Mathematics
- Middle School Mathematics General Information
- Mathematics Course Sequence 2025-2026
- 6th Grade Mathematics
- 7th Grade Mathematics
- 8th Grade Mathematics
- Middle School Mathematics Frequently Asked Questions
Middle School Mathematics General Information
Mathematics education is key to ensuring students are academically prepared and confident to pursue higher education or specialized career training. To be college and career-ready, today's students require an education that goes far beyond what was needed by students in the past.
In Middle School, our math program, as aligned to the state standards, guides student learning so that...
- Students build deep conceptual understanding. Students will make sense of mathematics, explore math concepts and relationships, and communicate their understanding of mathematics.
- Students develop computational fluency. Students will practice and apply algorithms and math processes efficiently, accurately, and precisely.
- Students apply math to real-world problems. Students will use math to describe real-world situations, solve problems, reason, and justify their solutions.
- Students establish a growth mindset. Students will grow in their belief that they can learn mathematics, and establish habits of effort, persistence, determination, and learning from both successes and failures.
Our middle school mathematics courses allow all students the opportunity to accelerate and advance their learning in mathematics by building a solid mathematical foundation.
Mathematics Course Sequence 2025-2026
Path 1 |
Path 2 |
Path 3 |
|
|
Middle School |
Math 1 Grade 6  Grade 7 Grade 8 |
Math 1-2 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 |
Math 2-3 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 |
|
High School |
Algebra 1 Grade 9 Grade 10 |
Geometry * Grade 9 Grade 10 |
Algebra 2 * Grade 9 Grade 10 |
| Most Common High School, Math Path after Geometry |
Algebra 2 * Grade 11 Grade 12 |
Pre-Calculus Grade 11 Grade 12 |
AP Calculus AB * Grade 11 AP Calculus BC * |
* Geometry and Algebra 2 offer advanced options, students taking Geometry and Algebra 2 in Middle School will be enrolled in the advanced option.
High School options for Algebra 1 and beyond, refer to the High School course guide:
Skyline High School * Courses will vary for International Baccalaureate (IB)
6th Grade Mathematics
Sixth Grade
For more information to help choose which path is best for you, see Mathematics Course Sequence above and refer to the Mathematics Frequently Asked Questions below.
Math 1 (KM601)
Learning Recommendations: For students currently in 5th Grade Math, enrolling in 6th grade.
Description: This course addresses the State Standards for Mathematics for Grade 6 by developing students’ abilities to problem solve, reason and communicate mathematics through the Standards for Math Practice. Student learning focuses on conceptual understanding and fluency in adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and decimal numbers; rational numbers including negative numbers, connecting ratios and unit to proportional relationships, writing and interpreting expressions and equations and inequalities. Students that take Math 1 in 6th grade commonly take Algebra in 9th grade and Pre-Calculus in 12th grade. This course supports a wide range of career and college entry requirements.
Math 1-2 (KM602)
Learning Recommendations: For 5th grade students enrolling in 6th grade who...
- earned a 3 and 4 for 5th grade math report card grades AND
- who scored at or above a 3.00 (level 3 or 4) on their winter 5th grade i-Ready Math test AND/OR 4th grade SBA Math assessment.
Description: This course starts in the same place as Math 1, but is taught at a faster pace, introducing new concepts quickly, it covers all of the standards in Math 1 as well as the first half of Math 2. This course focuses on the Grade 6 and selected Grade 7 State Standards for Mathematics by developing students’ abilities to problem solve, reason and communicate mathematics through the Standards for Math Practice. The main topics of this course are proportional relationships, operations with rational numbers, constant of proportionality, scale drawings and geometric constructions as well as statistical sampling. Students that take Math 1-2 in 6th grade commonly take Algebra in 8th grade and Calculus in 12th grade. Students considering a future in a math-based career such as sciences, technology, or engineering should consider taking this course in 6th grade.
Math 2-3 (KM702)
Learning Recommendations: For students taking Math 2-3 in 6th grade: Level 4 grades in 5th grade math AND a winter i-Ready Math score of 4.07 or higher, knowledge AND mastery of math 1-2 concepts (6th and 7th grade standards) which include rational numbers and operations, proportional relationships, percents and proportions, and equivalent equations.
Description: This course covers the second half of Math 2 and all of the standards taught in Math 3. This course focuses on selected Grade 7 State Standards and all of the State Standards for Grade 8. Student learning focuses on systems of linear equations, functions, and relationships, 2D and 3D space, and the Pythagorean Theorem. Sixth grade students that take this course skip the content taught in Math 1-2 and are taught at a faster pace, introducing new concepts quickly. Students that take Math 2-3 in 6th grade commonly take Geometry in 8th grade and Algebra 2 in 9th grade and two years of Calculus in 11th and 12th grade. Students considering a future in a math-based career such as sciences, technology, or engineering should consider taking this course in 6th grade.
