Math Pathways to Reach Calculus
at SFUSD High Schools
After SFUSD no longer allowed 8th graders to take Algebra (though it is slowly being reinstated at a few middle schools starting 2025), most public school freshman are placed in Algebra 1 and therefore not on track to take Calculus by seniors year. For those who are interested in reaching Calculus before graduating, we have put together the different pathways below.
Pathway #1) SFUSD Compression Course (Algebra 2+Precalculus combined)
This SFUSD-recommended option, which very few students choose, is to take a “compression” class in 11th grade that squeezes two years of math--Algebra 2 and Precalculus--into one year. This would allow you to take Calculus during senior year. The downside is that it moves really quickly and skips over many concepts, but at least you don't have to take a math class over the summer or online. Also, SFUSD doesn’t recognize this class as honors so your grade will not be weighted in your GPA.
Pathway #2) Doubling Up in Math
Two other ways to get to Calculus, while taking all of your math classes at school, is by doubling up freshman year (taking Algebra 1 and Geometry concurrently) or sophomore year (taking Geometry and Algebra 2 concurrently). You need to request permission from your school, however, and there may not be enough spots (or any spots at all) for everyone interested as students who already completed Algebra 1 get priority for Geometry, and students who completed Geometry get priority for Algebra 2.
Doubling Up in 9th Grade: Some 9th graders who double up struggle with the workload of taking an additional math class on top of adjusting to high school. I would only recommend it if you’re pretty strong in math. Also, some 9th graders who haven’t taken Algebra get frustrated when their Geometry homework required knowing concepts they still hadn’t learned yet. In addition, by doubling up you miss the opportunity of enrolling in other elective classes such as band, orchestra or art since there won’t be room in your schedule.
Doubling Up in 10th Grade: Taking Geometry and Algebra 2 at the same time, while a lot of math, isn’t too bad since they are pretty independent classes, and it’s not necessary to know Geometry in orer to do well in Algebra 2.
Double Up with an Online Course: If you are unable to double up in two classes at school, a possible option is to take one class at school and the second one online through an online high school (see Pathway #4 below for details). However, be sure to talk to your counselor as your school may not allow you to take an online class during the year that is available in school (if not, you could also try asking them to start during winter or spring break so you have more time to complete both semesters before end of summer).
Pathway #3) SFUSD Summer Intensive Geometry Class after 9th Grade
Freshman who have taken Algebra can apply to take a free, in-person, intensive six-week SFUSD Geometry course over the summer. There are a limited number of spots and participants are chosen by a lottery system, so getting in is not guaranteed. Over 100 students are turned down every summer and you don’t find out if you get in until end of April. If you don’t get it, you could take an online class instead (see Pathway #4 below). It is taught by an SFUSD high school math teacher and held at an SF public high school. Students must attend every day. The grade received in the summer course will count towards high school graduation and the grade will be included on your transcript.
For details and to register for the lottery, go to https://www.sfusd.edu/Intensive-Summer-Geometry
Pathway #4) Online Summer Geometry after 9th grade OR Algebra 2 after 10th Grade
You can take a UC-approved Geometry or Algebra 2 class at an online high school (see list below).
VERY IMPORTANT: Since these classes are outside of SFUSD, be sure to get approval from your high school counselor before enrolling! Different high schools have their own rules regarding needing permission to take outside classes and may require you to fill out paperwork (typically this Non-SFUSD Course Form) and get it signed by your counselor. We recommend deciding which class you want to take at least a month prior to the end of school to ensure you have time to get approvals from your high school.
Online Geometry Courses
Silicon Valley High School (SVHS). Geometry (Part 1 & 2). Algebra 2 (Part 1 & 2). Self-paced. Least expensive and probably the most popular of all the SFUSD-approved options.
APEX Virtual Learning School. Course Title: Geometry, Semester 1 & 2 (non-honors only). Algebra 2 (Semester 1 & 2, non-honors and honors). Self-paced. Also a popular option but pricey.
BYU Independent School. Geometry (Part 1 & 2, Teacher Led). Algebra 2 (Part 1 & 2, Teacher led). Only the “Teacher-Led” class is approved. Self-paced.
iLEAD Online Geometry (A & B, regular and honors classes are both UC-approved). Algebra 2 (A & B, regular and honors classes both UC-approved). Self-paced.
UC Scout - University of California. Geometry (Semester 1 & 2, On-Demand). Algebra 2 (Semester 1 & 2, On-Demand) Only the “On-Demand” classes are approved. Their classes have set start and end dates. For instance, a semester may run from mid-August to mid-January and while students can start anytime and go at their own pace, they have to finish the class by the official end date.
A few things to know:
You must take a UC- approved, full-year class and receive C grades or higher to pass the class and be eligible to skip to Algebra 2.
A class is 2 semesters long and both must be completed over the summer (before the school year begins), so it’s important to be diligent about your homework and tests. To give yourself more time, you can try asking your counselor if you can start taking the class before summer because a whole year worth of Geometry is a lot to cram into 10 weeks.
Be sure to create a schedule for yourself so you can stay on track and not fall behind, or you will end up doing math for 6 hours a day during the last week! The course comes with a syllabus so you can plan ahead. Also, plan to take the final at least a week before summer ends because so you have enough time for the test to be graded and your transcript to be ready to show to your high school counselor when school starts.
BYU and UC Scout require the final exam to be proctored in person. That means you would arrange to take the test at one of their testing locations (Sylvan Learning, for example) and pay a fee.
Before asking your counselor for permission to take the class, double check that it is still considered a UC-approved class. The websites for the online high schools usually display a “UC” symbol for UC-approved classes but you should also check the UC’s HS Articulation Website to confirm.
Pathway #5: Summer Precalculus after 11th Grade (Online HS or Community College)
Online High School: You can take Precalculus or Precalculus AP during the summer after junior year at the online high schools listed above (see Pathway #4). Just double check that they are UC-approved (the course class description should say something like “UC Transfer Credits.”
California Community College: Unlike Geometry & Algebra 2, most community colleges teach Precalculus. However, Many community colleges’ class is “Precalculus with Algebra” only and WILL NOT be accepted as equivalent to a high school Precalculus class because the high school class covers the subject with algebra, trigonometry and analytical geometry. So for instance, if you want to take it at CCSF, you actually need to take 2 classes - Precalculus with algebra AND Trigonometry. At Laney College, you would need to take Precalculus 1 AND Math 50 (trigonometry) or Precalculus 2. It’s a good idea to show your HS math teacher the class description and syllabus and ask them to confirm the class is good enough before getting your counselor’s approval to take the class.
Click here for Instructions & Advice for Taking a Community College Class
