Do homeschoolers really need algebra and geometry to graduate?
Dear Lee,
I am worried about math for my 10th grade son. He has struggled in math for years. Due to some research about dyslexia in my younger son, I stumbled upon something called dyscalculia. I am wondering if my 10th grader has this and how it will effect his chances at getting into a college. My question is, do they really need algebra and geometry to graduate?
Thank you for your help,
~ Michelle in Oregon
Dear Michelle,
I touched on that issue very briefly in my May homeschool newsletter.
You may get some help with my blog post on choosing math.
There are “perfect fit” colleges that don’t require a lot of math. Teaching math is important, and teaching math at your son’s level is important. It can help to choose the curriculum carefully, which is why I included the blog post above. In teenagers, their learning style and your teaching style often takes a back seat to their personal preferences – which can be quite strong in teenagers.
As far as graduation requirements go, that varies state by state, and I don’t know what your state requires. I know that there are colleges that “recommend” a certain level of math, but there is a college for every student.
My advice is to choose curricula carefully, and continue to help him at his level without quitting in math. Pursue some extra help with dyscalculia if you can find it. Here is a dyscalculia starting point for you. But then move forward boldly, because there will be a college that’s right for him.
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Jean Lynd says:
While I won’t say that all colleges require those levels of math, as a homeschooling mom who is trying to get a kid into college this coming fall, I can tell you that all the schools we’re applying to certainly do require not only algebra I & geometry, but algebra II as well. I’d say for the *most* part, the answer is yes.
April 3rd, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Karleen Mauldin says:
Here’s an idea for Michelle in Orgeon:
Perhaps try to find a tutor who could tutor your son with the sole aim of passing the College Mathematics CLEP test. That perhaps would only take a few months — not years of Algebra and Geometry. Check out more information about CLEP testing at the College Board website: http://clep.collegeboard.org/exam
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:51 pm