See that there was some old threads on related topics but nothing in the last few years - was wondering if anyone had recent experience - is the CTY Algebra 1 Honors course still the same as the Thinkwell Algebra 1 Honors course? Does anyone have any points of comparison or recommendations as to which would be best for my seventh grader to accelerate over the summer? Thanks!
Why does the student need to accelerate math when the student is already on track to take algebra 1 in 8th grade (+1 track leading to calculus in 12th grade)?
1 Like
Exploring options right now, but potentially helpful for STEM focused students to have exposure to more advanced math topics before starting college (i.e. multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics) and also a helpful base for physics.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to be advanced beyond single variable calculus while in high school. Unless further math acceleration is highly student driven (i.e. finds the usual math easy and learns it on one’s own much faster than the usual pacing), acceleration beyond the +1 level gets diminishing returns.
In addition, multivariable calculus and other advanced math courses in high schools are not necessarily accepted for advanced placement by colleges, so there needs to be consideration of what transferable college courses in more advanced math topics will be available to the +2 or higher track student after completing single variable calculus.
2 Likes
Thank, appreciate the perspective. I knew a number of classmates back when I was in college who had covered these topics in HS from US private / boarding schools (which I didn’t attend) and also a number from overseas, particularly the Far East, that also were similarly or even more advanced. Again, just exploring options to see what works, understand and appreciate that every kid is different and this may not work for mine, but want to try and see what options are available.
Frankly neither. I would do Art of Problem Solving. They are so much better than anybody else for Math.
BTW, my kids did CTY and ThinkWell but not for Math. I have degree in Math and I had never seen anything better than Art of Problem Solving program. Their books for serios interest in Math, not just be ahead of schoolmates. They have classes online too.
I have too many children going to too many types of school but they all jumped through a lot of math. CTY has renamed and changed the descriptions on some math classes recently. I wouldn’t necessarily rely on old speculation. My daughter took Honors pre-algebra through CTY and it was much better than some other courses we had. But their courses have jumped in price a lot and if I didn’t have huge transcripts already I might not pay for math there.
But it is important to consider the school. Is the class for pleasure? Joy? A rigorous private school with a killer placement test? Then AOPS or Russian School or IMACS or CTY. But if I did need an accreditation for my school, in my state, I’d go with Apex. It isn’t nearly as strong as either of the other options but it is what our public schools want and it is totally adequate and cheap. Easy to do Algebra in the summer if you want.
Thank you for the feedback!