Math
For complete COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, click on Course Title below in chart and/or go to the Register>>Class Registration Menu
For complete TEXTBOOKS/SUPPLIES, click on Course on the Register>>Class Registration Menu
For TUTOR BIOGRAPHIES, click on Tutor Name in below chart and/or in the Course on the Register>>Class Registration Menu
For assistance in choosing the correct class, please see WEST's Class Track Guidelines
Tuition Payments are broken up with two payments for semester classes and four payments for annual classes
| MATH | ||||
| COURSE TITLE | GRADE | TUTOR | TERM | TUITION |
| FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 1 | 5-7 | Kuehn | 2026-27 | $385 |
| FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 2 | 5-7 | Kuehn | 2025-26 | $385 |
| Middle School Math Success see below for FAQs |
6-9 | Kuehn | Full Year | $395 |
| Pre-Algebra see below for FAQs |
7-10 | Sands | Full Year Plus 1-2 Zoom/Mo |
$405 |
| Algebra 1 see below for FAQs |
8-12 | Sands | Full Year Plus 1-2 Zoom/Mo |
$415 |
| Algebra 2 see below for FAQs |
9-12 | Sands |
Full Year Plus 1-2 |
$415 |
| Geometry see below for FAQs |
9-12 | Sands | Full Year | $395 |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 1 - not offered 2025-2026
This course is an excellent choice for students who need more practice with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, or who have gaps in their basic math skills. We will combine fun, challenging, and hands-on classroom activities with workbook based homework to prepare fifth through seventh grade students to become fluid with multi-digit multiplication and division. This is year one of a stand-alone math program offered at two levels over two years. We will incorporate games, practice, puzzles, mental math, and regular concept review to gain mastery of math skills. Everything your student needs for the class will be provided by the tutor.
Prerequisite: Students should have mastered all addition and subtraction facts, plus be familiar with basic multiplication and division facts
Placement Test: To be sure of correct placement, please have your student complete the Saxon placement test labeled Saxon 5/4-Algebra 1/2. Email scans of the completed test (including paper that shows the student's work) to the tutor (Lkeen100@gmail.com). It is available here: https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/saxon-math?search=saxon%20math%2076
If the test recommends Saxon 5/4, your student would likely best fit in FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 1.
If the test recommends Saxon 6/5, your student would best fit in FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 2.
FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 2
This course will cover the topics of fractions, decimals, percent, ratio, factors, mean, median, mode, measurement, volume, and solving for the unknown. We will review multi-digit multiplication and division and solve multi-step word problems that involve several operations. We will incorporate games, practice, puzzles, mental math, and regular concept review to gain mastery of math skills. We will combine fun, challenging, and hands-on classroom activities with workbook based homework to prepare fifth through eighth grade students for algebra, to use math in real life, and to succeed in high school math courses. Students who complete this class in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade should be ready for Middle School Math Success. This course is an excellent choice for students who need more practice with multi-digit multiplication and division, or who have gaps in their basic math skills.
Prerequisite: FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 1 is NOT required, but students should have mastered basic multiplication and division facts
Placement Test: To be sure of correct placement, please have your student complete the Saxon placement test labeled Saxon 5/4-Algebra 1/2. Email scans of the completed test (including paper that shows the student's work) to the tutor. It is available here: https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/saxon-math?search=saxon%20math%2076
If the test recommends Saxon 5/4, your student would best fit in FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 1.
If the test recommends Saxon 6/5, your student would best fit in FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 2.
Middle School Math Success
Lessons of Middle School Math Success (Math 7/6) go beyond the topics of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimal fractions, common fractions, etc.) to include the higher foundational topics of mathematics. Negative numbers, finding averages, changing percents to decimals, finding area and volume, geometry, measurement, algebra, scale and graph reading are among the topics covered. Five lessons will be covered in class each week. Tests will be assigned about every other week.
NOTE: Full Year, Plus 1-2 Zoom Meetings a Month
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra builds upon the principles taught in Middle School Math Success. Using Math 87, students will review arithmetic, measurements, geometry, ratios, probability, and statistics. Students will review operations with fractions, decimal numbers, and percent. They’ll learn to convert units, handle repeating decimals, multiply and divide using scientific notation, graph inequalities and functions, multiply and divide algebraic terms, use the Pythagorean Theorem, and more.
