Secondary Mathematics Pathway

Los Alamitos Unified School District – Secondary Mathematics Pathways

Middle School Mathematics Pathways and Alignment to High School A-G Coursework

Los Alamitos Unified School District offers both a College Preparatory mathematics pathway and an accelerated mathematics pathway at the middle school level. CLICK HERE for the middle school math pathways infographic.

The College Preparatory pathway includes:

  • Math 6 College Prep
  • Math 7 College Prep
  • Math 8 College Prep

This pathway provides students with grade-level instruction aligned to the California Mathematics Framework and prepares students to enter high school mathematics courses, including Introduction to Algebra or Algebra. Students in this pathway remain fully on track to complete all A-G mathematics requirements during high school.

The accelerated pathway is designed for students demonstrating advanced mastery of mathematics standards and readiness for accelerated coursework. The accelerated sequence includes:

  • Math 6/7 College Prep
  • Math 7/8 College Prep
  • Algebra College Prep

The accelerated pathway compresses three years of middle school mathematics standards into a two-year sequence during grades 6 and 7. Students then complete Algebra in 8th grade, allowing qualified students to enter Geometry Honors in 9th grade.

Both the traditional and accelerated pathways are aligned to Los Alamitos High School mathematics course progressions and provide students with access to complete the A-G mathematics requirements required for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.

The District utilizes a mathematics placement rubric that incorporates multiple data points to determine whether a student is placed into Math 6 or Math 6/7. The placement process is applied consistently to all students and is intended to ensure students are enrolled in the mathematics course that best aligns with their demonstrated readiness and likelihood of success. CLICK HERE to view the District's Middle School Mathematics Placement Rubric.

High School Mathematics Pathways

Los Alamitos Unified School District offers multiple high school mathematics pathways designed to meet students at their demonstrated level of readiness while providing access to rigorous college preparatory and Advanced Placement coursework. CLICK HERE for the high school math pathways infographic.

The District’s mathematics pathways include traditional college preparatory sequences, honors pathways, AP pathways, and Data Science options. Students may enter different mathematics courses in 9th grade based on their middle school coursework and demonstrated academic readiness, including Introduction to Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, or Geometry Honors.

From those entry points, students may progress through a variety of Board-approved mathematics pathways that include:

  • Algebra II
  • Algebra II/Trigonometry
  • Advanced Mathematics/Trigonometry
  • Pre-Calculus
  • AP Pre-Calculus
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • Data Science
  • Finite Mathematics

The multiple pathway options are intentionally designed so that students can access advanced mathematics opportunities from a variety of starting points. Students do not need to begin in Geometry Honors in 9th grade in order to reach Advanced Placement mathematics coursework. Depending on course progression and successful completion of prerequisite coursework, students from multiple pathways may access AP Statistics, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC during high school.

These pathways ensure that all students have access to coursework aligned to UC and CSU A-G mathematics requirements while also allowing students to pursue advanced mathematics opportunities consistent with their individual readiness, interests, and post-secondary goals.

High School Mathematics Acceleration and Off-Site Coursework

Los Alamitos Unified School District recognizes that some students may wish to accelerate their mathematics coursework beyond the District’s traditional on-campus sequence once they become a high school student. In accordance with District Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 6146.11 Alternative Credits Toward Graduation, students may pursue approved off-site mathematics coursework opportunities to accelerate their mathematics pathway after promotion from middle school.

Students and families interested in mathematics acceleration through off-site coursework should work directly with their high school counselor to review Board policies, course sequencing requirements, prerequisites, UC/CSU A-G implications, and timelines associated with outside coursework requests. All off-site coursework requests must follow District policies and approval procedures related to outside coursework, transcript evaluation, and graduation credit acceptance.

While the District offers multiple on-campus pathways that allow students to reach advanced mathematics coursework, including AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC, approved off-site coursework may provide additional flexibility for students seeking alternative acceleration opportunities. Approval of off-site coursework is subject to District policy, course alignment, and completion requirements.

California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015 – Los Alamitos Unified School District

Pursuant to California Education Code section 51224.7, also known as the “California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015,” Los Alamitos Unified School District maintains a fair, objective, and transparent mathematics placement process for students transitioning into secondary mathematics pathways.

Mathematics placement decisions are based on multiple objective academic measures, which may include:

  • Current mathematics course performance
  • Semester grades and report cards
  • State and local assessment data (CAASPP and NWEA MAP Growth RIT scores)

The District reviews student placement during the end of the school year and may make adjustments when appropriate based on student performance and placement data. Families who have questions regarding mathematics placement may contact their school counselor or site administration to request a placement review.

Los Alamitos Unified School District is not required to offer mathematics pathways beyond those adopted by the District and reflected in Board-approved course progression materials. Placement decisions are made in accordance with District policy, Board-approved pathways, and California Education Code.

The District’s current high school mathematics pathways are brought forward to board annually in the Course of Study (LAHS Course Curriculum Handbook), which contains all accessible math classes, and is informed by the last successful completion of a math class in eighth grade. In addition, all secondary math pathways are annually reviewed with families during the following parent presentations: