Now—more than just science classes!

Guide to the Order of Classes

Sometimes parents ask for suggestions on the order of classes. While it can vary depending on the student, state, or school district, we put together a suggested order for taking classes.

This guide is meant to help you see typical progressions, not lock students into a single path. Many students take classes earlier or later depending on readiness, interests, and goals.

We encourage you to send a message to the teacher if you have any questions about a class.

Jump to a section:

Science

Most high school students graduate with a minimum of 2–3 science credits. College-bound students should always verify the specific graduation and admission requirements of the colleges they plan to apply to.

In general, competitive college applicants complete 3–4 years of science to strengthen their transcripts. Most colleges expect students to take courses in life science, physical science, and at least one lab-based science. Typically, this includes Biology, Chemistry, and either Earth Science or Physics.

Students planning to major in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) are often expected to complete four years of science, including Physics.

Upper Elementary / Middle School

No particular order

Middle School

Middle School / High School

High School

Math

Middle school is the time to shore up basic math skills, introduce a couple of new topics and prepare for high school math. Everyone enters middle school math at a different level. Our goal at MyFunScience is to help your child succeed at the level where they are and prepare them for the next level. For this reason, we don’t really offer a specific 6th, 7th and 8th grade math class.

Mastering Math Basics is a single semester class offered in the spring. The class is designed to create a strong foundation for basic math skills. This class can be taken in 5th grade to prepare for middle school math or maybe in middle school if your student is still struggling with some basics. This class can be taken in conjunction with other math classes and focuses on computations with decimals, fractions, mixed numbers and percentages.

Middle School Math is a bridge between elementary math and pre-algebra. It is designed to be taken over one school year and covers the material needed to succeed in pre-algebra. Topics include (but are not limited to) fractions, integers, decimals, percentages, 1 step equations, square roots, measurements, statistics, basic geometry.

Pre-Algebra is taken to prepare for high school math classes. Students can deepen their understanding of topics such as fractions, decimals, percents, mixed numbers, signed numbers, order of operations, evaluation of algebraic expressions, and solutions for linear equations with one unknown.

Algebra 1 is the first official high school level math class. This class, usually taken by 8th graders, receives high school level credit and should be put on a high school transcript. It expands on material covered in Pre-Algebra and covers topics such as linear and quadratic equations, understanding the fundamentals of graphs, exponents, solving equations, and critical thinking to solve all types of word problems.

Most high school students graduate with at least 3 years of math including Algebra 1 and Geometry. College bound students should verify the high school graduation requirements for the schools they are interested in attending.

Most colleges require 3-4 years of math with a minimum of Algebra 2. STEM majors (science, technology, engineering and math) may require Pre-calculus or Calculus.

Geometry and Algebra 2 can be taken in any order but taking Geometry before the SAT/ACT is very beneficial.

Consumer Math is an excellent financial literacy course, but it is generally not considered a college-preparatory math course for admissions requirements and is viewed as an elective course for college bound students.

Upper Elementary

Middle School

High School

Middle School Math & Pre-Algebra Readiness Assessments

If you are unsure whether Middle School Math or Pre-Algebra is the best fit for your child, these placement tests can help.

Students should be able to correctly answer 25-30 of these 56 math problems to be ready for Middle School Math!

Students should be able to correctly answer 4 of these 5 math problems to be ready for Pre-Algebra!

English and Literature

Most high school students graduate with at least 4 English credits. These English credits can be made up of a combination of literature and composition. When planning your English track – especially if they’re college bound – it’s recommended to complete English IV, followed by at least one semester of writing, and finish with a literature-focused course.

Upper Elementary

Middle School

Middle School/ High School

*These classes are taught at a high school level, but advanced middle school students may be ready for these courses.

High School

History and Social Science

Many states require a minimum of 2-3 high school history credits, including American Government and Civics, and some require Economics in order to graduate from high school.

Many colleges and universities are looking for at least 2-3 years of history including American Government, Economics and World History. *For a more integrated learning experience, consider pairing American Literature with US History.

Upper Elementary

Middle School

High School

Disclaimer

Graduation and college admission requirements vary by state, institution, and student goals. Families are encouraged to confirm requirements with their state or intended colleges.