Seattle Public Schools

Transition from Elementary to Middle School: Math Enrollment

Fifth-Graders transitioning from Math 7

Guidance

Students in Seattle Public Schools enroll in the next course in sequence. The next course in sequence will include the next set of math standards which is defined by Washington State Standards. Thus, students transitioning from a high capable cohort elementary school, and were enrolled in Math 7, will be enrolled into Math 8 as a sixth-grader.

Sequence of Math Courses

  • Math 7
  • Math 8
  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry

SPS strives to “ensure continuity of children’s learning across early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school mathematics by creating a coherent mathematics pathway with standards, curriculum, and assessments focused on deep mathematical understanding.”

Catalyzing Change in Early Childhood and Elementary Mathematics, pg. 126

Secondary Math Career Options

Students can access advanced math coursework (Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Higher Level math (IB HL), or College in the High School (CiHS) math courses) starting in the 10th grade. Students can choose math courses that align with their high school and beyond goals. Students two-years accelerated can enrolled in the highest math course available (AP Calculus BC) by the 11th grade and have the option of enrolling in additional math courses at a Seattle Community College through the Running Start program.

Any of the progressions below will ensure students are college and career ready in mathematics.

Example Math Progressions

5th
grade
6th
grade
7th
grade
8th
grade
9th
grade
10th
grade
11th
grade
12th
grade
Math 7Math 8Algebra 1GeoAlgebra 2CiHS PrecalAP Calc ABAP Stat
Math 7Math 8Algebra 1GeoAlgebra 2IB HLIB HLRunning Start
Math 7Math 8Algebra 1GeoAlgebra 2AP StatAP Comp Sci Running Start
Math 7Math 8Algebra 1GeoAlgebra 2Honors PrecalAP Calc BCAP Stat
This is not an exhaustive list. Course options vary by school.

More information is available at Math Enrollment and Course Progression Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact the middle school for specific information regarding the math courses that are available.