The typical sequence is Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II with Trigonometry, and Calculus. Where a particular student gets in the sequence depends on when you start, but the further along you get the better. (Think college entrance exams here.) In order to work this sequence out you will need to start in the 9th grade with algebra. However, do not push too hard if they just do not get algebra. The biggest problem we see at the university level in students of calculus is not a weak calculus background, but a poor handle of algebra.
8th – Pre-algebra
9th – Algebra
10th – Geometry
11th – Algebra II with Trigonometry (also called Precalculus)
12th – Calculus
Geometry is best taken after ALgebra 1 as most geometry curriculums (The one at AskDrCallahan included) assume the student has had one year of Algebra, and therefore includes Algebra Reviews for the student. Now, thats not to say a student cant start with Geometry. It would mean that they would have to skip the Algebra Review sections in the book, but that is a parent-choice. Because it is generally easier to manage, most choose to take Algebra 1 then Geometry then Algebra II. (By the way, Algebra II with Trig and PreCalculus ARE the same course, but thats a subject for another post)
The reason a Geometry book has Algebra Reviews is because of the general sequence in which these courses are taken. The writers don’t want you to forget Algebra concepts while you are learning Geometry, so they have Algebra Reviews along the way to keep you “in the game”, as it were. Students should not take ALgebra II with Trig without having taken Geometry, but they can take Geometry before ALgebra 1. So Optional sequences include:
Geometry
Algebra 1
Algebra II with Trig
OR
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II with Trig
Just so you know, Geometry is the one course we offer which alot of students report having covered in one semester. Geometry is just set up to lend itself to a rapid pace, often it does not take students an entire year to complete the course. In a private or classical school, even potentially public schools, they give it a whole year because of scheduling reasons, etc, but the work tends to be heavy on the Algebra Reviews to take up time. At least, that has been my experience as a teacher. Often home school students are able to gather the concepts and complete the work rapidly. However, other home school students are quite comfortable taking a whole year and that should be viewed as completely appropriate. Don’t panic if your student needs more than 6 months, but also don’t panic if it only takes them 6 mos. Start the next subject mid-year. This is why we home school.
