Geometry Credit for Saxon Homeschool

One of my favorite tidbits of knowledge that attracted me first to Saxon math was the fact that Geometry was intertwined through its textbooks so that if you used their curriculum, you could avoid taking an entire year of my least favorite math--the dreaded geometry. Please forgive me all you math lovers.To be honest, after that little tidbit of information, I was hooked on Saxon.

I never had to think another thought about it until I was planning my high school daughter's next school year and began wondering if that was just a rumor or really true.

Here is a portion copied from Saxon's FAQ page. For someone who would have failed geometry had it not been for a personal tutor (who helped me bring my grade up to an 89%!!!) this is great news! No dreaded year of math for me! After all, I can ONLY take geometry in little chunks.


What are my options for upper level math?
There are now two different tracks students can take with Saxon upper level books. The traditional approach is to take Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 (3rd Edition) before moving on to Advanced Math. The 3rd Edition upper level Saxon Homeschool programs have geometry integrated into them. Geometry is easily integrated into algebra because the topics are strongly interrelated, and this approach has proven to be very effective. Rather than spend an entire year on geometry, Saxon introduces geometry concepts into the math series at the appropriate times.
For those homeschoolers whose states have strict requirements for geometry curricula, or for those who would prefer to spend a full year on geometric concepts, we now offer the option of Algebra 1 (4th Edition), Geometry (1st Edition), and Algebra 2 (4th Edition). These books separate the algebra and geometry content while featuring the incremental approach that is the hallmark of the Saxon program.



How can a high school student receive a geometry credit on his/her transcript when they use Saxon Algebra 1 (3rd Edition), Algebra 2 (3rd Edition), and Advanced Math
Geometry concepts are introduced in Saxon's early textbooks, but the heart of the geometry course is embedded in Algebra 2 and Advanced Math. Students who complete Algebra 2 have taken the equivalent of one semester in geometry, but they will need to complete Advanced Math in order to complete one full year of Euclidean geometry. Because Advanced Math is a rigorous book, it is most often completed in three or four semesters. Students completing Advanced Math will have taken the equivalent of one year of geometry and one year of trigonometry and advanced algebra. For those who prefer to spend a full year studying geometric concepts, we now also offer the Saxon Geometry homeschool package.


What geometry credit should be given on my child's transcript for Algebra 2 and Advanced Math?
Students who complete Algebra 2 can be given credit for one semester of informal geometry (geometry without rigorous proofs). Students who complete Advanced Mathematics can be given credit for one full year of Euclidean geometry. The full-year credit includes credit for completing Algebra 2.




Do I have to cover the Advanced Mathematics book in one year?
No, if it takes more than one day to cover a lesson, don't be alarmed. Average students usually take three to four semesters to finish the book. Keep in mind that the Advanced Mathematics book is a geometry book as well as a trigonometry and pre-calculus book. The book covers more advanced algebraic topics as well.


Well, here it is folks! Not a rumor :) We have just completed the Algebra 1 class and all my fretting about the order of Geometry and Algebra 2 is now solved. Algebra 2 it is!

Happy Homeschooling!