Do you HAVE to take pre Algebra if you are going into 8th grade and are being homeschooled?

Question

I heard that you have the option an weather or not to take pre-algebra. Is it true?

Answer 1

No, you have to take Pre-Algebra no matter what.

Answer 2

If you're homeschooled, you and your parents determine your courseload and scope & sequence.  My 10yo understood all of the concepts of 7th-8th grade math and prealgebra without taking the courses, and he's now in algebra.  He's gotten 1 wrong in the past month, so I can't say as I feel that he's missed out on anything :)

As far as what he'll do for high school, he's looking at taking CLEP tests for most high school subjects (that he'll have already studied on that level) and start college early.  (The point of that statement was that, as a homeschooler, you don't have to go by the standard classes - you can take what you're ready for, when you're ready for it.)

If you understand the math well enough to tackle algebra, don't bother with pre.  If not, go ahead and take pre-algebra.  :)

Answer 3

Depending on the state you are not OBLIGATED to take pre-algebra. However pre-algebra is a very good introduction to algebra and I would highly recommend it. Also no mater what state you live in a person generally needs at least 3-4 math courses to get into a 4 year college. So pre-algebra is better to take in 9th when it counts toward real credits.

Answer 4

i wouold suggest just taking it. it's really not hard at all.

Answer 5

If you are planning a non-accredited home school program, you do not have to take pre-algebra.  You could, in fact, take algebra in 8th grade.  If you might even consider college, you will want algebra and other higher math classes on you transcript.  If you take algebra in 8th grade, you would then simply take geomtry in 9th, algebra 2 in 10th and other higher math, if you desired it.  The assumption would be made by anyone reading your transcript that, if you took never took algebra 1 in high school but took geometry and algebra 2 as an underclassman, that you had algebra as an 8th grader.  If you feel that you can do well in algebra and would like to free up time in high school to take more higher math, you should consider taking algebra during 8th grade.  If you feel timid about algebra, in general, consider taking pre-algebra to get your feet wet and help deepen your understanding.  Unless you are attempting to create a fully acredited home school, what you take in 8th grade will not matter so much, accept in the case of freeing your time in high school to pursue accelerated classes.  DO check with your state, just to be sure, since laws do vary even from county to county.

Answer 6

i did pre algebra in 7th grade and algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry in 8th grade. but yes you do have to do pre algebra by 8th grade! it's not too hard once you get the hang of it! good luck! hope this helps! :)

Answer 7

yes... it's a required class. i'm in 7 grade. i got kicked out of algebra.....   :(

Answer 8

when you get up to algebra it help alittle, even though pre algebra is nothing lke algebra

Answer 9

that all depends on your school, you should take it if you don't know it. it'll only get harder from there on  out. SUPER EASY

Answer 10

My has always been HS'ed.  He's 10.  He did about 20% of Pre-Algebra A (there's also a B in our curriculum), then we switched to a different math curricula, so when he did placement testing, he tested into thier Algebra I.  So he skipped most of A and all of B.  He's a math whiz, though, so that's most of it.

But if you're HS'ed, then you either need to stick with the scope & sequence of your curriculum, or if you're changing curriculum around, do the placement tests and see where you land.  There's a possibility you may have to go *back* if you have gaps in the knowledge of the scope & sequence of the new curriculum.

Now if you're talking skipping Pre-Algebra, and *all other* math courses above it, I would *not* recommend that - even if you're not going to college.  Besides, you'll most likely need those higher courses to qualify for graduation.

Answer 11

um im not sure but i think u should its really easy :] im takin it right now

Answer 12

To me, your question is pretty confusing so I apologise if I'm barking up the wrong tree here.

Are you saying you're homeschooled at the moment but will be going to a conventional school for 8th grade?

Or are you saying you're planning to stay homeschooled for - what would otherwise be - 8th grade?

If it's the first, I reckon it'd depend on the individual school. Why not just go and ask them?!?

If it's the second, no. The only person who can insist you have to take pre-Algebra is your mum; otherwise you do not have to take *any* particular subject if you're homeschooled. That's the whole point of home-education: you only have to 'take' those subjects that are 'appropriate' to your parents' idea of education (not society's idea or the local school board's idea or anyone else's). It is *ENTIRELY* up to you and your 'home supervisor' (i.e. your mum) to decide what you will and will not learn. You are entitled to study *how to surgically castrate bull calves* instead of pre-Algebra if that's what you want to do.

(Yep, guess what I've been doing all day?!? Erm, not pre-Algebra, that's for sure, lol!)

Answer 13

No you do not have to take Pre-Algebra.

Answer 14

7th - pre algabra

8th- algabra 1

9th-geometry

10th- algabra 2 (very hard)

11th- trig

Answer 15

i dont know

but pre-algebra is reallllyyyy easy. take it

Answer 16

Weather or not you have the option you should try it...in college your going to have to know it.And let me tell you it only gets harder to learn it as you get older!!!!

Answer 17

Might depend on what state you live in, but if you can get through Algebra without taking pre-Algebra, you should be fine. I didn't have to take pre-Algebra when I was in school.

If you're good at math, you're better off not taking it so that you can take a pre-Calculus class when you're a senior.

Answer 18

I guess whether you take pre-algebra is up to your parents. My children were homeschooled for many years before they went to public school. They were taught algebra, geometry and some calculus. Don't limit yourself by avoiding math - it may come in handy some day (like if you decide to go to college)

Answer 19

You have options on everything. YOU'RE in charge. Check your state laws and find out if there are any evaluations you need to submit to, and make your decision around that. If you or your child is ready for Algebra or even something more advanced, by all means. There is no law in any state that can stop you from working at a more advanced level if you're ready for it. If your child is slow at math and isn't ready for pre algebra, touch up on areas he/she is struggling in. If she has to take a yearly standardized test of any kind and needs to know pre algebra for it, spend half the year reviewing the old stuff she doesn't know yet and spend the rest starting on pre-algebra. YOU ARE IN CHARGE. No one else.

Answer 20

It is good if you take it anyways, bc you need it to prepare you for all of the maths you have to take in the future. I took it in 8th grade and i was in public school, but i would recommend that you take it. Its basically over knowing what happens when you multiply/divide two positive #s and 2 negative numbers, as well as a negative and positive number. The same goes with adding or subtracting 2 negative or positive numbers. Its fairly easy.

Answer 21

When you have to take it varies depending on graduation requirements. You'll have to take it either 8th grade year or your freshman year though so that you can continue on and take more advanced maths such as algebra and precal in order to graduate.