A thoughtfully written, supportive, and exhaustive preparatory online course for Algebra 1.
This course will help students to…
Master Foundational Math Concepts
When entering their Algebra 1 class, students are expected to thoroughly understand foundational math concepts which they may have forgotten or never learned in the first place. This course ensures that students learn these core math skills and can execute them at a high school level.
Get Ahead in Algebra 1 Class
Not only does this course address foundational concepts, but it also teaches several new concepts that are introduced in the first semester of Algebra 1. Therefore, this course gives students a head-start in their Algebra 1 class and also serves as a reference for their first semester.
Take Effective Math Notes
There is a significant difference between teacher expectations in a middle school level and a high school level math class. Throughout this course, students are given tips on how to take effective notes in a high school-level math class and are encouraged to take notes with pencil and paper along with the instruction videos.
Preview a High School Math Packet
Along with course instruction, students will receive a 200-page course packet, which includes 1) detailed notes similar to those provided in some high school level math classes, 2) many practice problems, and 3) answer keys that not only provide the final answer but also show the detailed steps to solve each problem.
Get Support from a Live Instructor
In my experience, often when students take an online course all on their own, they struggle with nowhere to turn for help. This online course provides an affordable way to prepare for Algebra 1 and receive my instruction, both during course videos and live over Zoom during weekly group session office hours.
Learn with Methods Backed by Neuroscience
I have intentionally designed this course so students will not be on technology while completing their homework assignments. The best way to learn math is to do lots of problems with pencil and paper. The tactile and kinesthetic processing that occurs when math is done the traditional way results in better retention of the material and more successful outcomes in math class. Read more about this topic here.
Enter Algebra 1 with Confidence
After taking this course, students will have mastered several topics covered in Algebra 1, learned how to take notes in math class, and practiced completing high school level math worksheets, with me as a support. As a result, students will feel confident and prepared with concrete skills in their Algebra 1 class.
This course is for students who…
What’s Included in the Course
Module One: Fundamentals
This module reviews the key foundational concepts required in Algebra 1, including:
- Fractions
- Multiplying Fractions Using Cross Canceling
- Cross Multiplication
- Order of Operations
- Putting All the Fundamentals Together
Module 2: Algebraic Equations
I ensure that students feel comfortable solving all the different kinds of algebra problems in this module. We also go into detail on a few new topics introduced in Algebra 1.
- Solving Algebraic Equations
- One Solution, No Solution, Infinitely Many Solutions
- Literal Equations
- Inequalities
- Translating Words to Algebraic Equations
Module 3: Linear Equations
One of the core concepts explored in the first semester of Algebra 1 is linear equations. This module dissects this topic in many ways so students feel prepared in their first semester.
- Slope Intercept Form
- Graphing
- Finding x and y Intercepts
- Slope of a Line from 2 Points
- Equation of a Line from 2 Points
- Slope of a Line from a Table of Values
- Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Module 4: Functions
In my experience, this is a topic with which many students struggle. I explain this concept carefully and provide instruction in detail, along with lots of practice to help students conquer this difficult concept in Algebra 1. This module also focuses on new topics introduced in Algebra 1. I give students the key to success for completing these types of problems.
- Function Basics
- Linear vs. Non-linear Functions
- Function Notation and Evaluating Functions
- Word Problems
- Domain and Range
- Transformations
Module 5: Exponents
Students are introduced to the concept of exponents in middle school. However, Algebra 1 delves much deeper into this topic and requires students to solve complex problems involving exponents. This module provides both careful instruction and many examples.
- Definitions
- Rules for Variables of the Same Base
- Adding and Subtracting Exponents
- Multiplying Exponents
- Dividing Exponents
- Negative Exponents
- Raising a Power to a Power
Module 6: Absolute Value
This module introduces students to a new topic covered in Algebra 1, equations with absolute value functions. I address this topic visually and conceptually to help students achieve success when they face similar problems in their Algebra 1 class.
- Definitions
- Equations Involving Absolute Value
- Word Problems Involving Absolute Value
Meet Your Instructor
Hello! I am the founder of Atrium Academics and the author and instructor for this course, Get Ready for Algebra 1! I have a B.S. in Applied Math and Economics from UCLA and an M.S. in Engineering from Stanford, and I have been solving math problems since before I can remember. However, my teaching style is to put myself in the place of the student who has not seen this material before and who may not gravitate to math naturally. It is with this compassionate approach that I have successfully taught many students nationwide. My true joy in teaching math is to encourage students to uncover their gift for learning, find their math ability, and help them feel confident and empowered in their math classes.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Will this class prepare my child for Algebra 1?
Yes! This course contains both foundational material and new topics that are covered in the first semester of Algebra 1. Students will get a head start in Algebra 1 with this course. Read our blog post, “High School Math Concepts Students are Least Prepared For,” for specific math concepts your child could be struggling with.
What if my child needs more help with math fundamentals?
If your child is struggling with math fundamentals, they can talk to me during office hours, which are included with this course, where I can provide additional help.
What if my child has already started their Algebra 1 class? Can this course help?
Yes! This course is a great accompaniment to the first semester of Algebra 1! Students can select topics they are struggling with and receive additional instruction with the course videos. Included with the course is a 200-page course packet with notes, practice problems, and detailed answer keys which students can use for extra help in their Algebra 1 class. Students can also attend the included weekly office hours for additional help.
What would a typical day look like for my child taking this course?
Each day of the course includes 1-3 instructional videos, depending on the length of the videos. In each video, I explain the material and show how to do the work with examples. After each video, the student is asked to complete practice problems on paper that mimic the examples, followed by a video where I explain how to do each problem. In addition, students are asked to complete worksheets on paper at the end of each lesson. Answer keys are provided for students to check their answers.
What if my child needs help to move forward in the course?
If your child gets stuck in the course, there are weekly live group chats on Zoom where I can help. The course also includes a detailed answer key that students can reference to see how problems are solved.
How long does this course take to complete?
This course is designed to be completed in 20 days, where each day involves 2-3 hours of instruction and homework combined. Students can move faster through material that they understand well, and spend more time on new material, if necessary. A course pacing guide is included with the course to help students stay on track.
Will my child have any supporting materials to bring to their Algebra 1 class?
Yes! Included with this course is a 200-page course packet with notes, practice problems, and detailed solved problems which students can use for extra help in their Algebra 1 class.
Which part of the course is online and which part is not?
Instructional videos are online, and practice problems and worksheets are completed offline, without technology, with pencil and paper. Read here for more information about why doing math problems with pencil and paper is best for students.
Why is homework for this course completed with pencil and paper?
The key to success in math is to do lots of problems with pencil and paper. The tactile and kinesthetic quality of writing math problems and solving them without technology uses multiple parts of the brain simultaneously, thereby creating thicker and longer-lasting neural pathways. Studies have shown focus and math retention improve when work is done with pencil and paper. Read here for more information.
How does this class compare to individual math tutoring?
For less than the price of 4 tutoring sessions, your student can learn at least 60 hours of material with my instruction, receive a 200-page course packet with lots of practice problems and worked out solutions, and attend 4 weekly live group sessions with me as an instructor. If additional tutoring sessions are needed, that option is available as an add-on.
