Access to Algebra

Registration for 2026 Bridge Courses for Access to Algebra is open October 14, 2025, through November 3, 2025. CLICK HERE to register!

Information about Renaissance Star Testing will be shared with families in February after our winter benchmark assessment window.

Click here to view the Access to Algebra Family Information Session Deck - Available on Oct 14th

The District 97 Middle School Access to Algebra program is offered to all eligible students in Grades 5-7 to ensure a pathway to Integrated Math I (Algebra) by 8th grade. The program includes Access to Algebra Bridge Courses and the Spring Renaissance Star testing pathway. You may access the charts that include the two pathways students in grades 5-7 may select to be considered for acceleration in the area of Access to Algebra Pathways.

*Please note that if your student successfully passes through one of the Access to Algebra pathways, they will be enrolled in Integrated Math 1 for eighth grade. Integrated Math 1 is the first class in a series of courses where students are exposed to algebra, geometry, and statistical thinking. This change was made over the last two years to align with Oak Park River Forest High School’s math courses so our students would be better prepared for their high school math trajectory.

Need assistance?
Please contact UDL Director Emilie Creehan at [email protected], Director of Teaching and Learning, regarding questions about the Access to Algebra Bridge Courses. Administrative assistant Allie Foleno may be contacted at [email protected] for all registration questions.


Bridge Courses: Key Things to Know

Eligible Students

Students who are currently accelerated in mathematics are NOT ELIGIBLE for the Bridge Courses or Spring Renaissance Star pathway. Accelerated students must go through the single-subject acceleration process if they wish to double accelerate. The purpose of this program (Access to Algebra) is for students to gain access to Integrated Math I before high school. Our accelerated students already have access to this course.


Overview: Access to Algebra Bridge Courses for Grades 5-7

DESIGNED FOR:

Students in grades 5-7 who are seeking to advance to the next level of math instruction so they will have access to algebra before high school.

OUTCOME

Through the bridge course, students may advance to the next level of math instruction by:

  • Scoring 80% or higher on the end-of-course exam; AND
  • Participating in the 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)* in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics.

COURSES

(See below for course descriptions.)

Math 6 Bridge: Fifth-grade students seeking to test into Math 7 for sixth grade

Math 7 Bridge: Sixth-grade students seeking to test into Math 8 for seventh grade

Math 8 Bridge: Seventh-grade students seeking to test into Integrated Math I for eighth grade

WHEN/WHERE:
TRIMESTER 2 & 3

5TH, 6TH, AND 7TH GRADE

  • When: November 17, 2025 - June 2, 2026 (Monday through Friday, during the school day based on the established schedule at their home school)
  • Where: Home school

There is NO SUMMER portion of the program this year. The entire course will take place during the school year.  

REGISTRATION October 14, 2025 - November 3, 2025 (4:30 p.m.). CLICK HERE to register.
COST There is no cost to participate in this program.
ATTENDANCE

Consistent bridge course attendance during Trimester 2 and 3 and summer sessions is essential for your student’s success. Therefore, the attendance expectation is 80% for all Bridge courses. We expect students to arrive and depart on time every day, and that families will inform the teacher if an unexpected illness or issue arises which impacts their attendance. Attendance will not prevent a student from taking the end-of-course exam.

PLACEMENT COMMUNICATION

We will communicate mathematics placement for the 2026-27 school year to families in June. Please contact Brooks Principal April Moriarty at [email protected] or Julian Principal Nick Filipowski at [email protected] if you have questions regarding your student’s math placement.

*Note about IAR: The IAR is a state-mandated assessment that determines whether or not a child has mastered grade level standards. This metric is critically important in determining academic performance for all students, particularly in the area of mathematics. In order to begin to phase in IAR as a component of math acceleration, mandated participation (not performance) will continue to be implemented this year. In subsequent years, a performance requirement will be added. IAR performance will inform, but not dictate math course placement.

Bridge Course Descriptions

Important Dates to Remember

Access to Algebra Bridge Courses
(Trimester 2 and 3)
Dates
Registration Opens Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Registration Closes

Monday, November 3, 2025

Trimester 2 and 3 Session Begins

November 17, 2025 (5th-7th) 

Trimester 2 and 3 Session Ends

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

End-of-Course Exam Friday, May 22, 2026