Math Pathways
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Board Approved Math PathwaysTop of Page
East Side Union High School District
Mathematics Pathway Updates for 2025-26
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, ESUHSD will be transitioning from an Integrated math course sequence (Integrated Math 1-3) to a traditional course sequence (Geometry → Algebra → Algebra 2). For most ESUHSD students currently enrolled in the 2024-25 school year, there will be no change in their 4-year plan.
The incoming 9th grade class in the 2025-26 school year will begin on the new math course sequence, which is outlined below.
The curricular shift was made for a variety of reasons, including:
- Changing Admission Requirements from the UC/CSU University system
- Shifting to a traditional course sequence ensures that every student has the opportunity to take all courses required by UC/CSU Universities for admission. It also provides the opportunity for every student to progress to advanced “College Competitive” math courses.
- Changing Math Offerings at Community Colleges and Universities
- AB1705 has changed the types of math courses offered at community colleges. Ensuring that each student has the opportunity to advance to AP Precalculus best prepares them for the advanced mathematics courses they may take in college.
- Instructional Resource Quality
- Traditional courses (Geometry, Algebra 1, Algebra 2) have significantly more instructional resources available to students and teachers compared to integrated courses. These instructional resources will help East Side teachers continue to shift their instruction to meet the needs of all students. It will also provide students with additional resources to help them master the concepts in their math courses.
- For textbooks for the three new courses, East Side will be piloting enVision+ California by Savvas Learning Company and California Reveal Math by McGraw Hill
ESUHSD is committed to supporting all students' strengths and areas of growth. Some students choose to participate in enrichment or acceleration opportunities in mathematics before they enter 9th grade to advance to higher-level courses. Individual circumstances and previous coursework are always considered when determining math placement. To ensure validation of UC/CSU admissions requirements, some incoming 9th graders will remain on the integrated math pathway if they have already accelerated in math before 9th grade (see examples below). All East Side schools are committed to supporting every student on an individual basis and ensuring they are scheduled into the appropriate math course.
ESUHSD Math teachers are excited to roll out these new courses, and they look forward to meeting your student in August! Should you have questions around your student’s 4-year-plan in mathematics, please reach out to your high school’s administration or school counselor to discuss how we can best support your student.
Please contact your high school’s administration or counseling team if you have any questions around your student’s math placement
For more information around the California Mathematics Framework, please click HERE.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsTop of Page
With these changes, will East Side schools still offer advanced math courses like AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Statistics?
Yes - these courses will still be offered. The changes make it possible for more students to access high-level Advanced Placement(AP) math courses.
I would like to help prepare my student for high school math - what is the best way to do that?
We recommend that students do their best in 8th grade math, as that course prepares students to be successful in high school math classes. If you would like your student to practice math before high school, we recommend Khan Academy courses. Reviewing 8th grade math skills to establish a strong foundation can be helpful, and you can also prepare by reviewing Geometry concepts to prepare for 9th grade Geometry.
What will be the typical pathway of math for students in high school?
9th grade students will take Geometry, followed up by Algebra 1 in 10th grade to fulfill the two-year high school graduation requirements. After that, students take Algebra II in 11th grade to fulfill the A-G requirements, and then are on track to take AP Precalculus (or AP Statistics or MRWC) their senior year. These courses set students up to be ‘college competitive’ in their college applications. Courses must be passed with a C- or better to receive A-G credit for the UC/CSU System.
How will students be placed into the correct math course?
Placement is determined by coursework & grades, acceleration history, and individual circumstances. The administration at each school reviews 8th grade course/grade data to place each student. If you have additional information or context that would be helpful in determining placement, please contact your school.
What if a student has already accelerated in math before 9th grade?
Students who have already taken Integrated Math 1 or 2 (or equivalent) before high school will continue on the accelerated Integrated math pathway to ensure UC/CSU validation.
What should I do if I have questions around the math class my student is placed in?
Please contact your school’s counseling department or administration to discuss your questions.
Are courses taken in the summer or at middle school posted on the high school transcript?
No - only courses taken at the high school level from accredited institutions, and needed for high school graduation, are posted to the transcript. This does not negatively impact college admissions. Courses taken in the summer or during middle school may impact a student’s high school math placement. To ensure proper placement, please contact your school to notify them of any summer accelerated courses.
Will this change impact students who are already an East Side student in the 2024-25 school year?
No - most of these changes will only impact incoming 9th graders. Students who are currently enrolled who do not pass a math course may take one of the new courses (in lieu of making up the Integrated course).
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Summer Math Acceleration PolicyTop of Page
ESUHSD is committed to supporting all students' strengths and areas of growth. Some students may choose to participate in enrichment or acceleration opportunities in mathematics during the summer. All East Side schools are committed to supporting every student on an individual basis, and individual circumstances and previous coursework are always considered when determining math placement. Please reach out to your school site administration or counseling team for guidance around summer acceleration opportunities.