In middle school, students will apply the basic math skills they developed in elementary school as they are introduced to broader mathematical concepts and practices. Pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry comprise a major component of math in the middle school years, as do the related subjects of statistics, probability, graphing, and spatial analysis. A successful middle school math experience will adequately prepare students for the more advanced mathematical concepts they will encounter in high school.
The mathematical abilities of students entering middle school often vary widely depending on their exposure to various math concepts in elementary school. If you have homeschooled your child before starting middle school, you will likely have an idea of what math level your student is at. If you are new to homeschooling or aren’t sure where your student should begin in math, take advantage of the simple online math placement tests offered by many curriculum publishers.
Your student should begin middle school math at whatever level is appropriate for him or her. Math will prove very frustrating if your child begins a course without adequately understanding the more basic concepts upon which that course is built. Similarly, students who excel in math should not be forced to repeat math concepts over and over that they have already mastered. There is no reason a student cannot progress to a high school level math course while still in middle school if he or she is adequately prepared for it. One of the best things about homeschooling is the ability to tailor your children’s educations to meet their unique abilities and interests, and this is nowhere more true than with math!
This section includes our recommendations for some of the best middle school math curriculums available to homeschoolers. Please email us if you have questions or want more information about homeschool math curriculums for middle school!