NOTE: Full Year, Plus 1-2 Zoom Meetings a Month
Algebra 1
Algebra 1 is a formal treatment of algebra forming the foundation for future math studies. Students will review operations with signed numbers, exponents and roots, absolute value, and basic geometry topics. They’ll build on the learning in Pre-Algebra and learn to solve systems of equations, graph functions, solve and graph quadratics, calculate exponential growth, use direct and inverse variation, and more. For most students, success in Algebra 1 requires a significant time commitment.
NOTE: Full Year, Plus 1-2 Zoom Meetings a Month
Algebra 2
Traditional, second-year algebra topics, as well as a full semester of informal geometry, are included with both real-world, abstract, and interdisciplinary applications. Topics include geometric concepts, negative exponents, quadratic equations, metric conversions, logarithms, and advanced factoring. For most students success in Algebra 2 requires a significant time commitment.
NOTE: Full Year, Plus 1-2 Zoom Meetings a Month
Geometry
A complete course of high school geometry including proofs, angles, parallels, congruency, similarity, circles, construction, area, volume, logic, and an introduction to trigonometry. Students will be required to study vocabulary, theorems, and postulates.
NOTE: Full Year, Plus 1-2 Zoom Meetings a Month
What are the three most important things to consider in ensuring student success in math?
Placement. Placement. Placement. Please consider carefully which class will fit your student’s needs the best. Class descriptions include prerequisites and a link to a placement test. If you have any questions about placement, please contact the tutor through the WEST website. Use the contact button at the top right corner to email any member of the WEST Team who will forward your message to the tutor.
How important are basic math facts?
For all of Jan Sands’ math classes, mastery of basic math facts is a prerequisite. Since classes include more advanced concepts and skills, knowing basic facts is a must. When students have mastered basic facts, they can focus on solving more complicated problems. If they have not mastered the basic facts, brain power is used to find answers to basic facts and is not available for solving the problem at hand.
How do Jan Sands’ math classes at WEST work?
Each week classes cover 3-5 lessons. Most lessons will be covered in class. Some lessons will be presented by recorded video. Homework is assigned. Students spend time 5-6 days per week on homework and tests at home. Lessons are scored by students or parents. Students make corrections. Tests are completed at home and handed in without scoring.
What is my role in math success?
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, time management, and communication with Mrs. Sands. Parents should check with their student and with Mrs. Sands as often as needed to help students stay on track.
What if I have a question?
Between classes, if a student is struggling with a lesson or a problem, he or she is encouraged to email Mrs. Sands for help. In general, students who frequently ask for help by email get better grades and learn more. Students are expected to email their questions. If necessary, parents should email on behalf of their students.
What happens when I email for help?
Mrs. Sands sends help in one of the following forms:
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Email: sometimes a quick answer is sufficient
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PDF: Mrs. Sands will make a colorful pdf document showing how to solve the problem. The pdf will be emailed.
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Educreations video: Mrs. Sands will make a whiteboard video demonstrating how to solve the problematic problem. A link to the video will be emailed.
How do I know what the homework is?
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Each class has an assignment list that shows when lessons, tests, and other assignments with the date each assignment is due. This list will be handed out in class and is available in each class on the WEST website.
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Students will be reminded of the homework each week in class. Usually, lessons started in class are the lessons due the following week.
What if my student misses a class?
For Middle School Math Success, Pre-Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra 2, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2, video lessons are available in the student’s class on the WEST website. Students may use these videos for instruction if a class meeting is missed. The videos may also be used for review. For Geometry and Geometry without a Net, some videos will be available.
How’s my child doing in math?
Student progress is recorded in his or her class on the WEST website. If you have any questions, feel free to email the tutor.
Where can I find the textbook my student needs?
Saxon textbooks can be purchased from many online book sellers. If you have trouble finding the book(s) you need, Jan Sands sometimes has a small number of Saxon textbooks for sale. Contact Jan Sands through WEST for more information.
Modern School Mathematics Geometry textbooks can be purchased from many online book sellers. Or, you may resnt one from Jan Sands. A deposit of $30 is required. When the book is returned in a condition similar to when it was rented, $20 will be returned. Each rented book will come with a paper cover and a paper cover must be on the rented book at all times. To reserve a book rental, please message Jan Sands through WEST. Send $30, cash only, with your student on the first day of class.