Topics included in this course include writing, graphing & solving linear equations & inequalities, systems of linear functions, quadratic equations, exponential functions, polynomial equations, factoring, quadratic equations, radical functions & equations, data analysis, and how to use a graphing calculator. While students will learn the “step-by-step” methods of solving equations, they will also be given real world math problems and use reasoning & logic to make conjectures. This is a rigorous Algebra I course intended to prepare students for further levels of mathematics as well as Science courses that utilize Algebra I. Students interested in AP exams will gain a solid foundation of mathematical understanding that will support further studies that could lead to AP Calculus and the AP exams, should that be the student’s goal. 

All Excelsior math instructors will be utilizing the Middle School & High School Big Ideas Math curriculum written by Ron Larson, Ph.D. and Laurie Boswell, Ed.D. This material will prepare students for upper level and college math classes. Students will have access to a digital platform that has many tools to facilitate learning. The material Excelsior Classes math classes will use is not common core aligned.

Parents and students can expect weekly homework assignments, weekly quizzes, chapter tests, a midterm and final exam. 

Before registering, math students new to Excelsior Classes math classes should use these instructions and take the Algebra I Readiness Assessment. (The answer key may be accessed here. See prerequisites for more information.) While this course is typically done in the 8th grade (mature) or above, ability to do the work is more important than age or grade. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure students are well placed in Algebra I. If you have any questions about the results of the readiness assessment, please contact the instructor. Please know our goal is to set up your student for math success.

This class meets twice per week. Each meeting is 60 minutes. Regular, live attendance is strongly advised. Recordings are available if a class is missed or there is a conflict with another course. Students should watch the recording as soon as possible.

Please see this video for more about Excelsior Classes math courses and why you should choose us for your math education.

NOTE: As in all Excelsior Classes courses, math class instruction is tied to the curated syllabus, and the teacher will teach to the syllabus and not to a particular skill set of a student. In other words, the teacher cannot sacrifice content and expectations overall for an individual student as we need to stay in alignment with educational goals, class participant expectations, and NCAA approval of our courses.