Algebra 1 (MT980)
Learning Requirement: 5th grade students enrolling for 6th grade cannot register for this course. Students must pass a placement test to enroll in this course for 6th grade. The placement test will be given May/June. Information regarding testing will be shared though district news in the spring. Students interested in this option should register for Math 2-3, schedules will be changed after the placement test if the student meets the enrollment criteria.
Description: This course is a high school level course. Sixth grade students that take Algebra 1 skip the content taught in Math 1, Math 2 and Math 3. This course focuses on equations, linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics and quadratic functions. Students that take this course in 6th grade commonly take Algebra 2 in 8th grade. This also may result in a gap year when taking Calculus.
Transportation to high school in 8th grade: You must provide transportation at your assigned high school for Algebra 2 for the entire 8th grade year (scheduled in their 1st period class). Students will miss homeroom and all homeroom related activities at their middle school.
Skyline High School coursework: If your child is planning to pursue an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma at Skyline High School, they will have to find an alternate math course (Statistics is recommended) in 9th grade as students are not allowed to enter the IB math pathway until grade 10.
7th Grade Mathematics
7th Grade
Math 2 (KM701)
Learning Recommendations: Math 1, enrolled in 7th grade.
Description: This course addresses the State Standards for Mathematics for Grade 7 by developing students’ abilities to problem solve, reason and communicate mathematics through the Standards for Math Practice. Students’ learning focuses on proportional relationships, operations with rational numbers, linear equations, scale drawings and statistical sampling.
Math 2-3 (KM702)
Learning Recommendations: For students taking Math 2-3 in 7th grade: Grade B- or better and completed Math 1- 2 in 6th grade, Level 3-4 on Math SBA assessments.
Description: This course is taught at a compacted pace, it covers the second half of Math 2 and all of the standards taught in Math 3. This course focuses selected Grade 7 State Standards and all of the State Standards for Grade 8. Student learning focuses on systems of linear equations, functions and relationships, 2D and 3D space, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Algebra 1 (MT980)
Learning Recommendations: For students taking Algebra 1 in 7th grade: Grade B- or better and completed Math 2-3 in 6th grade, Level 4 on Math SBA assessments.
Description: This is a high school level course and is taught at a compacted pace; it covers all of the standards for Algebra 1. This course focuses on equations, linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics and quadratic functions
Advanced Geometry (MT982)
Learning Recommendations: For students taking Advanced Geometry in 7th grade: Grade B- or better and completed Algebra 1 in 6th grade.
Description: This course is a high school level course. This course is aligned to the WA State Standards for Geometry. Student learning focuses on congruence and construction, trigonometry, proof and modeling, coordinate geometry, circles and probability.
8th Grade Mathematics
8th Grade
Math 3 (KM801)
Learning Recommendations: Math 2 in 7th grade, enrolled in 8th grade.
Description: This course addresses the State Standards for Mathematics for Grade 8 by developing students’ abilities to problem solve, reason and communicate mathematics through the Standards for Math Practice. Students’ learning in this course focuses on systems of linear equations, functions and relationships, 2D and 3D space and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Algebra 1 (MT980)
Learning Recommendations: 'For students taking Algebra 1 in 8th grade: Grade B- or better and completed Math 2-3 in 7th grade, Level 3-4 on Math SBA assessments.
Description: This is a high school level course and is taught at a compacted pace; it covers all of the standards for Algebra 1. This course focuses on equations, linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics and quadratic functions
Advanced Geometry (MT982)
Learning Recommendations: For students taking Advanced Geometry in 8th grade: Grade B- or better and completed Algebra 1 in 7th grade, Level 4 on Math SBA assessments.
Description: This course is a high school level course. This course is aligned to the WA State Standards for Geometry. Student learning focuses on congruence and construction, trigonometry, proof and modeling, coordinate geometry, circles and probability.
Advanced Algebra 2 (MT320)
Learning Recommendations: Students may only take Advanced Algebra 2 in 8th grade that took the Algebra 1 placement test for Algebra 1 in 6th grade. Students taking Advanced Algebra 2 in 8th grade must have completed Algebra 1 and Advanced Geometry in 6th and 7th grades, B-or better on class assessments in Advanced Geometry and Algebra 1.
Description: This course is a high school level course and is aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout this course and, together with the content standards, prescribe students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Algebra 2 is designed to prepare students for more advanced algebra-based math and science classes, such as Precalculus and Physics. Student learning focuses on absolute value and quadratic functions, polynomial, rational and radical functions, trigonometric functions and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Transportation to high school in 8th grade: You must provide transportation to the nearest high school for Algebra 2 for the entire 8th grade year.
