IMPORTANT MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH UPDATE BELOW:

Dear Fifth Grade Families, 

We would like to provide you with an update to our middle school math course options. Within our middle schools, there are many strong math pathways available for students. Our priority is ensuring that every student is placed in a math course where they feel challenged, supported, and confident. We encourage families to consider their student's strengths, readiness, interests, and learning needs when making decisions about course placement. In the 2026-27 school year, Troy School District will be piloting IM Accelerated Math 6/7 as a new option in all middle school buildings.  

All 5th-grade families will have the choice to select from one of the options below:  

Option 1: Math 6 
Math 6 establishes a critical foundation in proportional reasoning by exploring ratios, unit rates, and percentages through visual representations like double number lines and tape diagrams. In this problem-based course, students transition from elementary arithmetic to middle school algebra by developing a deep understanding of fraction division and expressions with variables. Students also expand their mathematical world to include signed numbers and statistical variability. This course provides the time and space for students to build a conceptual understanding of mathematics, ensuring they are ready for the complexities of Grade 7. 

Topics covered in Math 6:  
Area and Surface Area, Introducing Ratios, Unit Rates and Percentages, Dividing Fractions, Arithmetic in Base Ten, Expressions and Equations, Rational Numbers, Data Sets and Distributions. 

Math 6 Pathway
Grade 6 – Math 6         Grade 7 – Math 7           Grade 8 – Math 8 or Honors Algebra 1 
 

Option 2: (NEW) Accelerated Math 6/7 
Families may choose to enroll their child in Accelerated Math 6/7. This course is a rigorous, fast-paced course that compresses all Grade 6 standards and significant portions of Grade 7 into a single academic year. In this problem-based course, students master ratio reasoning to engage with complex proportional relationships, circle geometry, and the four operations with rational numbers. This pathway is designed for students who demonstrate high mathematical independence and the ability to synthesize new concepts with minimal repetition. It serves as the launchpad for a two-year sequence that culminates in Honors Algebra 1 by the 8th grade. 

Topics covered in Accelerated Math 6/7:  
Area and Surface Area, Introducing Ratios, Unit Rates and Percentages, Dividing Fractions, Arithmetic in Base Ten, Expressions and Equations, Proportional Relationships, Rational Number Arithmetic, Percent Increase and Decrease, Data Sets and Distributions, Probability and Sampling. 

Accelerated Math 6/7 Pathway 
Grade 6 – Accelerated Math 6/7       Grade 7 – Accelerated Math 7/8     Grade 8 – Honors Algebra 1 
 

Option 3: Math 6 Test-Out  
The Math 6 test-out process allows current 5th-grade students who are ready to demonstrate mastery of the 6th-grade math standards to progress to an accelerated math pathway in middle school by testing out of Math 6. This option is completely optional and is intended for families who feel it may be a good fit for their child. Students take the test-out exam at their elementary school, and those who pass the test will skip Math 6 and begin Math 7 in 6th grade. Please know that for students who have registered for this assessment, no further action is required.  

Math 6 Test-Out Pathway 
Grade 6 – Math 7         Grade 7 – Honors Algebra 1           Grade 8 – Honors Geometry 

Next Steps: 

All 5th-grade families will receive information about each math course, directions for course selection, and information on student data to consider at the following 5th-grade Parent Nights (hosted at your student’s future middle school):  

• Baker Middle School – May 5 at 5 p.m. 

• Boulan Park Middle School – May 7 at 6:30 p.m. 

• Larson Middle School – May 6 at 7 p.m. 

• Smith Middle School – May 6 at 6 p.m. 

Math data for your student will be provided to families via email after May 11.  Families will be invited to make a course selection for their students in PowerSchool between May 11 and May 26.   

Questions? 
If you have questions, please attend the upcoming middle school parent events or reach out to your student’s middle school counseling team.   

FAQs 
What is required of Accelerated Math 6/7 students? Accelerated Math 6/7 compacts Math 6 and the majority of Math 7 into a shorter time period, without skipping material. This means that students interested in accelerated math must be prepared to encounter new content at a faster pace. Accelerated Math 6/7 is best suited for students who consistently engage with extension and enrichment materials provided in the regular curriculum and demonstrate fluency and understanding in mathematics. Students should anticipate having nightly homework.  

What is the same? In both Accelerated 6/7 and Math 6, each lesson starts with an invitation to the mathematics, followed by a deep study of targeted concepts and procedures, and ends with an opportunity to consolidate learning through direct instruction by the teacher. Students then apply their learning by engaging in practice problems. This structure continues throughout each unit and through the course.  

What is different? In order to address all the grade 6, 7, and 8 standards in two years, lessons have been compressed. This makes the Accelerated 6/7 a fast-paced and rigorous course.  

What if I already signed up for Math 6 Test-Out? No action is required. Your student will take Math 6 test-out at their elementary building. Results will be sent to families by May 20.