The middle school Mathematics program builds on the solid foundation established in our elementary schools. The program begins by reinforcing students’ computational skills, measurement abilities and data analysis. Opportunities for growth in problem solving, reasoning, and communication are also provided in open-ended problem situations and long-term projects. The program ensures that students have opportunities to apply critical thinking skills as they learn to choose appropriate problem-solving strategies. Problems are designed to help students explore, plan, solve and examine real world situations. Through reinforcement of skills and expansion of mathematical processes, the middle school Mathematics Program prepares students for high school.

Regular Sequence

• Students begin the sixth grade in Mathematics 6. This program will build on a growing number sense, pattern recognition, computational skills, problem-solving ability, communication skills and reasoning ability.
• In seventh grade students take Mathematics 7, in which they complete the study of Middle School Mathematics and begin the study of Pre-Algebra. In this course students are introduced to integrated mathematics concepts.
• Students complete this sequence in 8th grade with Math 8. This program is designed to prepare the students for 9th grade Integrated Algebra. It will cover the prerequisite skills needed for the Integrated Algebra Regents exam.

Single-Grade Acceleration

Sixth-grade students who demonstrate strong academic performance in math may be considered for recommendation for single-acceleration in math starting in Grade 7.

• Students are typically identified in the winter of sixth grade, based on math quarter grades, test/quiz average and STAR reading score.
• Families of students who are recommended for single-grade acceleration in math are notified by email in the spring.
• Single-acceleration pathway: Grade 6 Math > Pre-Algebra Honors > Algebra I Honors.
• All coursework for single-grade accelerated math students is offered at SOMS.
• Students must meet the high school minimum attendance requirements for Algebra I Honors.
• Students take the Algebra I Regents exams.

Double-Grade Acceleration

Sixth-graders who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in mathematics may be considered for double-grade acceleration..

• Students are required to test for double-grade acceleration eligibility. They are provided with a review packet and must take the final exam for the course they would skip in order to double-grade accelerate.
  • Typically, a sixth-grade student who has been identified will be given a review packet in June of their sixth-grade year to prepare for the Pre-Algebra final exam in the summer. Students who score a 90 or higher are eligible to enroll in Algebra I Honors for Grade 7. Double-grade acceleration pathway starting in Grade 7: Grade 6 Math > Algebra I Honors > Geometry Honors.
  • In rare instances, students may be identified in the fall of sixth-grade to test for double-grade acceleration eligibility. These students are given a review packet to prepare for the Math 7 final exam, which is administered within a few weeks. Students who score a 90 or higher are eligible to enroll in Pre-Algebra Honors for Grade 6. To accommodate Pre-Algebra Honors scheduling, students who are double-grade accelerated during Grade 6 do not have the opportunity to take Explore coursework. Double-grade acceleration pathway starting in Grade 6: Pre-Algebra Honors > Algebra I Honors > Geometry Honors.
• Double-grade accelerated students are required to attend their Geometry Honors class at Tappan Zee High School. Eighth-graders are assigned to a morning high school bus; transportation after class from TZHS to SOMS is provided.
• Students who take Algebra I Honors in Grade 7 do not receive high school credit for the course and it does not count toward New York State graduation requirements.
• Students must meet the high school minimum attendance requirements for Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors.
• Students take both the Algebra I Honors and Geometry Regents exams.

Single-Grade Acceleration Sequence

• Grade 6 – Math 6
• Grade 7 – Pre-Algebra (Math 7+8)
• Grade 8 – Algebra Honors (Regents)
• Grade 9 – Geometry (Regents), Honors, Applications in Geometry
• Grade 10 – Algebra 2 and Trigonometry (Regents), Honors, Non-Regents
• Grade 11 – Precalculus (Honors), Probability and Statistics
• Grade 12 – Calculus, Advanced Placement Calculus AB/BC, Advanced Placement Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Math Analysis