Form I Math Placement Exam
Dear Form I Parents:
On behalf of the Mathematics Department, welcome to Priory!
The Mathematics Department’s primary interest is creating appropriate, challenging environments that allow students to thrive. An important first step is ensuring students are placed in a Form I class that meets them where they are and pushes them through new challenges at an appropriate pace. Therefore, we have two Form I math courses at Priory: Beginning Algebra and Algebra I.
While we recommend Beginning Algebra for most, an incoming student may place out of Beginning Algebra and instead take Algebra I in seventh grade. The ability to place out of Beginning Algebra is based on a combination of factors:
- Performance on a placement test taken May 1at Priory’s Orientation
- Performance on the SSAT
- Recommendation of the chair and/or principal
- Individual circumstances
All students will take Beginning Algebra unless there is sufficient evidence that it is in the student’s best interest to be placed directly into Algebra I. Success in a math course, unlike most other disciplines, is highly dependent on mastery of previous course work. A weak foundation in Beginning Algebra can have an impact on the entire rest of a student’s mathematics career, regardless of overall ability.
Please note that your son is not required to take the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test at the May 1 Orientation. If you believe that Beginning Algebra is the appropriate course for your son, he will not need to sit for the test. You will be notified in the summer which mathematics course is recommended for your son.
If you would like for your son to sit for the placement exam, please fill out the form below so we know how many students to plan for.
Regardless of which course your son takes in Form I, he will still have the opportunity to take at least one AP math course by the time he graduates. Beginning Algebra, in most cases, better prepares students for success in all of the high school math courses, including later AP courses.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kalhorn at rkalhorn@priory.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jared Rashford
Principal
Dr. Rebecca Kalhorn
Chair – Mathematics Department