In most cases, Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry is an approved high school math course that counts as a credit beyond algebra 2. However, it's always best to double check that this is an approved credit within your state and/or educational umbrella.

A student needs to have completed a standard level algebra 1 and algebra 2 course. Geometry is also helpful, but not essential. 

Yes! In fact, the whole purpose of this course is to do exactly that! Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry covers all of the topics taught in a typical college algebra course, including mathematical modeling, linear functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems, matrices and determinants, and sequences, series, & probability. It also teaches a majority of the topics covered in pre-calculus, excluding content specific to learning calculus. Check out the "What is Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry" and "What makes this course helpful/useful?" boxes at the very top of this page for a more in-depth look at how Advanced Algebra & Trig prepares your student for success in upper-level high school and early college courses.

Absolutely! Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry is purposefully frontloaded to provide students with the math training needed to tackle standardized tests. Check out the course pacing guide (accessible under the "Scope & Sequence" section above!) for a quick timeline of the course content!

P.S. Mr. Denison actually took the ACT along with his 11th grader to get a "boots-on-the-ground" perspective regarding test prep and content (Yep... he was the oldest person in the room by a long shot!). You can check out his thoughts on prepping for the SAT/ACT here.

No, Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry (AAT) cannot be counted as a college algebra or pre-calculus credit. Homeschool courses do not qualify for college credit, which is why AAT cannot be used to replace college algebra. However, AAT will thoroughly prepare a student to take the CLEP exam (College-Level Examination Program) to test out of college algebra and/or receive college credit. If your student chooses this route, we recommend completing additional CLEP-specific preparation alongside this course. 

AAT should also not be counted as a pre-calculus credit, as it does not include the advanced topics specifically designed to prepare students for calculus. If your student’s goal is to eventually take calculus but they’re not quite ready for pre-calculus, we suggest the following sequence: AAT → Pre-Calculus → Calculus. This progression provides a smoother, easier transition into higher-level mathematics

Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry (AAT) is very similar to college algebra and covers all of the same core topics and concepts. However, it also includes several key differences that set it apart:

• AAT incorporates multiple chapters on trigonometry, which are not typically part of a standard college algebra course

• It offers a more thorough review of algebra 1 and algebra 2 skills, helping to reinforce foundational knowledge that college algebra often skips

How is this possible to include all of this? Unlike college algebra, which is designed to be completed in one semester, AAT is structured as a full-year course. This extended timeline allows for a broader range of topics to be explored in greater depth, with more time for review, practice, and mastery.

This course is quite similar to a standard pre-calculus course and covers most of the same material, particularly advanced algebra and trigonometry concepts. However, there are key differences in both structure and purpose.

Pre-calculus is specifically designed to prepare students for calculus and typically includes a final chapter introducing foundational calculus topics and vocabulary. Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry (AAT) does not include this component, as its focus is broader and not exclusively tied to calculus preparation.

Additionally, pre-calculus courses tend to move quickly, with densely packed lessons that assume students have already mastered algebra 1 and algebra 2. In contrast, AAT is designed for students who may need more review and reinforcement of those foundational concepts. It includes intentional reteaching and guided practice to solidify understanding before introducing more advanced topics.

While some of the advanced topics in AAT are taught at a pre-calculus level, others are introduced in a lighter, more accessible way -- providing students with early exposure and building readiness to master them later in a true pre-calculus course.

Ultimately, AAT is specifically designed to prepare students to succeed in college algebra or pre-calculus, providing a smoother, more supportive transition into upper-level math.

Unless a student has specific academic goals that require taking College Algebra during high school, we generally recommend waiting until college to take college-level math. This approach allows students to follow a smooth, developmentally appropriate path through high school mathematics, building their skills at a natural pace.

There are many other opportunities to earn dual enrollment credit in subjects such as science, English, history, and electives. There’s no need to rush into a dual enrollment math course just to “finish up math”—especially if the student is not particularly strong in math or lacks the academic skills and motivation needed for success in a fast-paced college course.

That said, if a student is academically strong and has a clear, purposeful reason for taking dual enrollment College Algebra (or a similar course), then it is perfectly fine to do so! 

Due to the fact that pre-calculus is a very challenging and rigorous course, we only recommend a student take pre-calculus if they are planning on taking calculus in college or have some other goal that requires a pre-calculus credit (such as a specific college program they are trying to get into).

Absolutely! A student with strong academic skills and motivation can certainly jump from algebra 2 straight into pre-calculus or college algebra, especially if they have a solid retention of their algebra 1 and algebra 2 skills. Additionally, a student's readiness for pre-calculus or college algebra is depends more on academic skill, motivation, and aptitude for learning than on the particular curriculum used.

An academically strong and motivated student is absolutely capable of successfully tackling college algebra or pre-calculus directly after algebra 2! 

That said, if there is any uncertainty as to the student’s ability to succeed in a college algebra or pre-calculus course, then highly recommend taking Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry if their schedule allows. It serves as an excellent “boot camp” for college-level math and provides the added support and review that can make all the difference.