Placement Processes
Incoming Freshmen:
HONORS via a combination of junior high academic records, HSPT entrance examination local percentiles, and performance on the Placement Exam given annually in late April.
The completion of an introductory algebra course before ninth grade is insufficient in itself for ALGEBRA 2 HONORS placement.
Current Freshmen (placement for Sophomore year):
Placement into Geometry, Geometry Accelerated, or Geometry Honors will be based on a combination of HSPT Reading, Verbal, and Math scores, teacher recommendations as to ability and motivation, and fall semester Math, English, and Language grades. During the fall or spring semester of freshman year (students’ choice), students may challenge the sophomore-level Geometry class by taking both fall and spring Geometry final exams – dates for these exams will be given in the freshman classes. If a student passes both exams, he or she will be placed in the next course in the Algebra/Precalculus sequence, as appropriate to his or her freshman placement (see the chart in the sophomore section, below). If a student passes the fall portion but not the spring portion, he or she will automatically qualify for placement in Geometry Honors for sophomore year.
Current Sophomores (placement for Junior year):
Junior year placement is determined by Freshman year math class, input from freshman and sophomore year teachers on students' mathematical ability and motivation, and scores on standardized tests (PSAT and/or PreACT).
Freshman Year Math Class
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 1 Accelerated
- Algebra 2 Honors
Typical Junior Year Placement
- Algebra 2
- Precalculus Accelerated
- Precalculus Honors
Sophomore year Accelerated or Honors classes can be used to move up a level if performance and ability are demonstrated in that class (note that simply finishing a class does not guarantee a higher placement
- Students from Algebra 1 who take Geometry Acc or Honors may be qualified for Precalculus Accelerated
- Students from Algebra 1 Accelerated who take Geometry Honors may be qualified for Precalculus Honors
Current Juniors (placement for Senior year):
Students in Precalculus Accelerated or Precalculus Honors will be placed in AP Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, or non–AP Calculus based on a combination of teacher recommendations for ability and motivation, PSAT scores, and overall math GPA. Students in Algebra 2 will be placed in Precalculus or Math Analysis based on Algebra 2 grades (B or better for Senior Precalc), teacher recommendations for ability and motivation, and PSAT scores. AP Statistics is an open-enrollment class that only requires present teacher's approval (students currently enrolled in Algebra 2 must earn a grade of B– or better). Students who are approved for any level of AP Calculus are automatically approved for AP Statistics as well.