Help with struggling math student's freshman HS course selection

I would say to look into two paths:

  1. algebra1, geometry, algebra2, statistics
    Or
  2. algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2a, algebra 2 b (also called 1.5 and 2).
    Path #1 is the regular math path for students aiming for non stem majors. Statistics can be replaced with Precalculus for strong algebra2 students who want to major in economics or business.