SFUSD High School Mathematics Pathways

Math Core Course Sequence

6th-8th grade math leads to HS math: Algebra 1, Geometry, then choosing whether to take Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 and pre-calculus, followed by AP calculus, AP statistics or pre-calculus.
Summary of SFUSD's core math course sequence and options.

SFUSD High School Mathematics Pathways

The following math course sequence diagrams provide clarity about the variety of options available to San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) high school students. Within each diagram there are multiple pathways for students to progress through mathematics courses, all of which include reaching the most advanced courses (such as AP Calculus).

It is the view of the SFUSD Math Department that the recommended sequence with the optional Grade 11 compression course, which thoughtfully combines Algebra 2 and Precalculus, eliminates any perceived disadvantage of beginning high school by taking CCSS Algebra 1. This recommended course sequence provides most students the best possible opportunity to learn mathematics deeply, and then accelerate their learning at a developmental stage that is more conducive to success. The compression at Grade 11 also reduces tracking through most of a student’s time in SFUSD, thereby ensuring that they encounter both high expectations and peer-based opportunities to learn.

However, for families who wish to accelerate their child’s math progression earlier than 11th grade, additional options are available. The sequences illustrated are within the current Math Course Sequence Policy.
 
The Math Course Sequences listed are:

  1. SFUSD Recommended Sequence: CCSS Algebra 1 in 9th grade, CCSS Geometry in 10th grade, and CCSS Algebra 2 or CCSS Algebra 2 + Precalculus in 11th grade
  2. Doubling up in sophomore year: CCSS Algebra 1 in 9th grade, CCSS Geometry and CCSS Algebra 2 in 10th grade
  3. Doubling up in freshman year: CCSS Algebra 1 and CCSS Geometry in 9th grade, CCSS Algebra 2 in 10th grade


Additionally, contingent upon funding, SFUSD offers a six-week intensive Summer Geometry course for SFUSD 9th graders who are completing CCSS Algebra 1 in their freshman year and would like to take CCSS Algebra 2  during their regular academic year as 10th graders. This course satisfies SFUSD’s requirement for a full year (10 units) of CCSS Geometry. Note: For students who have completed Algebra 1 prior to 9th grade,  see the information about the Math Validation Test.

Three possible sequences for high school math courses

Following are three possible course sequences. Arrows indicate which courses are required and which are optional: solid arrow = required course for graduation; broken arrow = optional course

SFUSD recommended math course sequence

9th grade CCSS Algebra 1, 10th grade CCSS Geometry, 11th grade Algebra 2 (required) or CCSS Algebra 2 & Precalculus (compression), 12th grade optional courses: Precalculus,  AP Statistics, or AP Calculus (AB or BC)

9th grade: CCSS Algebra 1 (required)

10th grade: CCSS Geometry (required)

11th grade: Algebra 2 (required) or CCSS Algebra 2 & Precalculus (compression)

12th grade: optional courses: Precalculus,  AP Statistics, or AP Calculus (AB or BC)  

Doubling up in sophomore year (10th grade)

9th grade: CCSS Algebra 1  10th grade: CCSS Geometry  and CCSS Algebra 2  11th grade: Precalculus or AP Statistics (optional)  12th grade: AP Statistics or AP Calculus (AB or BC) or Precalculus (optional)

9th grade: CCSS Algebra 1 (required)

10th grade: CCSS Geometry  and CCSS Algebra 2 (required)

11th grade: Precalculus or AP Statistics (optional)

12th grade: AP Statistics or AP Calculus (AB or BC) or Precalculus (optional)

Doubling up in freshman year (9th grade)

9th grade: CCSS Algebra 1 and CCSS Geometry  (required), 10th grade:  CCSS Algebra 2 (required), 11th grade: Precalculus or AP Statistics (optional),  12th grade: AP Statistics or AP Calculus (AB or BC) (optional)

9th grade: CCSS Algebra 1 and CCSS Geometry (required)

10th grade:  CCSS Algebra 2 (required)

11th grade: Precalculus or AP Statistics (optional)

12th grade: AP Statistics or AP Calculus (AB or BC) (optional)

This page was last updated on February 17, 2023