Elementary School Mathematics
The Mathematics Program of Studies (POS) define the instructional programs that must be implemented in mathematics in the elementary school.
All students in our elementary schools have access to a rich mathematics curriculum aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning.
Early Access to Algebra 1 Honors
For students who demonstrate readiness and a deep interest in mathematics, Algebra 1 Honors offers the opportunity to engage with high school-level content earlier in their academic progression. This pathway introduces advanced problem-solving and abstract reasoning and may allow students to access higher-level math courses, including advanced or specialized options such as dual enrollment, later in high school. With appropriate support and sustained effort, students can be successful in this accelerated pathway and develop skills that apply across content areas.
Considerations
Families are encouraged to consider their options carefully when choosing between Math 6 Advanced and Algebra 1 Honors.
- Math 6 Advanced offers a robust study of Grade 7 and some Grade 8 mathematics concepts and equips students for Prealgebra Honors or Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade.
- Algebra 1 Honors is an intensive study of high school-level mathematics that requires abstract thinking and includes honors extensions. The course moves at a rapidly accelerated pace to accommodate the additional content. This course grade will be included on your student's high school transcript. Schools with fewer than 15 students or staffing constraints may offer daily instruction virtually.
Choosing Algebra 1 Honors means the student will bypass instruction of Grade 7 and Grade 8 Mathematics standards. For more content information, see the additional information .
Data
When reviewing a student’s academic history, families should consider:
- MAP assessment reports - RIT score, percentile, and growth
- Historical data on mathematics SOL tests
- Classroom assessments and data
- Level of time and effort the student would need to commit for success with the content and pace
You can access your child’s test history in SIS ParentVUE .
Secondary Mathematics Course Pathways
FCPS offers a wide range of mathematics course options for students. The videos below are designed to help students and families understand the different Mathematics Course Pathways available in FCPS, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. In FCPS, students are encouraged to take a mathematics course each year of high school.
Mathematics Course Pathways - AP Schools (5 min)
Mathematics Course Pathways – IB Schools (5 min)
Need the YouTube Videos in another language?
Course Catalogs
After viewing the videos (above), students can review the FCPS Course Catalog to learn more about specific mathematics courses. School specific course catalogs are posted on each school's website. Reviewing these resources will help students prepare for academic advising sessions, course selections for the next school year as well as long term academic and career planning.
Math Course Explorer Tool
The Course Explorer Tool helps students and families plan possible mathematics course pathways and learn more about the mathematics courses available in grades 6 through 12. It can be used to help support additional conversations about the math courses that best fit a student's interests and goals.
To use the tool, begin in 6th grade and select courses year by year to explore different pathway options through high school.
After exploring the course pathways available in FCPS, this exploration tool can be used to help support additional conversations about the math courses that best fit a student's interests and goals.
Additional Information
- Grade 7 Mathematics Standards of Learning
- The SOL test assesses Math 7 standards.
- Algebra 1 Standards of Learning and Extensions
- The SOL test assesses Algebra 1 standards
Students who move from the study of the Grade 6 Mathematics Standards of Learning (Math 5 Advanced) to Algebra 1 will not have instruction in Grade 7 and 8 Mathematics standards, which include topics such as:
- ratios and proportions (e.g. gas mileage, adjusting recipes, scaling images)
- percent applications (e.g. percent of a number, discount, tax, tip, markup, percent increase/decrease)
- area and perimeter of irregular shapes (e.g. finding the amount of flooring needed in a room that isn't rectangular)
For students who are enrolled in Advanced Math 6:
- Prealgebra
- Prealgebra Honors
- Algebra 1 Honors
For students who are enrolled in Algebra 1:
- Geometry Honors
Use the course explorer tools:
PreAlgebra Honors in Grade 7
The skills required in Math 6 Advanced AND the student is:
- Enthusiastic for challenging math problems
- Eager to solve problems 2 or more ways
- Excited to explain thinking and ask others about their thinking
- Seeking connections between topics in math class and with other classes
- Willing to take initiative in rigorous work
Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 7
The skills required in Math 6 Advanced, Prealgebra Honors, AND the student is:
- Passionate about intensive mathematics coursework
- Interested in pursuing three years of college-level mathematics during high school
Practical Problems
- Word problems that require proportional reasoning
- Word problems with integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios.
Equations and Inequalities
- Solve word problems with equations or inequalities
- Equations with 2 steps
- Inequalities with 1 or 2 steps
Functions
Represent proportional relationships as word sentences, tables, graph, equations
Model and Solve Practical Problems
- Linear equations and inequalities; quadratic equations
- Systems of equations and inequalities
- Linear and quadratic functions
Expressions and Operations
- Laws of exponents
- Radicals
- Polynomials
Honors Extensions
- Additional depth and complexity to course content
- Some additional content is included, which means the course moves more quickly.
