Does a student need a formal Geometry class if they are using the Saxon Math books? To Publications / Articles - Does a student need a formal Geometry class if they are using the Saxon Math books?

Posted 5/2/19
Marybeth Thomas

I have taught Saxon high school math for over eight years.  My background is a BS in Electrical Engineering.  I have prepared many students to be very successful in their college level courses using the following texts: Saxon Alg. 1 (3rd Edition), Saxon Alg. 2 (3rd Edition), Saxon Adv. Math (2nd Edition).  I start students in Algebra 1 and we cover every problem of every lesson.  If you want kids to have a solid foundation, this approach is imperative.  Many people think it is sufficient to only do the odd problems or even problems.  Not doing all of the problems in a lesson, teaches students to not work as hard and allows students to gloss over concepts they think they know.  Two problems about the same concept may be in the same lesson but they typically approach the concept differently so that the student has a very solid and complete understanding.  After Algebra I, students should move directly into Algebra II.  I am aware of several local high schools that take this approach of taking Alg. 2 directly after Alg. 1.  Once students reach the Advanced Math book, I slow the pace down and do the first half of the book in one year (Advanced Math 1) and then the 2nd half of the book the next year (Advanced Math 2).  The concepts and material are much more difficult and the lessons take a lot more time.  Giving students two years to cover this text book allows them to fully absorb the material and not be overwhelmed.  The first half of the Advanced Math book teaches two column proofs and students have at least one proof a lesson starting around lesson 9.  Once a student finishes the Advanced Math book, they are very well prepared for College level math.  A separate Geometry course is NOT needed.  Students receive a full credit of Geometry after completing the Alg. 1 (3rd edition), Alg 2(3rd edition) and the first half of the Advanced Math book (2nd edition).   

I use the Mother of Divine Grace Curriculum and here is how they list the math on my kids transcripts:

Algebra I

Algebra II

Adv. Math 1 – Geometry, Trig. & Algebra III

Adv. Math 2 – PreCalculus

There is a wonderful resource that explains in more detail how to use the Saxon books the way they were originally designed.  That book is “Using John Saxon’s Math Books” by Art Reed.  Art was a very close friend of John Saxon.  There is also a very good website that details this book and has additional articles in their newsletter section: www.usingsaxon.com.  Much of the in depth information about Geometry and the fourth edition books is detailed in the Sept 2016 newsletter section.

I am always happy to answer questions.  Feel free to email me at mat7270@gmail.com