Can my son take Geometry as a freshman?

Yes. If he takes and passes a Challenge Exam in Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1 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 Algebra 1 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 Integrated Math 1 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. He may also take the Geometry Challenge if his goal is to begin in Algebra 2 Honors as a freshman.

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

A registration email from Final Forms was sent in early March and contains a form for 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 and/or listed in FinalForms.

When is the Algebra 1 Challenge exam?

Challenge exams will be held in March and April. You must register for them via Final Forms.

When is the Integrated Math 1 Challenge exam?

Challenge exams will be held in March and April. You must register for them via Final Forms.

When is the Geometry Challenge exam?

Challenge exams will be held in March and April. You must register for them via Final Forms.

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%

What do I need to know about the Algebra 1 Challenge?

The Challenge exam is a 30-question free-response test for eighth-grade students who are taking or have completed a course in Algebra 1. It covers all topics within the Algebra 1 course. Calculators are not allowed. Practice problems are posted on the Jesuit website.

What do I need to know about the Integrated Math 1 Challenge?

The Challenge exam is a 30-question free-response test for eighth-grade students who are taking or have completed a course in Integrated Math 1. It covers all topics within the Integrated Math 1 course. Calculators are not allowed. Practice problems are posted on the Jesuit website.

What do I need to know about the Geometry Challenge?

The Challenge exam is for eighth-grade students who are taking or have completed a course in Geometry. It is a timed 60-minute test, with 60 multiple-choice questions covering all topics within the Geometry course. Calculators may be used on the test, and are required to complete some problems. Practice problems are posted on the Jesuit website.

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.