Student Placement & Placement Tests

  Math: Student Placement

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4th Grade - Pre-Algebra Grade Math Placement

Saxon makes it easy to transition from another curriculum. The first 30 lessons of each text review the previous text. Any gaps or holes from the previous curriculum are learned in these lessons. Since these lessons are not review to your student, it may take a little longer to complete them. To ensure the student is not overwhelmed or frustrated, a self-paced timed method is recommended. This means that instead of requiring a student to complete one lesson per day, students work on math 4-5 days per week, for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their age. At the end of that time, regardless of how much of the lesson is completed, the student should stop. Then pickup where they left off the next day. This makes it very easy to transition to Saxon from another curriculum and fill any gaps while ensuring the student is not overwhelmed or frustrated. For details, see the Teacher's Guide for the course linked in the chart below.

Fourth through seventh graders are usually placed according to grade level as listed below. If your student struggles with math, back up one level. Unless the student has a learning disability, we do not recommend backing up more than one grade level. See learning challenges below.

Eighth Grade & Higher: Pre-Algebra Not Taken- Regardless of previous curriculum, students in 8th Grade or higher, who have not completed a pre-algebra course, should start with DIVE/Saxon Math 8/7, 3rd Edition. This course does an excellent job of reviewing and developing fluency in all foundational math skills and provides excellent preparation for Algebra 1. If multiplication facts to 9 are not memorized, do this before starting Math 8/7. See the DIVE Teacher Guide for details. 

Learning Challenges: In the chart below, select the student’s developmental grade level. 

Advanced Students: If you believe your student is advanced beyond their normal grade level, administer a Saxon Placement Test (bottom of this page) to ensure readiness.

 Placement Chart 

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Pre-Algebra - Calculus Placement 

Chart

To place your student in the correct math course, select the last course completed in the left column below. By "successfully completed" we mean an average of 80% or higher. If not, see our Course Remediation Plans.

Decision Chart for 8th - 12th Grade 

   *Shormann Calculus available Spring 2018  

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Placement

FAQ:  Is My Child Ready for Algebra 1? 

1. Student completed Algebra 1 but has not taken Geometry.

My general recommendation for these students is to start in Shormann Algebra 1. While this may seem redundant, Shormann Algebra 1 teaches many concepts not found in a traditional Algebra 1 course like computer math, technology applications, as well as 1/2  credit of geometry.  Any review of previously learned algebra concepts will develop and maintain fluency in these skills. Because our Algebra 1 & 2 integrates 1 full credit of geometry, re-taking Algebra 1 with Shormann Math will not take any longer than if the traditional math sequence of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is continued. In fact, the student may spend less time overall. Shormann Algebra 1 and 2 not only earn 1 full credit of geometry, 1 credit of Algebra 1, and 1 credit of Algebra 2, these courses teach every concept on the newly redesigned PSAT and SAT, as well as the ACT, and CLEP College Algebra exam (earns up to 3 college credits), including over 200 practice problems from these exams. If Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 are completed (2+years) Shormann Algebra 1 can be listed as Geometry. Alternatively, the credits for the previous Algebra 1 course, Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 can be listed as Integrated Math 1, 2, and 3. Common Core now recommends integrated algebra and geometry math courses. Therefore, colleges are now familiar with these terms.  See Transcripts, posted on our website under Support in the upper right menu. 

Take Algebra 1 Again using Shormann Math vs Traditional Math Sequence

2. Student completed a non-Saxon Algebra 1 & Algebra 2 and has not taken Geometry

Students in this situation should use Shormann Interactive Algebra 2 with Geometry to earn 1 full credit of geometry*. Better than a stand-alone geometry course, Shormann Algebra 2  also reviews and develops fluency in Algebra 2 concepts, providing excellent preparation for college entrance exams which test both algebra and geometry. Shormann Algebra 2  has over 200 PSAT, SAT, ACT, and CLEP practice problems.

*How is a full credit of Geometry earned in Shormann Algebra 2?

Shormann Algebra 2 includes a short prep course with the geometry lessons from Shormann Algebra 1. These lessons, along with Shormann Algebra 2,  teach all the concepts required for 1 credit of Geometry. Therefore, students who have taken a traditional (non-Saxon, non Shormann Algebra 2) followed by Shormann Algebra 2, can list Shormann Algebra 2 as a Geometry credit on their high school transcript.

Saxon Placement Tests

4th - 7th Grade Students

Caution: The first 30 lessons of each Saxon text review the concepts from the previous text. Because these tests are designed for public school students, who must maintain the pace of the class, the Saxon Placement Test may place students in a lower level than necessary. However, since homeschool students can work at their own pace, they can slow down as needed to fill in any gaps or holes during the review lessons, then complete the course normally. Unless there is a learning disability, we do not recommend placing 4th - 7th grade students more than 1 grade lower than the recommended course listed in the chart at the top of this page. Schedule a Complimentary Consulting Call 

Placement Test for Saxon Middle Grades 

Algebra 1 - Calculus

To better prepare students for the newly redesigned PSAT and SAT, as well as the ACT, CLEP, and AP exams, we now recommend Shormann Interactive Math instead of Saxon Math. Written from a biblical perspective by Dr. Shormann, author of the award-winning DIVE into Saxon Math series, and based on John Saxon’s original teaching methods of incremental development, continual review, and integrated algebra and geometry. Shormann Math is a 21st Century curriculum that includes concepts like technology applications, computer math, real-world word problems, and non-standard solutions not found in Saxon Math. Hosted in a state-of-the-art self-paced eLearning system, similar to college math classes, these courses feature expert video instruction, automated grading, video solutions, Q&A email support, and more!  Learn More about Shormann Interactive Math

Placement Tests for Algebra 1 & Up

Saxon Placement Test for Algebra 1

Saxon Placement Test for Algebra 2

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