Dear St. Regis Parents,
Please find the Pre-Advancement Placement course descriptions below. We offer a strong core
academic program at St. Regis Catholic School and in our goal to try to meet the needs of all
students, we have created the additional courses for those students who have earned a “B” or
above in Mathematics or English language Arts, earn a “B” or above in overall conduct and
receive a passing score on the entrance exam.
Across the United States, many schools offer Pre-Algebra in 8th grade and Algebra I in 9th grade.
At St. Regis, we offer Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra I in 8th grade. Students also have an
opportunity in 8th grade to take an exam, pass and participate in the Marian/Rice Math program
and take 9th grade Algebra. The courses listed below are not meant to compete with the
Marian/Rice Math program but provide another alternative for those students who either chose
not to participate in the Marian/Rice Math program or would like to be challenged just a little bit
more than the Pre-Algebra and Algebra classes offered for 7th and 8th grade. The Math “Plus”
classes will meet and exceed the grade level expectations for the State of Michigan and Common
Core Standards for both 7th and 8th grade and should be viewed as an accelerated course.
The Pre-Advance Placement English Language Arts classes offered for 7th and 8th grade are
designed to meet and exceed the State of Michigan and Common Core Standards. These classes
are designed for students who have excelled in language arts and literature and enjoy the
challenge of reading and discussing classical literature and a collection of various genres. Journal
writing and project-based learning will occur in this class. This class includes a lot of reading
and is filled with a vocabulary that is sure to build ones lexicon.
Students in 7th grade can test for both the Pre-AP ELA and Pre-Algebra Math Plus classes but
can only participate in one Pre-AP class due to scheduling limitations. However, in 8th grade
students can test into and participate in both classes.
Please note, these classes have been designed and incorporated into the academic schedule and
will not interfere with the elective hour.
Yours in Christ,
Denise Ball
Principal
St. Regis Catholic School
Pre- Advanced Placement Program
Our Pre-Advanced Placement (AP) Program (AP being reserved for high school courses) is an
opportunity for students to pursue a rigorous course of study that meets and exceeds the Common
Core and State Standards for the assigned grade level through an engaging, faster paced and
diversified platform.
The assessment given to qualify for these courses is administered in August.
Students may enter Pre/AP classes through self‐nomination, parent request, and/or teacher
recommendation. These areas include: English Language Arts and Literature (ELA), and
Mathematics (Pre-Algebra Plus for 7th grade and Algebra I Plus for grade 8th.)
Information about the Pre-AP Placement Program may be obtained from Tara Nodland, Director
of Educare at tara.nodland@stregis.org
Course Description: Pre-Advance Placement for 7th Grade English Language Arts
This class is designed for students who display an unusual aptitude for reading, writing, and
speaking the English language. The students are self-motivated and self-disciplined. Advanced
composition skills will be stressed. Novels, drama, short stories, and poetry will be read and
interpreted in a variety of ways.
Outside readings during the year will be required. Readings with accompanying journal
expectations are required for this course.
Prerequisite: Having earned an overall “B” or higher in English Language Arts and Literature
in 6th grade.
Exam Description:
Length: 2 hours & 15 minutes (with a 15 minute reading period)
Section 1: 1 hour Multiple Choice Questions (Grammar)
Section 2: 1hours & 15 minutes Essay Response
Course Description: Pre-Advance Placement for 8th Grade Language and Literature
This course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of
rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes.
Students will analyze and discuss writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well
as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in
writing. Outside readings during the year will be required. Readings with accompanying journal
expectations are required for this course.
Prerequisite: Having earned an overall “B” or higher in English Language Arts and Literature
in 7th grade.
Exam Description:
Length: 2 hours & 15 minutes (with a 15 minute reading period)
Section 1: 1 hour Multiple Choice Questions (Grammar)
Section 2: 1hours & 15 minutes Essay Response
Course Description: Pre- Algebra Plus Course
This Pre-AP class is designed to prepare the student for Algebra I. The course continues the
study of whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Students are introduced to
solving equations, inequalities, graphing, geometric concepts, probability, and statistics.
Students may be required to produce projects that will involve them in hands on applications of
skills and concepts learned. Project topics may include but not limited to covering concepts such
as simplifying expressions, evaluating and solving equations and inequalities, and graphing
linear and quadratic functions and relations. Real world applications are presented within the
course content and a function's approach is emphasized.
Prerequisite: Having earned an overall “B” or higher in 6th grade mathematics
Exam Description:
Length: 2 hours (Please note, students must show work.)
Course Description: Algebra I Plus
This class is a study of the language, concepts, and techniques of
Algebra that will prepare students to approach and solve problems following a logical succession
of steps. Skills taught in the course lay groundwork for upper level math and science courses
and have practical uses. Project based learning is used in this course as well as real-world
application. Algebra I is offered 8th grade through 12 grade. Many students take Algebra I as 9th
graders across the United States. This class is designed for students who have a good grasp of
math logic and enjoy learning math at a quicker pace through a variety of differentiated
instructional methods.
Prerequisite: Having earned an overall “B” or higher in 6th grade mathematics
Exam Description:
Length: 2 hours (Please note, students must show work.)