Students who do not take a math challenge test will be automatically placed in Algebra 1 regardless of their middle school math coursework / grades. 

Keep in mind that students should only sign up for a challenge test if they’re currently enrolled in or have already completed the course’s prerequisite(s). For reference, those are:

Geometry XL Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1

Algebra 2 Honors Prerequisites: Geometry or Integrated Math 2

AP Precalculus Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3

Can my son take Geometry as a freshman?

Yes. If he takes and passes the Geometry XL Challenge Exam, he will be placed in Geometry or Geometry XL as a freshman.

What course will my student be placed into if they do not take any Math Challenge exams?

Algebra 1

Can my eighth-grader take summer school to advance in math?

Yes.

In late April, before the Welcome Family Night, you will receive a letter with your student’s approved classes and summer school options. Summer school options may include Marauder Seminar, Algebra 1 Review or Geometry XL, depending on his HSPT test scores, previous coursework and grades, and Challenge Test results.

If your student did not pass or take the Challenge Exam and would still like to accelerate in math, your student may be eligible to enroll in Jesuit’s 6-week Algebra 1 summer class and begin freshman year in Geometry.

We generally do not encourage students to accelerate their math sequence unless they are interested in and qualified for advanced math courses.

My eighth-grader is currently taking Algebra 1, but I’m not sure if he’s ready to take Geometry. What should he take next year?

He can take the Geometry XL Challenge test to assess his fluency in the course content and to gauge his readiness for Geometry. Because Algebra 1 is a foundational course, we want students to show independent proficiency in it before they accelerate to an advanced course. Students beginning in Geometry as freshmen should expect to (and want to) complete Calculus at Jesuit. Students may consider enrolling in Jesuit’s 6-week summer Algebra 1 course to solidify their foundational skills.

What if my student has already taken Algebra 1 but didn’t pass the Challenge Exam? Do they have to repeat Algebra 1 at Jesuit?

The score on this exam is based on subscores for each semester of our Algebra 1 course. Our Challenge Exam tests fluency of all Algebra 1 topics covered in Jesuit’s Algebra 1 course.

If the student passes Semester 1’s content but not Semester 2’s, the student may take a three-week Algebra Review in Jesuit Summer School and advance to Geometry or Geometry XL if they pass.

If the student does not pass either semester’s content, the student may enroll in Jesuit’s six-week Algebra 1 summer class and advance to Geometry or Geometry XL if they pass.

My eighth-grader is currently taking Integrated Math 1. What should my student take next year?

If they pass the Geometry XL Challenge, they will be placed into Geometry or Geometry XL as a freshman. These courses include a review of Factoring and Quadratics that are not covered in IM1. If the student passes Semester 1’s content but not Sememster 2’s, the student may take a three-week Algebra Review in Jesuit Summer School and advance to Geometry or Geometry XL if they pass.

My eighth-grader is currently taking Geometry. Does my student still have to challenge Algebra 1?

Yes, but this content is included in the Algebra 2 Honors Challenge. It is not a separate test. Algebra 1 is a foundational course and students must show fluency in its concepts before being placed into an accelerated course. 

How and when do I sign my eighth-grader up for Math Challenge exams? 

The congratulations email (sent when you complete enrollment) contains a form for course and challenge testing requests. Enrollment must be complete, and challenge tests requested by the posted deadline. 

When is the deadline to sign up to take a Math Challenge exam?

We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to secure your spot. The deadline to sign up for all challenge exams is the end of the enrollment period.

When is the Geometry XL Challenge exam?

Challenge exams will be held in March. You must register for them via Google form.

When is the Algebra 2 Honors Challenge exam?

Challenge exams will be held in March. You must register for them via Google form.

Are calculators allowed on the Algebra 2 Honors Challenge?

Yes. Calculators may be used on the test, and are required to complete some problems.

Are calculators allowed on the Geometry XL Challenge?

No.