Honors and Accelerated Classes
The City School District of Albany strives to challenge all students to reach their full potential and embrace rigorous coursework. It is our goal to assure that all middle-school students have ongoing opportunities to succeed in demanding classes.
In general, students who meet the following criteria will be recommended for honors and accelerated courses:
- State Assessment Performance Level of 2 (raw score at/above median), 3, 4;
- NWEA MAP at or above the 50th percentile; and
- Course averages at or above 80.
Honors classes usually cover the same content and skills as general classes but at a faster pace and with more challenging work. Accelerated classes, on the other hand, lead to or are high-school classes that students take in middle school.
Placement in honors and accelerated classes can be appealed to the building principal on or before the first day of school.
Honors English Language Arts
These courses in grades 7 and 8 focus on the same learning standards for those grades as defined by New York State, but explore them in greater depth. There is a strong emphasis on developing students’ ability to analyze and discuss complex reading, establish and defend a claim, and work collaboratively.
Grade 6 Math Accelerated
This course will cover grade 6 math standards and priority standards from the grade 7 math standards to prepare students who may accelerate to Algebra I in grade 8.
Grades 7 Math Accelerated
This course will cover grade 7 Math standards and priority standards from the grade 8 Math standards to prepare students who may accelerate to Algebra I.
Grade 7 students with historical trends of NWEA MAPs at or above the 90th percentile, State Assessments Performance Levels of 4, and course averages at or above 95th percentile may take Algebra I.
Grade 8 Accelerated Math is Algebra I
This is a high-school level course that teaches students a variety of algebraic skills and processes that help them solve problems in a variety of settings. Students take the state Algebra I Regents exam at the end of the school year and earn a high-school credit.
Grade 6 Science Accelerated
This course will cover grade 6 science standards and priority standards from the grade 7 science curriculum to prepare students who may accelerate to Living Environment in grade 8.
Grade 7 Science Accelerated
This course will cover grade 7 science standards and priority standards from the grade 8 science curriculum to prepare students who may accelerate to Living Environment in grade 8.
Grade 8 Accelerated Science is Living Environment
This is a high-school level course that is the study of the organization and maintenance of living things, reproduction and development, the human body and evolution. Students take the state Living Environment Regents exam at the end of the school year and earn high-school credit.
Honors Social Studies
These courses in grades 7 and 8 focus on the same learning standards as defined by New York State, but explore content and skills in greater depth. There is a strong emphasis on developing students’ capacity to analyze and discuss context, turning points in history and ongoing issues. The classes also emphasize developing strong writing and researching skills.
