Seattle Public Schools

Elementary Mathematics

The transition from Elementary to Middle School: Math Enrollment

Seattle Public Schools math program follows the Washington State Standards. The standards outline a learning sequence so there is a smooth transition from elementary school to middle school math. Students entering middle school will enroll in the next math course in the learning sequence. Middle schools will automatically enroll students in the correct math course based on students’ elementary records.

My fifth grader is taking Grade 5 Math

Fifth-grade students taking Grade 5 Math will enroll in Math 6 as a sixth-grader. Middle and high schools offer acceleration options after 6th grade to assist students who want to take Calculus in their senior (12th grade) year or Higher Level IB math starting their junior (11th grade) year. Without acceleration, students can take AP Statistics their senior year or Standard Level IB math starting their junior year. View possible course progressions below.

My fifth grader is taking Math 6 (2022-23 Only)

In very rare cases at a handful of elementary schools, some fifth-grade students took Math 6 in 2021-22. They will enroll in Math 7 as a sixth-grader for the 2022-23 school year. These students were accelerated in the math sequence during elementary school. Students can take Calculus their senior year or Higher Level IB math starting their junior year. View possible course progressions below. Note: SPS does not endorse the practice of skipping ahead in elementary mathematics; instead SPS endorses all children having the opportunity to be challenged to grow their mathematics learning at their grade level.  With the exception of Highly Capable Cohort pathway schools, all fifth grade students are expected to be enrolled in Math 5 for the 2022-23 school year and beyond.

My fifth grader is taking Math 7 at a Highly Capable Cohort elementary school

Fifth-grade students taking Math 7 will enroll in Math 8 as a sixth-grader. Students taking Math 7 have been accelerated in the math sequence. Students can take Calculus their junior year or Higher Level IB math starting their sophomore (10th grade) year. View possible course progressions below.