Students solidify their arithmetic skills through the study of integer and rational number operations, including the order of operations. They begin working with variables as an introduction to algebraic thinking. They learn what a variable represents and how it can be used in algebraic expressions and equations. Students simplify expressions and solve one- and two-step equations. They learn to graph points in the coordinate plane, including tables of values that have a linear relationship. The mathematical ideas of equivalence and proportionality play a large role, as students learn about ratios, rates, and solving problems with percentages—laying the foundation for understanding the role that rational numbers play across mathematical strands. The year ends with students applying what they learned about algebraic expressions and equations to calculating area, surface area, and volume.

Students learn all topics covered in the regular 6th-grade curriculum at a faster pace. Throughout each unit, they progress to key topics in the 7^th-grade curriculum, including solving multi-step algebraic equations and inequalities. They learn that equations with two variables have infinite solutions and how to graph them in the coordinate plane. Students explore a unit on linear equations, where they learn about slope and the slope-intercept form of linear equations, y=mx+b. In the unit on percentages, students also learn about percent of change and apply percent problems to real-world applications—such as simple interest, discounts, and sales tax.

Students delve into algebra topics in a variety of ways, including solving multi-step algebraic equations and inequalities. They learn that equations with two variables have infinite solutions and see how this is shown by graphing them in the coordinate plane. Algebra skills are further used in the study of angles and their relationships through intersecting lines, triangles, and parallel lines cut by transversals. They study statistics, culminating in designing an experiment and collecting data, which students learn to interpret statistically. Next is a unit on percents, in which students employ their algebra skills to solve complex, multi-step, real-world scenario percent problems. The year ends with lessons about probability, combinations, and permutations. Throughout the year, word problems and fraction operations are embedded in each unit.

Students in this course are introduced to a variety of challenging topics. We will pick up where the 6th-grade accelerated curriculum left off, by solving complex equations and inequalities, including solving problems that involve absolute value. Students build on their understanding of equations in two variables by learning other forms a linear equation can take, as well as graphing inequalities in two variables. From there, they learn a variety of methods to solve systems of equations and inequalities. Algebra skills are further used in the study of angles and their relationships through intersecting lines, triangles, and parallel lines cut by transversals. Students create their own hybrid of math and art through the study of transformations. They study statistics, culminating in designing an experiment and collecting data, which they learn to interpret statistically. The next two units of study are focused on preparing students to learn about quadratics. First, we learn about adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing polynomials. Next, we learn about a variety of methods to factor polynomials. Throughout the year, word problems and fraction operations are embedded in each unit.

Students continue their study of algebra with the study of topics that include balancing various types of equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, quadratics, linear equations, and systems of equations. Emphasis is given to solving word problems that incorporate concepts of consecutive numbers, geometry, percentages, coin and value, investments, age, motion, and mixtures.

In this course, students study the 9th-grade curriculum, which is focused on a foundation of algebra and geometry presented through a purposeful sequence of problems. Algebra topics spiral with foundational topics of geometry throughout the year. Topics include: linear equations, inequalities, binomials, absolute value, quadratic equations, and systems of equations. Each of these topics is learned in the context of algebra and coordinate geometry, with an emphasis on problem solving throughout the course.