Algebra I

  6-10 graders

  Credits awarded on transcript  

  Pre-algebra completed with B- or better

  UC A-G approval pending

  2 hours per day (summer)  

  8-10 students per class

  4 days per week 2, 4, or 6 weeks

  629 per student, per week  

  Self paced instructor-guided  

  Personalized 1-1 support

  Office hours 1 hour per week

  1599 per student, per semester  

  90 minutes per class

  4-8 students per class

  Twice per week over 36 weeks

  1599 per student, per semester  

Algebra I is a foundational high school mathematics course designed to equip students with the essential skills and conceptual understanding needed to succeed in advanced math, science, and problem-solving tasks. Algebra I introduces students to the language and structure of algebra, where they learn how to model relationships between quantities using variables, expressions, equations, and functions. This course is critical for developing a strong mathematical mindset and is a gateway to all higher-level mathematics including Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and eventually courses in Calculus, Statistics, and Computer Science.

The course emphasizes both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. Students will explore linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, quadratic functions, exponential relationships, and data analysis. These concepts provide students with the ability to:

  • Translate real-world problems into mathematical expressions and equations
  • Represent mathematical relationships using graphs, tables, and symbolic notation
  • Solve equations and interpret the solutions in context
  • Understand and use functions to describe patterns and change
  • Analyze and interpret quantitative data using statistical measures

Students will develop habits of mathematical reasoning by identifying patterns, constructing arguments, testing solutions, and justifying their reasoning. Through this problem-solving lens, Algebra I builds the analytical tools that students will use not only in future math courses, but in disciplines such as computer science, physics, economics, and engineering.

2Sigma School emphasizes project-based learning where students engage in real-world applications of algebraic thinking. Projects may include analyzing trends using linear models, creating business plans based on exponential growth scenarios, or using systems of equations to model financial or logistical problems. These projects help students actively connect abstract concepts to tangible outcomes and develop the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems creatively and logically.

No prior algebraic coursework is required, but students should have a solid grasp of arithmetic operations, number sense, and basic geometry concepts such as area and perimeter. The highest performing students enjoy pattern recognition and abstract thinking, and are comfortable making logical deductions from structured information. Algebra I is not only a mathematics course—it is a critical thinking course that empowers students with tools to reason, model, and solve problems systematically.


  

Course Outline

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  1. Foundations
    This introductory unit establishes the language of algebra, including variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities. Students will learn to translate between verbal and algebraic representations, explore properties of real numbers, and develop essential problem-solving strategies.
  2. Statistics
    Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of data analysis. This unit covers collecting, organizing, and interpreting data through various graphical representations (histograms, box plots, scatter plots) and numerical measures (mean, median, mode, range). Students will also explore basic probability concepts.
  3. Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
    This core unit focuses on mastering techniques for solving linear equations in one variable using properties of equality. Students will extend these skills to solving linear inequalities and representing their solutions graphically.
  4. Math Models
    Students will learn to translate real-world scenarios into mathematical models using linear equations and inequalities. This unit emphasizes applying algebraic skills to solve practical problems involving rates, proportions, and other linear relationships.
  5. Graphs
    This unit explores the visual representation of linear relationships through the Cartesian coordinate system. Students will learn to graph linear equations, understand slope as a rate of change, and write equations of lines in various forms (slope-intercept, point-slope, standard)
  6. Systems of Linear Equations
    Students will learn to solve systems of two or more linear equations using various methods, including graphing, substitution, and elimination. Applications to real-world problems involving multiple variables will be explored.
  7. Polynomials
    This unit introduces students to polynomial expressions, including operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students will learn to classify polynomials and understand their basic properties.
  8. Factoring
    Students will develop techniques for factoring polynomial expressions, including common factors, difference of squares, and trinomials. Factoring is presented as a crucial skill for solving quadratic equations and simplifying rational expressions.
  9. Rational Expressions and Equations
    This unit extends algebraic concepts to rational expressions. Students will learn to simplify, multiply, divide, add, and subtract rational expressions, as well as solve rational equations.
  10. Roots and Radicals
    Students will be introduced to the concepts of roots and radicals, including square roots and higher-order roots. They will learn to simplify radical expressions and perform basic operations with them.
  11. Quadratic Equations
    This unit focuses on solving quadratic equations using various methods, including factoring, the square root property, and the quadratic formula. Students will also explore the graphical representation of quadratic functions (parabolas).
  12. Exponential Functions
    Students will be introduced to exponential functions and their properties. They will learn to graph exponential functions and explore their applications in areas such as growth and decay.

Summer of Code
    see detailed summer schedule

The course is 100% online. Students will have access to an online textbook. However, students must have access to a printer at home to print out worksheets and other materials.

Students should have access to a device with a camera to take photos of their work for submission.

