Should geometry come between algebra 1 and algebra 2? (2024)

Should geometry come between algebra 1 and algebra 2? (1)

You might notice (or remember from your school days) that often geometry is placed in between algebra 1 and algebra 2 in the sequence of courses for high school. Why is that? Is it important? Is it ok if I go in a different order? Let me try to answer these questions.

Let’s begin with the “why” question. Geometry is simpler than algebra 2. So if you want to look at these three courses in order of difficulty, it would be algebra 1, geometry, then algebra 2. Geometry does not use any math more complicated than the concepts learned in algebra 1. Putting geometry in between algebra 1 and algebra 2 gives students an extra year to practice algebra 1, while also strengthening their logic skills (application of math to real world concepts) and giving them a year to mature “mathematically” before tackling the more abstract concepts of algebra 2. Honestly, algebra 2 is a tough course. There are some very abstract (& brand new) concepts that students can struggle to grasp if they have not matured some in the mathematical thinking department (which a good geometry course will help them do).

Can you go in a different order and be fine? Yes, depending on the student. Taking algebra 2 directly after algebra 1, and then taking geometry is just fine for some students, but I do not recommend this if the student struggles with math (or is somewhat math resistant). It can be a tougher road to go. However, in the homeschool/private world there are times when circ*mstances dictate going in a different order, and your student will be just fine, as long as you understand that algebra 2 will be a challenging course. If your student is taking it at a younger age directly after algebra 1, make sure to allot enough time in his or her schedule to devote to the course. It will be a challenging course.

Across the board, I always recommend that students take geometry before algebra 2, if possible. I have found in my experience that students benefit from the extra year of math (taking geometry) before they tackle algebra 2.

For advanced, highly motivated, or desperate students, you can actually take geometry and algebra 2 at the same time. My own daughter had a rough academic freshman year and did not finish her geometry course. She is a hard worker and was motivated and wanted to take geometry and algebra 2 at the same time as a sophom*ore, and it worked out fine for her. However, she spent several hours a day on math and we had to make sure her schedule was clear enough to handle that much math. So those courses can be taken in tandem, but it is definitely a challenge.

I hope this clears up some of the confusion around this topic.

-David

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Should geometry come between algebra 1 and algebra 2? (2024)

FAQs

Should geometry come between algebra 1 and algebra 2? ›

Geometry is simpler than algebra 2. So if you want to look at these three courses in order of difficulty, it would be algebra 1, geometry, then algebra 2. Geometry does not use any math more complicated than the concepts learned in algebra 1.

Should algebra 2 come before geometry? ›

Mathematically, it doesn't matter which one comes first, Geometry or Algebra 2, to be honest. However, your child might benefit if they take geometry before 11th grade, to prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT® and SAT®. Just know that, Geometry is completely different from algebra, much like biology is different from chemistry.

How much geometry is needed for algebra 2? ›

Not really. Other than the occasional use of a geometry formula in a word problem there really isn't any direct connection between the two, i.e. the material from geometry rarely appears in Algebra 2 and, when it does, it's usually pretty superficial.

Is it okay to skip geometry? ›

Geometry really isn't optional when seeking a classical education for your child. The practical applications of geometry are easier to see than probably any other upper-level math, notably in construction and home improvement!

Can you go from algebra 1 to honors geometry? ›

Geometry/Geometry Honors- This course is intended to progress after the completion of Algebra 1. The fundamental purpose of the course in Geometry is to formalize and extend students' geometric experiences from the middle grades.

Can I skip geometry and go to algebra 2? ›

It will be a challenging course. Across the board, I always recommend that students take geometry before algebra 2, if possible. I have found in my experience that students benefit from the extra year of math (taking geometry) before they tackle algebra 2.

Can you do geometry before algebra 1? ›

Algebra and geometry, two high school courses most of us have taken, have been taught in that order since they were installed by U.S. colleges two centuries ago and by U.S. high schools one century ago. But now, some schools have boldly reversed the sequence: geometry first, then algebra.

Is algebra 2 harder than Geometry 1? ›

Algebra 2 is a difficult class for many students, and personally I find algebra 2's concepts more complicated than those in geometry. However, this again depends on each student and their personal preferences and strengths.

Is algebra 2 harder than algebra 1? ›

You'll learn about more advanced topics like complex numbers and different kinds of functions. Understanding that Algebra 2 is going to be harder and will need you to use all the things you learned in Algebra 1 can help you get ready for the challenge.

What states don't require algebra 2? ›

Seven states (AZ, MD, MO, NJ, NM, NY, VA) allow students to opt out of or do not require students to take an Algebra II course (and the corresponding EOC assessment). One state, North Carolina, assess all students with a Math I and a Math III assessment.

Is geometry the easiest math? ›

Generally, geometry is harder. You might find Alegra II more difficult than geometry, but the issue with geometry is it requires memorization and utilization of a lot of laws/properties of your trig functions and frequently requires using different views of the same things.

Is geometry the easiest math class? ›

The ease or difficulty of learning geometry versus algebra can vary from person to person. Some individuals may find geometry more intuitive and easier to understand due to its visual nature. Others may prefer the logical structure and problem-solving aspects of algebra.

Do colleges look at geometry? ›

Algebra and geometry help you succeed on admission tests and in college math classes. Take them early so that you'll have time for advanced science and math, which will show colleges that you're ready for higher-level work. Most colleges want students with three years of high school math.

Is algebra 2 easier than geometry? ›

On the flip side, if using a curriculum that uses a more modern, less-rigorous proof approach (or if you are considering leaving out proofs altogether) then Geometry becomes a much easier course and therefore putting it before Algebra 2 could often make sense.

Can I take algebra 2 in 9th grade? ›

Algebra 2 enrollment is limited to students in grades 10-12. The material presented in this course is more developmentally appropriate for students in these grade levels.

Can freshman take honors geometry? ›

Traditionally, freshmen enroll in Algebra, Geometry, Honors Geometry, or Honors Algebra II. Though you are advanced in your course subject, the regular Algebra II does not prepare you for future honors math classes.

What math do you take before geometry? ›

The typical order of math classes in high school is:

Algebra 1. Geometry. Algebra 2/Trigonometry. Pre-Calculus.

What comes before geometry? ›

High School Courses Offered to Students
Eighth grade:Eighth grade Math
Freshman Year:Algebra 1-2
10th Year:Geometry or Honors Geometry
11th Year:Algebra 3-4 or Honors Algebra 3-4
12th Year:Pre-Calculus or Honors Pre-Calculus

Should algebra and geometry be taught together? ›

Often geometry provides an intuitive understanding of concepts and algebra provides us the tools to build sophisticated and abstract results on top, that we can use in various applications like physics, engineering and other areas of science. Both are needed for mastery of a wide range of math.

What math comes after algebra 2? ›

Pre-calculus is a mathematics course that builds on the concepts learned in algebra 2. It introduces students to new topics such as analytic geometry, parametric equations, and polar coordinates. Pre-calculus also introduces students to more advanced mathematical concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals.

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