Summer Acceleration in Mathematics

Overview

Summer math acceleration is permitted for the study of:

Geometry
CL Calculus — Topic A
CL Calculus — Topic C

NOTE: Students CANNOT receive credit for a full year course (other than Geometry) in the summer.

Methods of Study

Method #1: Loomis Chaffee’s Accelerated Studies in Mathematics summer program — recommended method by the LC Math Department

Method #2: Independent Study — may include enrollment in a non-Loomis Chaffee summer course. Note: In recent years, students have not had as much success earning credit by this method.

Regardless of the method, ALL students are required to demonstrate proficiency on an exam administered by the LC Math Department upon completion of their studies. Students who complete the acceleration process are not guaranteed success on the proficiency test. That is, approval for acceleration and completion of the work does not guarantee credit for or advancement through the desired course. Earned credit or advancement is ultimately determined based on the proficiency exam.

Process/Timeline

For students to pursue acceleration, they must complete the following process.

Step 1: Approval (January–April prior to summer acceleration)

To pursue acceleration, students must request approval from the Assistant Mathematics Department Head, who will consult their current teacher and review the following grade requirements:

For Geometry acceleration, students must be earning:
- A- or higher in Algebra II, or
- B+ or higher in Advanced Algebra II
For CL Calculus – Topic A acceleration, students must be earning:
- A- or higher in Advanced Precalculus
For CL Calculus – Topic C acceleration, students must be earning:
- A- or higher in CL Calculus AB

Students interested must communicate directly with their current math teacher to seek their recommendation and complete this form by May 1 to gain departmental approval.

Step 2: Enrollment (January–June prior to summer acceleration)

Students completing Method #1 (Loomis Chaffee’s summer program) must contact Assistant Director of Summer Programs Aidan Winn (aidan_winn@loomis.org) to enroll in their respective summer course.

Students completing Method #2 (Independent Study) must submit required information to Assistant Mathematics Department Head Courtney Doyle by May 15. Once they have done this, they will be enrolled in a group called Summer Math Independent Study.

Step 3: Summer Study (June–August)

Students enrolled in Loomis Chaffee’s summer program complete coursework.

Students enrolled in Independent Study complete studies through their approved means. These students must follow a process given to them upon enrollment. The process involves submitting information on given deadlines throughout the summer and responding to requests from the Independent Study coordinator in a timely manner.

Step 4: Proficiency Exam (Late July–mid-August)

To receive credit (Geometry) or approved advancement (Calculus Topic A or C), all students must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency on a cumulative exam. The tests are online and hence can be administered remotely. The tests consist of multiple choice and free response (written) sections.

Students enrolled in Loomis Chaffee’s summer program will take this exam as a part of their coursework.
Students enrolled in Independent Study will take this exam in mid-August, administered by the Independent Study coordinator.

The following proficiency test scores are required to move forward:

85% or higher for Geometry
4 or higher for any Calculus topic

Students who do not reach the proficiency standards on their first attempt are allowed one retake.

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