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Math Acceleration & Summer School Options

 

Sequoia Union High School District Acceleration Policy

 

While the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) will accept the acceleration of students through a WASC-accredited (or state equivalent), UC-approved online or summer program, not all summer or online courses are of similar quality. SUSHD students who take Geometry or Algebra during the school year receive 139 hours of classroom instruction and do an average of 30 minutes of homework for each hour of instruction, for a total of 208.5 hours. Because some online and summer courses offer much less instructional time and lack the advantage of a classroom instructor who is able to re-teach and offer individual support at the moment, students participating in abbreviated programs will be at a disadvantage when proceeding through a four-year high school math pathway.
 
M-A Math Acceleration and Advanced Courses Statement

The M-A math department supports the SUHSD acceleration policy.  We strongly discourage students from trying to accelerate levels over the summer.  We do not believe that a 4–6 week summer program or an online, self-directed program can replace a year’s worth of learning. School-year classroom instruction helps to promote the foundations of successful mathematical practices and skills. These foundations will be the basis of future success in a student’s course of study and for future national assessments and placements. 

The M-A Math Department offers a wide variety of courses for all levels of math students. 

Our AS and AP pathways are very challenging and offer a very rigorous curriculum.  Our advanced classes require students to engage in higher-level problem-solving, synthesize several topics, and apply their learning.  These fast-paced classes require independent exploration and logical proof of mathematical properties. 
 
Please consider the following:
  • The M-A Math Department does not recommend summer or online, self-directed acceleration.
  • Students enrolling in advanced classes from a college preparatory class should be able to clearly explain their goals, why they want to change pathways, and how they will advocate for themselves.
  • Families should refer to the Course Selection Handbook for course descriptions and prerequisites.
  • Families should plan the desired course pathway and have a specific course goal for the student’s senior year.
  • Students should discuss their options with their school counselor and current math teacher.
  • Students must follow the process and timelines for registering for summer or online programs.  Contact the student’s school counselor for more information on the Single-Credit Dual Enrollment process and deadlines.
  • Students must meet the prerequisites for their math placement, or the family must sign a waiver.
 
Please see the math department page of our website for details.  You can also find information about math pathways, course selection, and our FAQ. 

 

Guidelines for Off-Campus Options for Remediation and Acceleration

  • Current M-A students taking a course outside of M-A must complete the SUHSD Single-Credit Dual Enrollment form prior to enrolling in a course if they wish to earn credits toward high school graduation. 
  • Incoming 9th Graders do not need to complete a SUHSD Single-Credit Dual Enrollment form, AND will not receive high school credit for courses taken before the fall of 9th grade.  Therefore, it will not appear on your M-A transcript. 
  • An official transcript must be submitted to M-A by Tuesday, August 5, as validation for placement in an advanced math course.
  • A student who submits a transcript after Tuesday, August 5, is not guaranteed a change in fall placement.
  • Current students must confirm that the school or acceleration program is approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and meets the University of California (UC) A-G approval.

 

Additional Information for Incoming 9th Graders

  • M-A does not offer math acceleration courses for incoming 9th graders. 
  • Students do not receive high school credit for courses taken before the fall of 9th grade. Therefore, any classes taken during the summer before entering M-A will not appear on your M-A transcript when applying to college. 
  • Students must keep records of any summer school classes, as colleges may request documentation during the application process. 
  • Official transcripts must be received as outlined above to ensure placement in the desired course.

 

Menlo-Atherton Summer School 

  • M-A Summer school is designed for credit recovery.  Priority is given to students deficient in credits, and enrollment is completed through the student’s School Counselor.  
  • Compass is M-A’s four-week summer program for incoming 9th graders and is designed to prepare students for the transition and rigors of high school.  Compass classes include literacy-building workshops, study skill development, participation in physical education, leadership activities, and high school success strategies.   

 

Off-Campus Summer School Options

M-A does not provide recommendations on specific institutions or online programs. M-A can provide a limited list of programs/institutions that have been used by M-A families, but it is the responsibility of the student/family to verify that the program/institution continues to meet the necessary criteria.

 

Please note that information, dates, and programs are subject to change.  Please check the school and program websites for the most current information. Click Here for a Printable Version of this information, including other programs.