Math
For complete COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, click on Course Title below in chart and/or go to Class Registration
For complete TEXTBOOKS/SUPPLIES, click on Course on Class Registration
For TUTOR BIOGRAPHIES, click on Tutor Name in below chart and/or go to Class Registration
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 | Full Year | $380 |
| FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 2 | 5-7 | TBD | 2025-26 | $380 |
| Middle School Math Success see below for FAQs |
6-9 | Sands | Full Year Plus 1-2 Zoom/Mo |
$385 |
| Pre-Algebra 1 see below for FAQs |
7-10 | Sands | Full Year Plus 1-2 Zoom/Mo |
$385 |
| Pre-Algebra 2 see below for FAQs |
7-10 | Sands | Full Year Plus 1-2 Zoom/Mo |
$385 |
| Algebra 1 see below for FAQs |
8-12 | Sands | Full Year Plus 1-2 Zoom/Mo |
$405 |
| Algebra 2 see below for FAQs |
9-12 | Sands |
Full Year Plus 1-2 |
$405 |
| Geometry see below for FAQs |
9-12 | Sands | Full Year | $385 |
| Pre-Calculus | 10-12 | Leibig | Full Year | $385 |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FUNctional Middle School Math - Level 1
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 - not offered 2024-2025
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. This is year two of a stand-alone math program offered at two levels over two years. Mrs. Love 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 Saxon Math 7/6. 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. Everything your student needs for the class will be provided by the tutor.
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.
Pre-Calculus
This class is designed to teach the concepts and skills necessary for students to succeed in calculus and in disciplines that are mathematically based, such as chemistry and physics. Topics include polynomials, trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, matrix algebra, series and other advanced algebraic concepts. Pre-Calculus is a solid foundation for further math classes in higher education.
The first two weeks will provide a review of important concepts from Algebra II and will ensure that all students start with a solid foundation.
Class time will be spent reviewing graded homework material, and a discussion of new material for the next week’s homework assignment. While there is no participation grade, students are encouraged to ask questions and give answers to questions posed in class.
If a student has completed two years of algebra, they are ready for this class.
Middle School Math Success
Lessons of Middle School Math Success (Math 76) 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.
If your student was successful in FUNctional Middle School Math Level 2, consider this as their next math course.
NOTE: Full Year, Plus 1-2 Zoom Meetings a Month
Pre-Algebra 1 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 specifically learn about operations with fractions, equivalent fractions, the metric system, repeating decimals, scientific notation, pi, graphing inequalities, multiplying algebraic terms, the Pythagorean Theorem, the slope-intercept form of linear equations, and more.
Pre-Algebra 1 (Math 87) and Pre-Algebra 2 (Algebra ½) are both pre-algebra courses. Students who complete Pre-Algebra 1 with scores of 80% or greater on the first attempt on the last few tests, and are at least 14 years old, are probably ready for Algebra 1. If a student needs another year of math before Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra 2 can be taken between Pre-Algebra 1 and Algebra 1.
NOTE: Full Year, Plus 1-2 Zoom Meetings a Month
Pre-Algebra 2
An introduction to algebra that includes geometry. Topics covered include prime and composite numbers, fractions and decimals, order of operations, coordinates, exponents, square roots, ratios, algebraic phrases, probability, 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 study. Topics include signed numbers, exponents and roots, absolute value, area and volume, equations and inequalities, scientific notation, unit conversion, polynomials, graphs, factoring, systems of equations, quadratic equations, direct and inverse variation, exponential growth, statistics, and probability. 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 also be required to memorize vocabulary, theorems, and postulates.
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:
-
Email: sometimes a quick answer is sufficient
-
PDF: Mrs. Sands will make a colorful pdf document showing how to solve the problem. The pdf will be emailed.
-
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?
-
Each class has an assignment list that shows when lessons, tests, and other assignments with the date each assignment is due.
-
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 and keys and Modern School Mathematics Geometry 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 and Modern School Mathematics Geometry textbooks for sale. Contact Jan Sands through WEST for more information. Alpha Omega Geometry is consumable and must be purchased new.