Depending on the policy of the high school, some students must take placement tests for various subjects including math. The test covers basic math principles that the student is expected to have mastered in grammar school, as well as more advanced concepts studied in algebra and geometry. The student's score on the test determines the placement, with higher scoring students in "Honors" or higher-level classes, while lowering-scoring students will be placed in lower-level classes. The lower-level students may be placed in a class that refreshes some of the basic concepts associated with math and pre-algebra.
High schools also rely on the recommendation of eighth-grade teachers, regarding where students should be placed in high school. Toward the end of the school year, the eighth-grade teacher makes a recommendation based on the academic performance of the student. The recommendation is sent home with the student. If the parent agrees with the recommendation, it is submitted to the high school for scheduling. However, if the parent disagrees with the type of math class or the level of the class, he contacts the teacher to discuss the matter. Ultimately, it is up to the parent and student to choose the math class and level he takes upon entering ninth grade.
High schools also use grade point average to place students in ninth-grade math classes. This is a favorable method for large schools where there will be multiple classes of the same level being taught. All of the students' GPAs are placed into the system. The highest-scoring students are offered Honors classes, while the lower GPA students are offered lower-level math classes. The GPA may be calculated for solely eighth grade, or it may be taken from several middle-school years.
Students need to master certain math concepts before moving onto more advanced studies. Therefore, there is a logical progression to mathematical studies. For example, a student needs to master the concepts of pre-algebra before moving onto algebra and algebra II. If the student successfully studies pre-algebra in eighth grade, he will start with algebra in ninth. However, a more advanced student who takes algebra in eighth grade will be offered geometry or algebra II in ninth.