Our high schools offer a range of math courses designed to meet the needs of all students and to prepare them for college, career, and beyond. Courses include:

• Algebra 1
• Geometry and Geometry Enriched
• Algebra 2 and Algebra 2/Trigonometry
• Math Analysis and Precalculus Honors
• Applications of Advanced Mathematics
• Statistics and AP Statistics
• AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC
• Multivariable Calculus (at MVLA through Foothill College partnership)

Most ninth graders will enroll in one of the following:

• Algebra 1 (with additional support if needed)
• Geometry or Geometry Enriched
• Algebra 2 or Algebra 2/Trigonometry

MVLA does not offer Pre-Algebra. Instead, students are supported through interventions and resources to succeed in Algebra 1 and beyond.
No matter your starting point, if you work hard and meet course expectations, you will have opportunities to accelerate and reach advanced courses before graduation. Your ninth-grade math teacher and your school counselor will help you build a plan if you want to move more quickly through the sequence.

In high school, your grades directly affect graduation and college eligibility:

• You must pass Algebra 1 and Geometry to graduate from MVLA.
• To be eligible for UC/CSU admission, you must pass Algebra 2 (with a C or better).
• You must have passed Geometry between the grades of 7 - 12.
• Many four-year colleges expect you to take four years of math, often including Precalculus, Statistics, or Calculus.

Failing a required math class means you must repeat it before moving on.

Placement is based on:

• Your middle school math course and performance
• Teacher recommendations
• Discussions with your family and counselor

Typical progression:

Rising 9th graders choose their classes based on the recommended sequence of the courses listed below.            

8th Grade                                                                  9th Grade
 Math 8 CC8/8.0                  → → → → → → →       Algebra I 
Algebra CC8/Math 8.1        → → → → → → →        Geometry/Geometry H
Algebra Advanced 8            → → → → → → →       Geometry/Geometry H
Geometry CC8/Math 8.2      → → → → → → →      Algebra II/Algebra II H
Geometry Honors CC8         → → → → → → →       Algebra II/Algebra II H
Algebra II/Algebra II H          → → → → → → →        Trig Math Ana/Trig Math Ana H

You will complete course requests in the spring of 8th grade. In May, you’ll verify your choices during the course confirmation process.
If you want to change, that’s the time to reconsider. Once the school year starts, it can be difficult to switch courses, as it often requires reshuffling your entire schedule.

If a student chooses a more advanced course and struggles, schedule changes can be challenging and may require dropping an elective. It’s always better to make careful choices during spring registration rather than adjusting after school begins.

Yes. All math courses are aligned with the California Common Core State Standards, which emphasize problem solving, reasoning, and deep understanding. Our curriculum builds progressively from Algebra through Calculus to prepare students for college-level work.

Summer courses can be risky. They move quickly and sometimes don’t cover all the standards. We encourage families to discuss this option carefully with a counselor before enrolling.

If you choose summer advancement, you must notify your high school in advance and get approval. Otherwise, you may not be placed in your desired class in the fall.

Colleges like UC and CSU expect completion of specific courses (e.g., Geometry, Algebra 2). Skipping a class without credit can cause problems for college eligibility in addition to skill-building for math success. We do not approve skipping math courses.

Yes. Many students start in Algebra 1 and still take Precalculus, AP Statistics, or AP Calculus before graduation.

A typical pathway looks like:

• 9th grade: Algebra 1
• 10th grade: Geometry or Geometry Enriched
• 11th grade: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2/Trig
• 12th grade: Trig/Math Analysis or Honors (with options to continue into AP Statistics or Calculus if desired)

The most important factor is consistent effort and progress in whichever class you begin.