Establishing Excellence in Mathematics for the Glory of God

Legacy Christian School is committed to nurturing the God-given potential of each student. The Advanced Math Program is designed to identify and support students who demonstrate advanced mathematical reasoning, allowing them to pursue accelerated content that challenges their abilities and prepares them to use their gifts to serve God and others.

Beginning at the end of Kindergarten, students will be identified annually for Advanced Math Placement. This process uses multiple measures, quantitative and qualitative, to ensure each student is appropriately placed and supported. When a student is placed in the Advanced Math in the initial year , they will skip a grade level and move one grade level ahead in math.

Students will be considered for Advanced Math Placement using the following data points:

A. Quantitative Data (Objective Measures)

• NWEA MAP Growth Assessments (Math):
  Legacy Christian uses the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to assess mathematical achievement and potential for advanced instruction.
  • Primary MAP is used primarily with Kindergarten and 1st Grade students and includes audio and visual support, making it accessible for emerging readers.
  • The standard MAP test is used with students in Grades 2–8 and with K–1 students who demonstrate independent reading ability.
  • These computer-based assessments dynamically adjust to each student’s current instructional level and can present content from kindergarten through high school, offering a robust measure of student potential—especially for high achieving learners.
  • NWEA MAP percentile scores indicate how a student performs in comparison to national norms. A 50th percentile is considered average; scores at or above the 95th percentile (for MAP) or 98th percentile (for Primary MAP) are used as key indicators of readiness for advanced math instruction.
  • It is important to note: no single criterion alone will qualify a student for advanced placement. The full student profile must be considered.
• ILEARN Summative Math Assessment:
  Students in grades 3-8 must score “Above Proficiency” on the spring ILEARN mathematics summative assessment to be considered for placement. This statewide measure provides an important benchmark of a student’s mastery of grade-level mathematical content and readiness for more rigorous instruction.
• Curriculum-Based Assessments:
  • End-of-year math summative assessments

Note: No single criterion alone will qualify a student for advanced placement. The full student profile must be considered.

B. Qualitative Data (Subjective Measures)

• Teacher Recommendation Form:
  • Input on mathematical reasoning, persistence, creativity, and classroom work habits
  • Observations of how the student approaches unfamiliar or complex problems
  • Evidence of consistent mastery of grade-level concepts

Step 1: Evaluation & Data Collection

Students are flagged for consideration through:

• NWEA MAP scores
• ILEARN mathematics summative assessment results
• Curriculum-based assessments
• Teacher recommendation forms

Step 2: Review Committee Meeting
The Advanced Math Placement Committee (teachers, school counselor, and administrators) reviews the full profile to determine placement.

Step 3: Notification
Parents are notified of placement decisions in June.

• Grades 1–5 (Above-Grade-Level Math Class Placement):
  Students identified for advanced math will attend the next grade level’s math class during the scheduled math block. For example, a 2nd-grade student placed in the Advanced Math Program will join the 3rd-grade class for math instruction only. These students will physically move to the higher-grade classroom and receive instruction
  alongside peers working at a similar level. Students will return to their homeroom for all other subjects. This scheduling is carefully structured so students do not miss any core instruction, including Bible, language arts, science, social studies, or specials. This model ensures students are appropriately challenged in math while remaining integrated with their grade-level peers for the rest of the school day.
• Grades 6–8 (Continued Above-Grade-Level Placement and Algebra I):
  Students in 6th and 7th grades who qualify for advanced math will continue taking the math class one grade level above their current grade level. In 8th grade, students in the Advanced Math Program will take Algebra I, providing a strong foundation for high school math. Based on performance, effort, and teacher recommendation, students may be placed into Geometry upon entering high school.

• Probation or Exit:
  If a student struggles significantly, they may be placed on probation with a plan for support. If growth is not evident, the committee may recommend a return to the standard math track, with parent consultation. Parents may also elect to withdraw their student from the Advanced Math Program if they see it would be a better fit for their student to be in the general math class with their peers.

Mathematics reflects the order, design, and faithfulness of our Creator. At Legacy Christian, students are taught to approach problem-solving and excellence with humility and gratitude (Colossians 3:23). The Advanced Math Program supports students in using their academic gifts to glorify God and serve others with diligence, creativity, and integrity.

• A parent guide outlining this process is distributed annually
• Optional spring info sessions help families understand placement criteria and timelines
• Teachers communicate with parents throughout the year about student progress, enrichment, and ongoing assessment