Workaround Path to Calculus:
8th Grade Algebra

In addition to the SFUSD-recommended sequences where students take all of their math classes at their high school, there are several other workaround paths to reach Calculus that involve taking classes outside of school. A popular one is taking an online Algebra class in 8th grade. 

SFUSD automatically places all 9th graders in Algebra 1, but there are two ways to take Algebra in 8th grade instead and enroll in Geometry as a freshman. Then your sequence would be Algebra 2 in 10th grade, Precalculus in 11th grade, and Calculus in 12th grade. In case anything changes, however, please be sure to confirm any information you read here with your school or the district.

Option 1) Attend a private middle school or a public school outside of SFUSD. In 8th grade, take Algebra 1 and get a grade of C or higher, then pass the SFUSD Math Validation Test (MVT). This option doesn’t apply to 8th graders that attend SFUSD middle schools.

Option 2) Take an approved Algebra class online. During 8th grade and/or over the summer between 8th-9th grade, take a full-year Algebra 1 course from a UC-approved online school with a grade of C or higher, and then pass the SFUSD Math Validation Test (MVT). You can search for UC-approved classes on this website, but most SF students take one of the following:

Approved Online Algebra Courses

• BYU Independent School. Course Title: Algebra 1, Part 1 & 2 (Teacher Led, ALG 051 & 0531). Only the “Teacher-Led” class is approved.

• APEX Virtual Learning School. Course Title: Algebra 1, Semester 1 & 2 (non-honors). Be sure to register for the regular (non-honors) Algebra 1 course, as that is the UC-approved course.

• UC Scout - University of California. Course Title: Algebra 1 (Core On-Demand), Semester 1 & 2 (ALGI141 & 142). Only the “Core On-Demand” classes are approved. Their classes have set start and end dates. For instance, a semester may run from mid-August to mid-January and while students can start anytime and go at their own pace, they have to finish the class by the official end date. 

• Silicon Valley High School. Course Title: Algebra 1, Part 1 & 2.

A few things to know:

• Both semesters must be completed, but they’re the same price whether you register for one semester at a time or for the full year. So I recommend just paying for the first semester, in case you change your mind about taking the second.

• BYU and UC Scout require the final exam to be proctored in person. That means you would arrange to take the test at one of their testing locations (Sylvan Learning, for example) and pay a fee.

• Students don’t receive official school credit for any classes taken before 9th grade, so the online/non-SFUSD Algebra class will not be listed on your middle or high school transcript. So while it’s possible take even other online classes like Geometry during middle school, SFUSD would still make you take Geometry class in high school.

• You must take an approved, full-year class and receive a C grade or higher. Even if you learn algebra on your own by reading a book or using Khan Academy, for instance, you would not be eligible to take Geometry.

In addition to the Algebra class, you have to pass the SFUSD Math Validation Test in order to pass out of Algebra. In 2023, however, SFUSD removed the test requirement and it is unclear if it will be given in the future.

The MVT test is typically held twice, in May and August. To register for the test, you need to have finished the first semester of Algebra and be enrolled or done with the second semester class. 

For more details on the MVT, click here.