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Dear Jr. High Families,

Staunton School District strives to provide the best possible education for our children. We believe that providing more than one course for math at the junior high level is one way we are able to provide the appropriate education for all students.

As students study mathematics, some will learn math concepts more quickly than others.  In some instances, it is in the student’s best interest to accelerate their study of mathematics.  Staunton Junior High School offers an accelerated math course sequence of Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra I in 8th grade to address the needs of students that demonstrate a high level of math content mastery.  Parents and the student should be aware that taking the accelerated math sequence puts a student on a path to complete Calculus their senior year and to pass Pre-Calculus in order to meet high school graduation requirements. 

Placement in Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra in 8th grade take into account numerous factors.  The following will be used to determine placement:

Criteria for Placement Into 7th Grade Pre-Algebra:

To be enrolled into Pre-Algebra in 7th grade, a 6th grade student must meet the following criteria:

  • Meet the following math grade and winter math STAR score guidelines:

    • Earn at least an A- each quarter of 6th grade and a STAR score of at least 60 OR

    • Earn at least a B- each quarter of 6th grade and a STAR score of at least 70 OR

    • Earn at least a C- each quarter of 6th grade and a STAR score of at least 80

    • The STAR score must be maintained on the spring STAR test.

  • Earn a passing grade for all other courses each quarter.

  • A waiver of one of the above criteria can only be determined by the agreement of the School Principal, School Counselor, AND 6th grade math teacher.  The waiver form must be signed by all parties.

*A student’s placement into Pre-Algebra can be changed to 7th grade math by the School Counselor if they are unable to maintain a C or higher in Pre-Algebra quarterly.

Criteria for Placement Into 8th grade Algebra I:

To be enrolled into Algebra I in 8th grade, a 7th grade student must meet the following criteria:

  • Meet the following Pre-Algebra grade and winter math STAR score guidelines:

    • Earn at least an A- each quarter of Pre-Algebra and a STAR score of at least 60 OR

    • Earn at least a B- each quarter of Pre-Algebra and a STAR score of at least 70 OR

    • Earn at least a C- each quarter of Pre-Algebra and a STAR score of at least 80

    • The STAR score must be maintained on the spring STAR test.

  • Earn a passing grade for all other courses each quarter. 

  • A waiver of one of the above criteria can only be determined by the agreement of the School Principal, School Counselor, AND 7th grade math teacher. The waiver form must be signed by all parties. 

  • In rare circumstances, a student may be placed into Algebra I from 7th grade math by meeting ALL of the following criteria:

  1. Earn a minimum of an A for each quarter of 7th grade math.

  2. Achieve a minimum winter STAR math score of 70.

  3. Pass all other courses each quarter of 7th grade.

  4. Be recommended for placement into Algebra I by the 7th grade math teacher. 

*A student’s placement into Algebra I can be changed to 8th grade math by the School Counselor, if they are unable to maintain a C or higher in Algebra I quarterly.

Students and parents of students who are enrolled in Pre-Algebra or Algebra should keep in mind that the work required to be successful in the course will be more demanding, but will ultimately be more rewarding.  It has been found that students that are successful in Pre-Algebra and Algebra courses possess the following attributes:

  • Highly organized and have time management skills

  • Can analyze, evaluate, and interpret complex concepts

  • Can successfully work independently

  • Will be expected to analyze more complex texts

  • Are motivated to apply what they have learned to real life situations

  • Have a genuine interest in the subject and “do not mind” the extra work