Parent Letter for Advanced Middle School Courses:
Algebra I in Middle School
Dear Fairhope Middle School Parent/Guardian:
Your student, ____________________________________________________________________, has been identified for Algebra I in
Middle School based on the following criteria: Aspire scores, first semester mathematics classroom grade*, and/or
an additional achievement measure determined by your child’s school.
If your child chooses to be a part of the Algebra I in Middle School class next year, he/she will be learning high
school Algebra I curriculum in addition to a portion of eighth grade mathematics. Algebra I in Middle School is a
compacted course, which means that the course compresses a full year and approximately half of another year of
math curriculum into a single course. Therefore, your child will be engaged with high school content at a faster,
more challenging pace. The advanced middle school courses are intended to be a preparation for higher-level high
school classes (i.e., Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, etc.) and to give students the opportunity to
experience a more challenging curriculum before the transition to high school.
Additionally, if your child chooses to take Algebra I in Middle School and successfully completes the course with a
passing average, he/she may choose to accept the associated Algebra I credit toward high school graduation. The
final grade earned in this course will be used in calculating his/her cumulative grade point average (GPA)
throughout high school. In this case, your student will take Geometry in his/her 9th grade year. If your child elects
not to accept the Algebra I credit, he/she will take Algebra I again in the 9th grade. The final grade earned in the 9th
grade Algebra I course will then be used to compute the cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the high school.
Students enrolled in advanced courses must recognize and understand that they will be responsible for extended
academic responsibilities and expectations, which may include a more challenging work load as well as additional
skill mastery and problem solving assignments inside and outside of class. A commitment to the course and its
depth of content, along with good time management and study skills, is essential to your child’s success. Once your
child has committed to the advanced class, schedule changes should not be expected.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kathryn Doyle, the 8th grade Counselor, at kdoyle@bcbe.org or 9282573.
Sincerely,
Angie Hall
Principal
Please sign below and return this form to your student’s Math teacher by May 12, 2015.
I have read the above letter and understand the expectation for Algebra I Middle School. I am requesting that my
child be enrolled in this class.
__________________________________________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________
Parent’s Printed Name
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature
*If the student’s grade falls to a D or an F by the end of the school year, then taking the advanced class will not be recommended.
The student will be placed in a standard class unless the parent completes and returns the “Request to Enroll” form that is located
at www.bcbe.org. Parents should contact their child’s middle school to find out the date this form is due.