Why Algebra 1 Prep Course?

Because walking in to math class with strong foundation is the key to algebra success!

Many students want to make the jump into Algebra 1, but worry that they're not ready.  Well, I say the best way to learn algebra is to just do it! 


In this course, we'll go straight in to first semester Algebra 1 material so that students are fully prepared for class in the fall. 

As students work through the concepts, their confidence will skyrocket as they realize they can really DO the math!

Along with the essentials, I'll also share tricks and tips that I have compiled over my 14 years of teaching and tutoring Algebra and Geometry at the middle school and high school levels. 

Content Covered:

  • Solving Linear Equations

  • Graphing & Writing Linear Equations

  • Solving Linear Inequalities

  • Solving Systems of Linear Equations

  • Polynomials

Meeting Info 

This course will meet 12 times over 6 weeks. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour from 12:00-1:00 PM Pacific Time. 

Our first meeting will be Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020, and our last meeting will be on Thursday, July 30th, 2020. 

Weekly meetings take place live online via Zoom and are facilitated by me, Penny Kostaras, Wise Student Founder and Academic & Life Skills Coach. 

Testimonials

DOWN TO BUSINESS

“Working with Penny in math was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made in the interest of my education.  She is understanding and gets down to business right way.  Her step by step explanations are easy to follow and it was relieving to finally have the tools to help me understand material I had struggled with before.”

— Nicholas Y., Burlingame, CA


GUIDANCE & CLARITY

"During the first month of attending her new STEM Academy for 8th grade, my daughter began to struggle with Algebra because of the different way it was taught.  After their first session, my daughter and Penny had a magic relationship.  Her grade went from a low C to an A!  Penny is clear with her teaching and gives advice based on the students capabilities.  Penny inspires her students to reach for realistic goals while also challenging them to achieve more than they thought they could. As a Freshman in high school, my daughter is in Geometry and is keeping an easy A.  Penny’s guidance has given our daughter the structure she needed to apply to all her classes to be successful.” 

— Charlene H., Burlingame, CA


JOYFUL LEARNING

“Penny is an outstanding teacher! Three of my children have worked with Penny, and all of them looked forward to seeing her each week. She has an encouraging teaching approach that helps kids build confidence and truly enjoy learning.  One of my kids even said, ‘School would be so much better if Penny was my teacher all of the time.’”

— Jen N., Hillsborough, CA 

Purchase Options

Your student is ready to rock Algebra 1! Enroll today by making a payment with PayPal or credit card here:  

FAQ

  • Who is this course for?

    The course contents are geared towards rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders either taking Algebra 1 in the fall or for those who are looking to challenge themselves over the summer!

  • How do I enroll my student?

    Once you purchase the course, you'll be prompted to create a new account with the student's first name, last name, email, and password. Please make sure to enter the student's first & last name and email in these main fields so that the proper name appears on the course site. There are also optional fields where you can add a parent or guardian's name and email address to receive emails from me.

  • How do meetings work with Zoom?

    Weekly meetings take place via Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday morning from late June to early July. You'll need to download the Zoom driver to your computer first to connect to the meeting via a link that you can access once you sign up. Download the program a few days before the first meeting to make sure it works. Once the meeting starts, I conduct it like a classroom. We go through each question one by one and I have a whiteboard that I write on which students can see on their screens while also being able to view me as I speak.

  • Will students be able to ask questions?

    Yes! All students will be able to ask questions and we will go at a pace that suits all learners. If it seems like we went over a concept too quickly, students can always go back to the recording and re-watch and pause the video. Each week, students will gain the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in Algebra 1, including number sense and essential background knowledge of the concepts they'll need to approach their school math class, homework, quizzes, and tests with confidence. Students will be able to see me write on my white board as I show them how to do the problems and offer them problems to practice on their own. Students are able to ask questions freely during the lesson.

  • What about privacy?

    Students have the option of participating with their cameras on or they can choose to keep them off and still have voice capability and use of chat features. When a student speaks with their camera off, only their voice can be heard when they talk. If a student prefers, they can go by an alias that only I know and I will call them by that name.

  • What if my student has to miss a meeting?

    If students have to miss a meeting, a video recording will be available within 24 hours after the live session. Recordings will be saved and filed by date within the course.

  • Will there be homework?

    The course is designed to be exploratory and fun so I will not assign homework. Our meetings offer students the chance to cultivate an affinity for algebra as we take the pressure off. They will be able to implement the strategies naturally into their in their school work; however, I can point students to extra work and resources if they, or their parents, are interested.

  • Can I take this course and another Wise Student course simultaneously?

    Absolutely! Algebra 1 prep course students are welcome to enroll in Wise Student 101 and/or Success Sundays during the school year. It’s always helpful to have a proven organizational system and dedicated time to focus on planning for the week ahead when you’re a busy student.