Middlesex County Public Schools is committed to ensuring that every student has access to a rigorous and engaging mathematics curriculum that prepares them for success in high school, post-secondary education, and future careers. This letter provides important information regarding the criteria and process for enrollment in advanced or accelerated mathematics courses for the upcoming school year.
The Importance of Middle School Mathematics
Middle school is a critical period for mathematical development. The concepts mastered during these years–including proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, and geometric relationships–serve as the foundation for all high school coursework. Our goal is to ensure that every student is placed in a course that offers the appropriate level of challenge while ensuring they master the essential skills necessary for high school success.
Impact on High School Sequence
While the sequence of courses in middle school dictates when a student will take specific credits in high school, all pathways offered by the division lead to the completion of the advanced studies or standard diploma requirements. Choosing the right pace in middle school ensures that students remain confident and capable as they progress into Algebra, Geometry, and beyond. Students may also take more than one course during the academic year at the high school level. Freshmen students, for example, may be placed in Algebra I and Geometry concurrently.
Enrollment Criteria
Our division utilizes the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) upper-quartile model to determine mathematics placement for students for the upcoming school year. Other criteria, such as student aptitude as demonstrated through other means of evaluations, other standardized testing, observations, and recommendations, may be considered when determining student eligibility for mathematics acceleration.
Available Mathematics Courses
Grade Level Standard Pathway Advanced/Accelerated Pathway
Grade 6 Mathematics 6 Mathematics 6
Grade 7 Mathematics 7 Mathematics 7
Grade 8 Mathematics 8 Mathematics 8/Algebra I
Grade 9 Algebra I Geometry
Parental Rights and Opt-Out Process
While Middlesex County Public Schools automatically place students in advanced or accelerated courses based on the VDOE upper-quartile model and the availability of courses, we recognize that parents and guardians are key partners in educational decisions.
You have the right to opt your student out of an advanced placement.
How to Opt-Out: If you believe a different placement is more appropriate for your child, please contact your child’s school, St. Clare Walker Middle School, 804-758-2561 or Middlesex High School, 804-758-2312. You will be asked to sign a waiver form acknowledging the change in the recommended mathematics sequence.