I want to say that most public schools in the country have standard math through 8th grade and begin Algebra in 9th grade. Many, and my town included, has one class for accelerated students that covers the topics of Algebra I in 8th grade. These students begin Geometry in 9th grade. The SSAT test does cover topics on Algebra I and it would be good to have that class in 8th grade. But plan your test dates accordingly as you might not have covered topics before your test. During test prep (not classes or anything like that, just books), my DD asked her teacher for help when a topic was beyond what the class have covered.