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Application

Anyone interested in joining Ms. Chan’s Honors Algebra I class should  sign up and submit tuition to hold a spot.

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Course Description

This Honors Algebra 1 course uniquelly combines the rigor and depth traditionally associated with strong Asian mathematics education with the modeling, interpretation, and conceptual communication emphasized in modern U.S. honors curricula.

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The course was shaped by my own experience being educated in both Asian and Western educational systems. I have been fortunate to experience two very different philosophies of mathematics instruction, each with distinct strengths. Through the Asian approach, I developed strong algebraic fluency, disciplined problem solving habits, and a deep understanding of mathematical structure through rigorous practice and abstraction. Through the Western approach, I learned to approach mathematics more creatively by connecting concepts, interpreting ideas visually and contextually, and integrating mathematical thinking across different subjects and real-world applications.

 

Many traditional U.S. Algebra 1 courses focus heavily on procedures and calculator-supported graphing, but students may have fewer opportunities to develop deep algebraic fluency and solve complex multi-step problems. At the same time, many traditional Asian mathematics programs are exceptionally strong in algebraic structure, abstraction, and non-routine problem solving, but can sometimes place less emphasis on mathematical modeling, interpretation, explanation, and multiple representations.

 

This course is intentionally designed to combine the strengths of both approaches while avoiding their common limitations.

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Students develop:

• deep algebraic fluency

• strong symbolic manipulation skills

• structural reasoning

• advanced factorization techniques

• non-routine problem solving

• mathematical precision and abstraction

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while also learning to:

• interpret functions and graphs

• connect equations, graphs, tables, and verbal descriptions

• model real-world situations mathematically

• explain and justify reasoning clearly

• analyze contextual data

• use technology meaningfully 

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Major topics include:

• linear equations and inequalities

• functions and graphing

• systems of equations

• polynomial operations and factorization

• quadratic equations and functions

• proportional reasoning and modeling

• algebraic identities and structure

• inequalities in two variables

• real-world applications and data interpretation

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Instruction balances:

• procedural fluency and conceptual understanding

• abstraction and application

• symbolic reasoning and interpretation

• rigorous practice and exploratory investigation

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By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• manipulate algebraic expressions fluently and efficiently

• reason structurally about equations and functions

• solve unfamiliar multi-step problems

• interpret and analyze mathematical relationships

• communicate mathematical thinking clearly

• connect multiple representations of the same concept

• apply algebra meaningfully to real-world contexts

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The result is a rigorous and modern Honors Algebra 1 experience that develops both technical mastery and conceptual sophistication, preparing students for advanced mathematics courses and higher-level mathematical thinking beyond procedural computation alone.

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Who Should Apply?

All students should have successfully completed Pre Algebra.

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Why Take This Class?

This is the first high school math sequence, designed to build a strong algebraic foundation for future coursework, including Precalculus, AP® Statistics, and AP® Calculus. Drawing on the strengths of both Asian and Western educational traditions, the course emphasizes deep conceptual understanding, structured problem solving, and mathematical reasoning, rather than rote memorization alone.

Students learn not just how to solve problems, but why the mathematics works, developing logical reasoning and clear mathematical communication. This approach provides a strong and lasting foundation for success in advanced mathematics.

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Course Fee

Early Bird Special: $625
After June 30: $679

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Textbook and Materials

No textbook is required. Ms. Chan provides all instructional materials.

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Technical Requirements

• Computer with high speed internet access, email capability and camera

• Smartphone or scanner to save multiple handwritten pages as a single PDF file

•  Graphing calculator: TI 89, TI Nspire, or TI 83/84 Plus. Students may use other graphing calculators; however, a College Board approved calculator is a good investment and can be used for years to come. 

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Course Delivery

A. Asynchronous Components

Students access class materials on Canvas at any time. All materials are available 24/7.

• Video lectures for each lesson by Ms. Chan

• Weekly assignments, quizzes, chapter tests, and exams

• Discussion forum for questions, monitored by TAs and the instructors

 

B. Optional Live Sessions

One optional live Zoom session per week focusing on key concepts and challenging assignments. Attendance is optional and recordings are provided. The course is designed to be asynchronous, so students who are unable to attend live classes will not be at a disadvantage. Student who cannot attend the class should watch the recording.

Live sessions are taught by Mr. Clark. (See instructor qualifications.)

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Course Schedule

Optional live Zoom session meets every on Wednesday at 12 pm - 12:55 pm EST
The course runs from August 25, 2026 through early May 2027. Breaks are to be determined.

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Grading and Assessment

• Homework and Quizzes: Homework is extremely important. Students’ success in this class depends on their ability to complete and understand the homework problems. Watch the video lessons and complete the homework.

• Chapter Tests: There will be a test at the end of each chapter. All tests are closed books. You cannot use the internet, any textbook nor notes.

• Exams: There will be a midterm and final exam.

 

Questions and Support

Students may ask questions through the discussion forum or bring them to the live Zoom sessions. 

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Instructor Qualifications

Amelia Chan
She holds an M.A. in Mathematics from Columbia University in New York and dual B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a math instructor at De Anza College. Her professional background includes work as an Investment Banker, Financial Software Engineer, and Actuarial Consultant. After her children began school, she chose to homeschool them, designing customized courses to fit their individual abilities and needs. Through this experience, she began teaching mathematics to homeschool co ops and after school programs. Many of her students have excelled academically and won national math competitions. She has taught mathematics online and in person for over 20 years and is passionate about teaching students from around the world and supporting their success in mathematics. For more information about her and her teaching philosophy, please visit About Me.

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Dorr Clark

Mr. Clark holds a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Santa Clara University. He was a mathematics and computer science instructor in the Graduate School of Engineering at Santa Clara University for 28 years. He brings decades of experience as a software engineer and is an expert in networking, with extensive industry experience and conference speaking engagements. After working as a software engineer, he chose to dedicate his time to teaching mathematics, technology, and debate to young students (www.clarksdebate.com). He has taught AP® Calculus to homeschooling students and has co taught summer math camps with Ms. Chan, making advanced mathematical ideas accessible through intuitive and exploratory learning. In addition to teaching, Mr. Clark has homeschooled his three now-adult children. and is the founding Debate Chair of the StoaUSA National Speech and Debate League, bringing an emphasis on logical reasoning and clear communication to his instruction.

 

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