Algebra is one of the biggest milestones in your student’s math journey. But here’s the catch: starting too early can cause frustration, and starting too late can cause boredom.
So, how do you know when your student is ready?
Why Timing Matters
When students start algebra before they’ve mastered the basics, every lesson becomes a battle. On the flip side, if they’ve been ready for years, 7th and 8th grade can turn into a holding pattern that kills their enthusiasm.
Signs They’re Ready
Before starting Algebra 1, your teen should be confident with:
- Fractions, decimals, and percents
- Negative numbers
- Ratios and proportions
- One- and two-step equations
- Multi-step word problems
Test Their Readiness
We’ve created an Algebra Readiness Test so you can find out exactly where your student stands. Give it with no prep for an honest baseline.
- 85%+: Ready to start Algebra 1
- 70–85%: Needs some review
- Below 70%: Focus on building foundational skills first
If They’re Not Ready
Don’t panic — review weak areas (maybe a unit study on those areas), use a pre-algebra bridge course, and re-test after focused practice.
Next Steps
- 📺 Watch What Math Should My 7th Grader Take? for the big-picture planning of 7th and 8th grade math.
- 📺 Watch What is Pre-Algebra? for a deeper look at the bridge between elementary math and algebra.
- 📝 Algebra 1 Readiness Test
