorly on the placement text due to their differences? I don't want her to get placed in Algebra 1 again just because she did not have geometry concepts down. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Jann in TX]

Doesn't the newest version of Saxon for schools have a separate Geometry program?

Chakldust is a VERY strong program. I can't imagine a good student not being able to test out of Algebra 1 in ANY program (even Saxon). The 'wording' and the 'form' of some problems may be different--as well as the way that some problems are worked out. If you can get a copy of the Saxon Algebra 1 text that school uses just to look over for a week or so it might help your dd on the test--since it will most likely be based on Saxons style and scope/sequence.

I have never had a problem with a student who used Saxon going into a different program for Geometry or Algebra 2. I have had some trouble in the past with students who used a different program for Algebra 1 moving on to Saxon's Algebra 2.

If the classical school uses a separate Geometry course your dd can take advantage of that year and casually work through Saxon's Algebra 1 text (reading lessons and working just the practice problems) so the format change will not be a big deal when she hits Algebra 2.

[Kareni]

If you Google "Saxon algebra placement test", you'll find pdf files of the publisher's placement test. This may not be the same test that your daughter's school will use, however, it may be worthwhile having your daughter take it to pinpoint any deficiencies she may have.

Regards,
Kareni