- PreAlgebra, you should register for Algebra I.
- Algebra I and will finish the book by the end of the school year: register for Geometry or Honors Geometry and take Placement Test I. If you are not confident in your Algebra skills, you should register for Geometry.
- Geometry, you should register for Algebra II or Honors Algebra II and take Placement Test II.
8th Grade math: use the name of the textbook you are using for a reference. If it's a PreAlgebra book, register for Algebra I. If it's an Algebra book, register for Honors Geometry and take the placement test. If it's an 8th grade math or Level 8 book, register for Algebra I.
What if I don't see a course that fits my needs?
We have course options for students who qualify. Please talk to the Mathematics Department Chair or our Learning Specialist for more information.
What if the class I am in is too easy once the school year begins?
Many students who are placed in Algebra I will find the beginning of the year relatively easy. The beginning chapters of these classes are a review of material covered in PreAlgebra or 8th grade mathematics. If you are in Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra II, it is the highest level offered, so you can feel confident in doing well in mathematics. You can expect that as the year progresses you will be challenged more and more. Enjoy having an easy class, but remember that it will get more difficult as the year progresses.
What if the class I am in is too difficult once the school year begins?
We highly recommend that you take advantage of all of the opportunities available. Mathematics teachers are available before and after school and throughout the school day. Holy Family can arrange a peer tutor for you if your schedule permits. There are many people available to help you; all you need to do is ask. If you are in an honors course, switching to the regular level is normally an option. You should talk to your teacher before making a change. We have found our placement test very accurate and are confident in the placement of students based on its results.
General Questions
What courses will I take throughout my high school career?
Holy Family requires three credits (equivalent to three years) of mathematics with successful completion of Algebra II. Below is a list of several options, but there are many more different paths. Please see the course description book for further information on specific courses.
| Option |
9th |
10th |
11th |
12th* |
| 1 |
Algebra I |
Geometry |
Algebra II |
*FST |
|
2 |
Algebra I |
Honors Geometry |
Honors Algebra II |
*PreCalculus |
|
3 |
Geometry |
Algebra II |
FST |
*PreCalculus |
|
4 |
Geometry |
Algebra II |
FST |
*Math Apps |
|
5 |
Honors Geometry |
Honors Algebra II |
PreCalculus |
*AP Course(s) |
|
6 |
Algebra II |
FST |
PreCalculus |
*AP Course(s) |
|
7 |
Honors Algebra II |
PreCalculus |
AP Course(s) |
*AP Course(s) |
* A fourth year is optional but highly encouraged. Seniors may also take the Math Applications course.
Placement Test QuestionsDo I need to take the placement test at the end of the year?We encourage all incoming freshmen to take the placement test unless you are certain they should be taking Algebra 1. If you are registering for Geometry, Honors Geometry, Algebra II, or Honors Algebra II, then you must take a mathematics placement test.
When is the placement test?Both Placement Test I and Placement Test II will be given on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Holy Family. You do not need to pre-register for the test. Placement Test I to get into geometry will take approximately 2 hours. Placement Test II will take approximately 2 1/2 hours.
What if I don't take the test?We want to make sure that you are in a class with which you will find success. If you don't take the test, we will place you in Algebra I.
What if I don't do well on the placement test?When you receive your results, we will indicate the course that is best suited for you. It is important for you to remember that we want you to be successful and not overwhelmed by a class that is beyond your current level. To that end, if you are close to testing into a higher-level math class, you will be invited to take a 3-week summer course, during which you will be re-evaluated. If you are not offered to participate in this course (or choose not to take it), you will be placed in the class that is best suited for you.
Will the placement test help me decide between regular and honors courses?The test is designed to determine your readiness for the level and will not indicate regular versus honors. To make that decision, you might talk to your current teacher and look at your history in mathematics courses. Our Geometry course reviews Algebra topics as well as introduces geometry and is designed for students who need to strengthen their algebra skills. Taking Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra II does allow for you to take PreCalculus without taking Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry (FST).
How do I prepare for the placement test?Please see the resources below.
Printable Materials
The following review materials are also available for you to study on your own. We are still updating them so you might want to check back to see if they have been updated. Perhaps only print one unit at a time.
PreTest_AlgebraReview.pdf
AlgebraReviewAnswers.pdf
PreTest_GeometryReview.pdf
*Please note that these packets are for an individual's review to supplement what they are doing in their classes and may not be used by a teacher in a classroom environment.
Review Sessions
We will once again be providing review sessions in the spring prior to the test. Check back here for more information on when those will occur. Students attending the sessions should bring paper, pencil, and a calculator.
Algebra Review Session
This session is offered for students who would like a teacher led review session. It will review topics from Algebra, specifically those on the review packet available online. It is designed for students who have already taken Algebra and will be taking the Mathematics Placement Test I or II. Each session will cover essentially the same material. Seating is limited so you must register by sending an email to kannelg@hfchs.org stating the name of the student and which date they will attend.
Schedule for 2011
Algebra April 30th 9 - 11:30
Algebra May 14th 1 – 3:30
Geometry Review Session
This session is offered for students who would like a teacher led review session. It will review topics from Geometry, specifically those on the review packet available online. It is designed for students who have already taken Geometry and will be taking the Mathematics Placement Test II to take Honors Algebra II or Algebra II as a freshman. Each session will cover essentially the same material. Seating is limited so you must register by sending an email to kannelg@hfchs.org stating the name of the student and which date they will attend.
Schedule for 2011
Geometry May 7th 9 – 11:30
Geometry May 21st 1 – 3:30
Videos
Algebra Review Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Geometry Review Review (rough draft) updated 4/28/2010
After the Test
Students taking the placement test will receive their results by mail within a month. This will indicate the approved course for the student. The student will be scheduled for the recommended course for the fall.
Students who performed well on the test but did not have a high enough score to pass it will be offered the opportunity to take a three week review course during which they will be reevaluated. In most cases, students who take advantage of this opportunity show significant improvement and are approved for the higher course at the end of the three weeks. Students who passed the test initially but would like to review before school starts are welcome to take a review class as well.
Although eligible people will receive information and forms along with their placement letters after the test, you should be aware of the dates for these courses
Algebra Review
July typically 3 weeks Monday - Thursday for 2 hours a day
Algebra and Geometry Review
July typically 3 weeks Monday - Thursday for 2 1/2 hours a day
