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6/22 – 7/16 Summer of Algebra

Summer of Algebra is a rigorous, inquiry-based four week algebra experience for rising ninth grade students. Students who successfully complete the class will place out of algebra their freshman year.

Summer of Algebra Program Dates

Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26th
Monday, June 29-Thursday, July 2nd  (no classes July 3 for Independence Day)
Monday, July 6-Friday, July 10th
Monday, July 13-Thursday, July 16th.
Time:  9:00 AM–2:15 PM   (includes 45 minutes for lunch)


Who should participate in Summer of Algebra?

  • Students who completed an approved 8th grade algebra course, but did not pass the Algebra Exit Exam,
  • Students who have completed some, but not all algebra content, OR
  • If space remains, students who passed the Algebra Exit Exam and would like to strengthen their understanding before high school.

Can I place out of 9th grade Algebra through Summer of Algebra?
Yes! Determination for student’s next-level math placement will be determined using three sources of data:

  • Student mastery of learning objectives during the program
  • Student self-reflection and desire to be placed out of algebra
  • Student performance on Summer of Algebra Exam (administered at program completion)

How to Enroll
Please complete the following  Interest Form: https://forms.gle/yc7xv7zYPnz3kJty7 to state your interest in the program. There is a short questionnaire which you can select your preference on potential interest. Emails will be sent out to interested parties once Algebra Exit exam scores are public from all elementary schools. IIf your participation is dependent on Algebra Exit Exam results, we anticipate having those results available the week of June 10th.

Questions? If you have any additional questions, please contact: Mr. Gerber (mgerber1@cps.edu) or Ms. Waite (kwaite1@cps.edu)


What materials are needed for the program?
All necessary materials will be provided, including:

  • folders, graph notebooks, pencils, graphing calculators to borrow for use
  • CTA passes (if needed)

Why finish algebra before ninth grade?

  • Taking algebra before high school allows students sufficient time to take more advanced courses that are often prerequisites for postsecondary STEM majors. These courses could also lead to college credit during high school.
  • Research shows that students who take more advanced math courses are also more likely to take advanced science courses.
  • Completing advanced coursework in high school increases college persistence.

What have students said about going through the program ?

  • “I felt like spending my summer at this program deepened my understanding in some Algebra topics because I learned how to approach problems in a different way. I also felt that this class helped me meet new people and felt more comfortable because I didn’t feel alone and knew that I had someone to talk to.”
  • “I liked that I learned so much in so little time. I’ve learned how to solve complex problems and use different strategies to solve the same kind of problem which is helpful because if I don’t understand it one way I can always use another and that’s something I like about this class.”
  • “It’s actually quite fun and helpful and a great chance to meet people before school. You’ll be prepared and ahead for the coming year.”
  • “I extremely liked how the class taught me to really communicate and discuss the problems in our groups. I liked how we went over each question and how everyone took a turn to speak / present, so it can build our presentation skills. It also gave me a chance to look at the problems that I solved incorrectly. I think the class helped me review the topics of algebra throughout the summer, and get to know people before becoming a freshman”.
  • “When I started this class, I was so stressed out because I always struggled in math. I had noticed that everyone around me already had some understanding of the activities while I had forgotten a huge amount of the algebra that I was taught in school. Once I got out of the program, I realized that I had much more understanding of Algebra and had started applying it to situations in my real life. Even though I know I will have problems later on in math, it doesn’t make me as nervous as it did before. Another thing that I really liked and benefited from is the fact that I got to meet new people who I became friends with and make me feel better about the fact that I won’t go into high school being lost and with no one to talk to which is something I’m really glad about.”