1) My child is in Grade 5, what are my options for Grade 6?
Beginning in Grade 6, students are placed into one of three mathematics courses: Grade 6 Mathematics, Grade 6 Advanced Mathematics, or Grade 6 Accelerated PreAlgebra. Grade 6 Mathematics is aligned with the Grade 6 Connecticut State Curriculum. Grade 6 Advanced Mathematics includes all of the content from the Grade 6 Mathematics course and half of the content from the Grade 7 Mathematics course. Grade 6 Accelerated PreAlgebra includes all Grade 6 material, Grade 7 material, and most Grade 8 material.
The goal of the mathematics program at Middlesex Middle School is to ensure that all students have access to a challenging mathematics curriculum and are prepared to take Algebra in high school. During the course of a student’s mathematics experience at MMS, advanced opportunities are offered to students who accomplish this goal before they reach Darien High School. Our primary concern is that each student is placed in a course where they will learn and be successful.
The traditional sequence starts with Grade 6 Mathematics, preparing for Algebra in Grade 9.
Accelerated is when a student takes a course above grade level ( prior to the State Curriculum Guidelines). Accelerated in MMS would be Grade 6 Advanced Mathematics, preparing for Algebra in Grade 8.
Double Accelerated is when a student takes all three years of Middle School Math content in Grade 6, preparing for Algebra in Grade 7.
For students that need additional support, ALC 6 is an alternative to Grade 6 Mathematics.
2) How does the school determine how students are accelerated?
There are multiple opportunities for students to accelerate their mathematics course of study during middle school and high school. The consistent goal is to ensure that students are placed in the course that provides the appropriate cognitive challenge. For more detailed information about the Grade 6 Placement Process, please visit the Placement Process page.
3) My child did not qualify for Grade 6 Advanced Course using the placement criteria, but I still would like them to try Grade 6 Advanced Mathematics. What can I do?
If a parent feels that the recommended course placement will not provide the appropriate challenge for their child they may complete and submit a Non-Recommended Course Waiver by April 1. The waivers are then reviewed by school staff and a conversation is held with parents to discuss placement. It is important to note that Non-Recommended Course Waivers are not available for admittance into Grade 6 Accelerated PreAlgebra Mathematics. Please note that our teachers consistently monitor student growth and progress and may recommend course changes if they feel the current course is not meeting student needs.
4) If my child is not enrolled in the advanced course in 6th grade, does that mean they can never take Calculus?
No! We provide many opportunities for students to challenge themselves throughout their years in the Darien Public Schools. If a child does have goals of taking Calculus, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics by senior year, we suggest examining our Course Progressions page to see what course options are available and having your child talk to their teacher and school counselor about what courses would provide the appropriate level of challenge to meet their goals. You may also visit the FAQ page for Darien High School.
5) My child is in Grade 8 and is going to High School. What are course levels in High School? What is accelerated?
For incoming 9th grade students, there are many options for math including:
Algebra 1 300
Geometry 300
Accelerated Geometry 300
Algebra 2 300
Algebra 2 Honors 400
The traditional sequence starts with 9th grade Algebra 1 300 and ends with 12th grade Pre-Calculus. The accelerated sequence usually starts with 8th grade Algebra 1 and ends with 12th grade Calculus, AP Calculus, and/or AP Statistics.
An accelerated pathway refers to when a student takes a course prior to the State Curriculum Guidelines.
Honors level classes (400 level) are courses that provide a higher level of challenge and rigor. Typically, they are designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement courses offered at the college level.
There are many options available for students throughout students’ secondary mathematics education. Some possible course progressions can be found HERE.
6) What grade do I need to move up a level in High School?
The courses in the mathematics department are rich and robust, providing all students with opportunities to learn and grow, in all levels. In addition to having the required grade, we believe that finding the appropriate level of challenge, balanced with a student's course load, and interest in mathematics should be considered.
Changing levels means to change the level of challenge, rigor, and pace. The requirements for each course are different. Please check the DHS Course Catalog for specific information about course requirements. If you do not meet the requirements for a 400 level course and would like to enroll, there is a waiver available through your school counselor.
7) What supports are offered for students?
The teachers in the MMS and DHS math department make themselves available for extra help! Please reach out to your child’s teacher to find out their extra help hours and availability. If the traditional supports are not working, please contact your child's teacher to discuss other options. Many high school math courses offer a math lab as an additional support for struggling learners.
8) My child wants to take a math course over the summer to move to the next sequential course. What do you recommend?
If a student would like to move into the advanced pathway in MMS, they may take a summer course or self study to prepare for the next level course. Students wishing to move from Grade 6 to Grade 7 Advanced would be “Preparing for PreAlgebra”. Students wishing to move from Grade 7 to Grade 8 Algebra would be “Preparing for Algebra”. Additional resource materials can be found HERE. Students would be required to show mastery of the content prior to enrolling in the next level course. Diagnostic exams will be given at the start of the next school year to ensure that placement is appropriate.
9) Can I take outside summer courses to advance my progress at DHS?
We generally do not recommend that students take outside high school courses during the summer. Summer courses are not adequate replacements for full year high school courses. If a student is interested in enrolling in a summer or enrichment program, they are welcome to do so but it is not recommended, nor is placement into the next level course guaranteed. A placement test would be administered at the start of the school year to ensure that the student has mastered the curriculum before taking the next course at DHS. Students would not receive high school math credit for taking a summer course.