To take any of our courses, students must be familiar with opening a browser, navigating to a website, and joining a Zoom meeting.

Students must have a quiet place to study and participate in the class for the duration of the class. Some students may prefer a headset to isolate any background noise and help them focus in class.

Most course lectures and content may be viewed on mobile devices but programming assignments and certain quizzes require a desktop or laptop computer.

Students are required to have their camera on at all times during the class, unless they have an explicit exception approved by their parent or legal guardian.

Our technology requirements are similar to that of most Online classes.

A desktop or laptop computer running Windows (PC), Mac OS (Mac), or Chrome OS (Chromebook).
Students must be able to run a Zoom Client.
A working microphone, speaker, webcam, and an external mouse.
A high-speed internet connection with at least 15mbps download speed (check your Internet speed).

This course includes several timed tests where you will be asked to complete a given number of questions within a 60-90 minutes limit. These tests are designed to keep you competitively prepared but you can take them as often as you like. We do not proctor these exams, neither do we require that you install special lockdown browser.

In today's environment, when students have access to multiple devices, most attempts to avoid cheating in online exams are symbolic. Our exams are meant to encourage you to learn and push yourself using an honor system.

We do assign a grade at the end of the year based on a number of criteria which includes class participation, completion of assignments, and performance in the tests. We do not reveal the exact formula to minimize students' incentive to optimize for a higher grade.

We believe that your grade in the course should reflect how well you have learnt the skills, and a couple of timed-tests, while traditional, aren't the best way to evaluate your learning.

FAQ

Your questions. Our answers.

2Sigma School offers three flexible enrollment formats so students can learn in the way that best fits their schedule:

Independent Study is our most popular format and is offered year round. An assigned instructor guides the student through the course with weekly 1-on-1 office hours for teaching new concepts, reviewing work, and giving personalized feedback. At a standard pace, students complete one semester in about 18 weeks or the full course in 36 weeks. Students who want to move faster can set an accelerated goal and their instructor will provide additional office hours to match. This format works well for students with busy schedules or those completing coursework started in another format.

Summer of Code is our accelerated summer program. Students meet 2 hours per day, 4 days per week in an intensive format that allows them to complete a full-year course in as few as 6 weeks. This is ideal for students who want to earn credits quickly or get ahead before the school year starts. It requires a significant time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves fully to the program during the summer.

Live Classes are our year-round, cohort-based format. Students attend live online sessions (90 minutes, twice per week) over 36 weeks in small groups of 10–14 students. This format provides consistent interaction with instructors and peers throughout the academic year, with time between sessions to work on projects and assignments. These classes are subject to cohort formation and may have limited availability.

Independent Study offers the most flexibility. During the application process, students provide their availability and we match them with an instructor whose schedule aligns. Sessions are then scheduled directly between the student and their instructor.

Summer of Code and Live Classes are cohort-based. Students indicate all of their available time slots when applying, and we form cohorts based on the collective availability of enrolled students. This approach gives families flexibility while ensuring each cohort has a consistent meeting time that works for everyone in the group.

As an accredited institution, 2Sigma School can award high school credits for our courses on a transcript, just like your child's regular school. Some high schools may accept these credits as part of their graduation requirements, and even use them to calculate your child's GPA. This policy varies by school, so we recommend you check with your child's school counselor.

Regardless of your local school's decision, students can submit our transcript to colleges as college applications allow additional transcripts to be submitted. This can help your child stand out in the college application process.

We are accredited by Cognia and most of our courses are not only NCAA approved, they are also approved for A-G credits by the University of California. Our AP courses are approved by the College Board.

In addition, 2Sigma School is an approved online course provider in multiple states, including California, Washington, Oklahoma, and Florida. See our accreditations page for more details.

Our instructors vary by course as well as by availability. Some of our instructors are high school teachers with deep expertise in computer science, teaching credentials in multiple states, and years of classroom experience. Others are professionals with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science with deep experience in the subject matter and a demonstrated ability and aptitude to teach teenage students.

All of our instructors undergo a rigorous screening process for content and pedagogical expertise. They are background checked as per local and state regulations, and are trained in online instruction and classroom management.

Students need a desktop or laptop computer running Windows (PC), Mac OS (Mac), or Chrome OS (Chromebook), along with a working microphone, speaker, and webcam. A high-speed internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download speed is required.

Students should be familiar with opening a browser, navigating to a website, and joining a Zoom meeting. Most course content can be viewed on mobile devices, but programming assignments and certain quizzes require a desktop or laptop computer.

Yes. All formats include access to instructor support. In Live Classes and Summer of Code, students can ask questions during class and instructors are available to provide additional guidance. In Independent Study, students have dedicated weekly office hours with their assigned instructor.

If a student needs additional 1-on-1 support beyond what is included, we offer tutoring sessions that can be arranged through our team. Contact us at admissions@2sigma.school for details.