Middle School Mathematics Frequently Asked Questions
The math class you choose in 6th grade determines the math courses you take in 7th and 8th grade as well as influences your choices for math courses in High School. Use the planning guide and mathematics course sequence to map out your three-year plan for middle school mathematics. We also encourage you to think ahead about the sequence of courses you will want to take in high school, the courses you take now can impact your options later. This way you will know what courses to choose in middle school to be prepared for the high school courses and your future that interest you.
- What is the difference between Math 1 and Math 1-2?
- What is the difference between Math 1-2 and Math 2-3?
- What if I want to register for Algebra 1?
- What if I want to change my math sequence?
What is the difference between Math 1 and Math 1-2?
Both Math 1 and Math 1-2 start at the same point. Math 1 teaches all of the grade level standards for mathematics for Grade 6, any 6th grade student may take Math 1. Math 1 most commonly leads to taking Algebra in 9th grade and Pre-Calculus, Personal Finance or Statistics in 12th grade. This path supports a wide range of careers and college entrance requirements.
Math 1-2 teaches all of the grade level standards for mathematics for Grade 6 as well as half of the standards for Grade 7. Since more standards are taught the pacing for the class is faster and new concepts are introduced at a quicker pace. Students that have at least a level 3 math grade from 5th grade and at least a level 3 i-Ready score on the Winter i-Ready Math assessment should consider taking Math 1-2. Math 1-2 most commonly leads to taking Algebra in 8th grade and Calculus in 12th grade. Many colleges recommend Calculus in High School for students pursuing careers in science, technology and engineering.
What is the difference between Math 1-2 and Math 2-3?
Math 2-3 is considered an advanced course if taken in 6th grade. Students should consider the learning recommendations for taking advanced course as explained in the Middle School Curriculum Information. Math 2-3 teaches the second half of 7th grade mathematical standards and all of the standards for 8th grade. Sixth grade students that take Math 2-3 skip all of the content taught in Math 1-2. In addition to skipping content, since more than one grade level of standards are taught the pacing for the class is faster and new concepts are introduced at a quicker pace. Students should consider taking Math 2-3 if they have a level 4 math grade from 5th grade and score 523 or higher on the Winter i-Ready Math assessment. Students that take Math 2-3 in 6th grade commonly take Geometry in 8th grade and Algebra II in 9th grade and two years of Calculus in 11th and 12th grade. Students considering a future a math-based career such as sciences, technology, or engineering should consider taking this course in 6th grade.
What if I want to register for Algebra 1?
Students should register for Math 2-3. Sixth grade students must pass a placement test to be enrolled in Algebra 1 in 6th grade. Once a student takes the placement test and qualifies for Algebra 1, their schedule will be changed.
Sign-ups for the Algebra 1 Placement Test for the 2025-2026 school year are open from February 27th to May 5th. No further sign-ups will be accepted.
The Algebra 1 Placement test will be offered on the following dates at the administration building:
- Wednesday, May 14 (2:30-4:30 p.m.)
-
Thursday, May 15 (5-7pm)
- Monday, May 19 (5-7 p.m.)
- Tuesday, May 20 (5-7pm)
- Tuesday, May 27 (5-7 p.m.)
Interested students can sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/E1CSUVcEM1
This course is a high school level course. Sixth grade students that take Algebra 1 skip the content taught in Math 1, Math 2 and are taught at a compacted pace, this course covers the second half of Math 3 and all of the standards for Algebra 1. This course focuses on equations, linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics and quadratic functions. Students that take this course in 6th grade commonly take Algebra 2 in 8th grade at their assigned high school. This also may result in a gap year when taking Calculus.
Transportation to high school in 8th grade: You must provide transportation to your assigned high school for Algebra 2 for the entire 8th grade year (scheduled as their 1st period class). Students will miss homeroom and all homeroom related activities at their middle school.
Skyline High School coursework: If your child is planning to pursue an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma at Skyline High School, they will have to find an alternate math course (Statistics is recommended) in 9th grade as students are not allowed to enter the IB math pathway until grade 10.
This course is a high school level course. Sixth grade students that take Algebra 1 skip the content taught in Math 1, Math 2 and are taught at a compacted pace, this course covers the second half of Math 3 and all of the standards for Algebra 1. This course focuses on equations, linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics and quadratic functions. Students that take this course in 6th grade commonly take Algebra 2 in 8th grade. This also may result in a gap year when taking Calculus.
What if I want to change my math sequence?
It is possible to start in one math path and change paths during middle and high school. Students may decide they need to move to a different path depending on their level of challenge and performance. Students should contact their school counselor to discuss the options to change math courses during the school year and if they are considering enrolling in different path during registration. Constraints on building schedules may limit options for schedule changes.
More information about changing math pathways and use of online learning resources to help change math pathways is available in the Learning Recommendations page of the Online Learning pages.