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 son be placed into if he does not take any Math Challenge exams?

Algebra 1

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

Yes.

In late April, before the Welcome Family Night, you will receive a letter with your son’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 son did pass or take the Challenge Exam and would still like to accelerate in math, he may be eligible to enroll in Jesuit’s 6-week Algebra 1 summer class and begin his freshman year in Geometry.

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

My eighth-grade son 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 son has already taken Algebra 1 but didn’t pass the Challenge Exam? Does he have to repeat Algebra 1 at Jesuit?

Our Challenge Exam tests fluency of all Algebra 1 topics covered in Jesuit’s Algebra 1 course. If he does not pass but scores at least 50% on the Challenge Exam, he may take a three-week Algebra Review in Jesuit Summer School and advance to Geometry or Geometry XL if he passes.

If he scores below 50% on the Challenge Exam he may enroll in Jesuit’s six-week Algebra 1 summer class and advance to Geometry or Geometry XL if he passes.

My eighth-grade son is currently taking Integrated Math 1. What should he take next year?

If he passes the Geometry Challenge, he 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 he does not pass but scores at least 50% on the Challenge Exam, he may take a three-week Algebra Review in Jesuit Summer School and advance to Geometry or Geometry XL if he passes.

My eighth-grade son is currently taking Geometry. Does he still have to challenge Algebra 1?

Yes. 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-grade son up for Math Challenge exams? 

The congratulations email when you complete registration contains a form for course and challenge testing requests. Registration 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 Algebra 1 Challenge exam?

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

When is the Integrated Math 1 Challenge exam?

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

When is the Geometry Challenge exam?

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

What is a passing score on Jesuit’s Algebra 1 Challenge?

70%

What is a passing score on Jesuit’s Integrated Math 1 Challenge?

70%

What is a passing score on Jesuit’s Geometry Challenge?

70%

Are calculators allowed on the Geometry Challenge?

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

Are calculators allowed on the Algebra 1 Challenge?

No. 

Are calculators allowed on the Integrated Math 1 Challenge?

No.