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Placement Information for LMS Math

Mathematics placement is based on student/parent reflection on a students learning style, enthusiasm, mathematical strengths, and future math plans. Testing is required to enter certain courses. Families should make choices based on what is best for each student individually and the student’s future goals. The flowchart below reflects courses offered at Ladue Middle School and Ladue Horton Watkins School. Students who are accelerated in math may take a course offered in a higher grade level.  

LMS makes math placement recommendations based on data. Please read the specific course description for the grade level in which your student is enrolled to learn more about placement recommendations.

What is the difference between grade level and accelerated math courses?

Grade level courses teach curriculum that aligns with the state of Missouri’s Grade Level Standards. Grade level courses are Math 6 and 6 Extension; Math 7 and 7 Extension, and Math 8. Extension courses are designed for a student to both independently and with inquiry based instruction practices dig deeper into mathematical applications of content learned, and who show a deeper interest in mathematics. Extension classes are not specifically designed as gateway courses for Algebra. Students may qualify for Algebra after taking either course, though most students who want to take Algebra, a high school course, enroll in extension courses. While all teachers help students to be successful in essential math standards, extension courses are not designed to be able to support missing mathematical concepts or provide intervention. Students who struggle in extension courses and do not maintain a passing grade should enroll in the non-extension grade level class to better meet their needs.

How does a student qualify to take Algebra I in 8th Grade? 

The school uses student NWEA scores from the Winter and Spring tests to determine Algebra readiness. Students who score 70% or higher in critical substrands on the NWEA test will be placed into Algebra 1. Students who do not score a 70% or higher on those strands will be placed into Math 8.  This will ensure critical concepts are in place in preparation for high school math courses. Students who do not meet these standards will be provided with an opportunity for reconsideration after the Spring NWEA test. 

How are students placed into high school math courses?

All students who are enrolled in Math 8 will be enrolled in Algebra I in high school. Students who qualify for math support may also be enrolled in a math support class in high school. Students who are enrolled in math courses taught by Special School District staff will be enrolled in the math class that best meets their IEP goals. Students in the accelerated pathway will be enrolled in the next appropriate course in the pathway. 

Students who are enrolled in Algebra I in 8th grade will be placed based on the following criteria:

  • A in all quarters = Advanced Geometry
  • A or B in all quarters, with up to one C in a quarter = Geometry
  • Cs in two or more quarters; D or F in any one quarter = Repeat Algebra I

How does a student enter the accelerated math program?

Students will enter the accelerated math program in 6th grade if they completed Advanced Applications of Middle School Math 1 at the FGC. Students who are interested in joining the accelerated program in 6th or 7th grade may sign up for math acceleration testing through the LMS website (under the Families tab, select curriculum, and then math acceleration information). Math acceleration testing will occur in May for incoming 6th grade students and in May and August for incoming 7th grade students. Accelerated math testing will cover all grade level standards for the grade level that students are attempting to skip. Grade level standards are linked on the math acceleration website. Ladue Middle School does not allow students to skip Algebra I due to the critical content being taught. 

What courses are offered in the accelerated pathway at LMS?

The accelerated pathway at LMS starts with Advanced Applications of Middle School Math 2. See below for the pathway. If students complete Advanced Algebra II at the middle school, they will then be enrolled in Advanced Pre-Calculus at the high school. 

AAMSM 1 (FGC) ⇒ AAMSM 2* ⇒ Advanced Algebra I ⇒ Advanced Geometry ⇒ Advanced Algebra II

*Students may test out of this course. No other courses on the accelerated pathway are tested at LMS.

Once a student is in the accelerated math program, are they able to accelerate again?

Students who are enrolled in Advanced Applications of Middle School Math 1 at the FGC will be tested at the end of the school year for Algebra readiness. Students who pass this test will be enrolled in Advanced Algebra I in 6th grade. All other students will enroll in Advanced Applications of Middle School Math 2 in 6th grade. Students who are enrolled in high school math courses at LMS (Advanced Algebra I, Advanced Geometry, Advanced Algebra II) will not be able to test out of those courses. The high school offers math testing for students entering 9th grade or higher.