This course is being offered in a new format to add flexibility for families and allow students to join for the entire course or specific sessions/topics as needed.  The class provides in-depth instruction of Pre-Algebra topics to prepare students for high school Algebra, Geometry and beyond.  The class was previously offered as a 2-semester course and is now available in the on-going class format to offer more flexibility for parents.  The on-going format allows students to enroll for sessions as needed without committing to a full year.  Students may enroll to learn about a new topic, for additional support and practice, or for the complete Pre-Algebra curriculum.  Students are charged weekly and can enroll or withdraw at any time.

Throughout this course, students will focus on the “why” of equations, formulas, and properties, as well as spend time “proving” them. I’ve found that once students understand conceptually, algebra is no longer a bunch of random numbers and signs; students are now able to identify what a specific problem is asking and solve for the correct answer.  My teaching style combines lecture with examples and exercises completed both independently and with other students in the course.  Word problems are integrated throughout the sessions to teach logic, reasoning, and critical thinking.  Word problems also demonstrate a student’s ability to apply what they’ve learned to everyday, real life situations.  The class meets for two 45-minute sessions each week through the fall and spring semesters.  Students will have homework for each class and should plan on spending 30-45 mins on homework for each class session.  

Week beginning:

Sept 9       Math Operations and basic Skills Review  
Sept 16     Solving Word Problems.
Sept 23     Numerical and Algebraic Expressions, Word Phrases, Solving Simple Equations
Sept 30     Negative Numbers – Addition and Subtraction
Oct 7         Negative Numbers – Multiplication and Division
Oct 14       Number Theory – Place Value, Multiples, and Factors
Oct 21       Greatest Common Factor, Least Common Multiple, Divisibility Tests
Oct 28      Expressions and Equations, Order of Operations, Algebraic Expressions
Nov 4       Negative Numbers with Exponents
Nov 11       Associative, Commutative, Distributive Properties
Nov 18      Algebraic Equations
Nov 25      BREAK - NO CLASS
Dec 2.       Ratios and Rates 
Dec 9       Percent – Converting to Decimals and Fractions, Percent of a Number
Dec 16      Practical Application – Percent Increase and Decrease, Discount, Sale Price

Dec 23     BREAK - NO CLASSES


Jan 6        Word problems, writing and solving equations, key concept review
Jan 13       Practical Application with Algebraic Equations and Order of Operations
Jan 20      Area – Rectangles, Parallelograms, Triangles, Trapezoids, Circles	
Jan 27      Pythagorean Theorem
Feb 3       More with Exponents, Solving Equations with Distributive Property
Feb 10     Solving Expressions with Order of Operations
Feb 17      Working with Complex Expressions and Equations
Feb 24     Transfer Celsius to Fahrenheit and Fahrenheit to Celsius
Mar 3       Absolute Value, Ratios and Similar Polygons
Mar 10     BREAK - NO CLASS
Mar 17      Polynomials - Addition and Subtraction
Mar 24     Subtracting Polynomials and Volume of a Cylinder
Mar 31      Word Problems - Solving Equations with Addition and Subtraction
Apr 7        Working with Inequalities, solving and graphing
Apr 14      Cartesian Coordinate Plane and Introduction to Linear Equations
Apr 21      Graphing Linear Equations, Slope-Intercept form
Apr 28     Multiplying Polynomials
May 5      Multiplying and Dividing with Exponents
May 12     Applying concepts to Real Life Examples - Word Problems