Placement into Geometry or Advanced Algebra in High School
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Review frequently asked questions for a quick overview of the guidelines for freshman math placement.
How can I place into Geometry in my freshman year of high school?
Students must take Algebra 1 (Semester one and two) prior to 9th grade and pass with a C or higher. Here are two methods for taking the course:
- Algebra 1 taken at a comprehensive public or private middle school in 7th and/or 8th grade, OR
- Algebra 1 taken in an UC a-g doorways approved online program (see guidance below) or community college level course.
How can I place into Algebra 2/Advanced Algebra in my freshman year of high school?
Students must take Algebra 1 & Geometry prior to placement into Algebra 2 and pass with a C or higher. Here are two methods for taking the course:
- Algebra 1 & Geometry taken at a comprehensive public or private middle school in 7th and 8th grade, OR
- Algebra 1 & Geometry taken in an UC a-g doorways approved online program (see guidance below) or community college level course, OR
- A combination of middle school and UC Doorways approved courses
How do I know if a course is an approved A-G course?
- If the course is from a private middle school, it is approved, and you just need to provide final report or transcript reflecting passing grades of C or higher in both semesters.
- If the course is from SFUSD middle school, it is approved, and you just need to provide final report or transcript reflecting passing grades of C or higher in both semesters.
- If you are opting to enroll in an Non-SFUSD Online Program, it must meet the guidelines listed in the detailed step by step guidance. The course must be approved in the UC Course Management Portal.
Can I earn high school credit for math courses taken before high school?
- Approved courses taken prior to 9th grade will be accepted for PLACEMENT PURPOSES ONLY. **No high school credit will be given or added to the high school transcript.
- Approved Geometry & Algebra 1 courses taken prior to 9th grade may be reported separately in college applications.
If I meet the requirements for placement, am I guaranteed to take requested course in freshman year?
- Placement into Geometry or Algebra 2 is based on availability of space with priority given to 10th (for Geometry), 11th and 12th graders who have not yet taken the course or need it for credit recovery.
- It is recommended to complete courses prior to 9th grade by the end of May to increase chance of being scheduled into the course in 9th grade.
When do I need to complete prerequisite courses for placement?
Upon successful completion of the course(s) with a passing grade of C or higher in both semesters, submit the official transcript or report card to the receiving high school as follows:
- For courses currently completed during current eighth grade year, send to receiving high school counselor team by the last week of May.
- For courses completed over the summer between eighth and ninth grade, send to the receiving high school counselor by the first week of August of the ninth grade year.
For questions, please contact our Student Family School Resource Link
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Contact Information
For questions please reach out to sflink@sfusd.edu
SFUSD Student Family School Resource Link
Phone: 415-340-1716
This page was last updated on January 17, 2025