About the Course

Excursions in Pre-algebra

Explore how mathematics relates to food, art, and history in this interactive pre-algebra course. Through weekly meetings, collaborative activities, and hands-on projects, you’ll sharpen your investigative skills, broaden your understanding of pre-algebra concepts, and connect mathematical knowledge to our world as you prepare for a more formal study of mathematics in middle school. This course is ideal for students who have a good understanding of the concepts leading up to pre-algebra, but want to expand their skills through world applications and projects. Additionally, students may schedule weekly one-on-one virtual meetings directly with the instructor to answer questions or concerns./p>

Meeting times
In this course, students are required to attend scheduled online meetings. These online meetings may be used to conduct class sessions, office hours, group work, or other instructional needs. Your instructor will communicate with you to schedule the first virtual class meeting and inform you of subsequent meeting days/times. 

The class will meet 1 day each week, for 1 hour. 

In the event you have a scheduling conflict, and cannot attend the synchronous meeting, contact your instructor prior to the meeting.

Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (1-hour of class time, 1-3 hours of independent work).

Course Overview

This course is

ungraded.

Classes

Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.

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12 weeks
$1,850
Enroll

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level CTY-Level Not required
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Sign up for Testing Learn More

Course Prerequisites

Excursions in Pre-algebra requires:

1 prerequisite

Successful completion of grade 8 mathematics or pre-algebra

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

CTY Financial Aid Availability for Online Programs

Academic Year 2025-26 (Course start dates July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026): Financial Aid funding is currently available for all eligible students while funding lasts. If interested in applying for financial aid, please select a course with start date of July 1, 2025, or later.

Learn More

Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
 

  • A few sheets of notebook paper, graph paper, printer paper
  • Four-function calculator
  • 10 Index cards
  • Highlighter
  • Pencil
  • Straight-edge
  • Compass
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Colored pencils, markers, or crayons

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

Terms & Conditions

Students may interact in online classrooms and meetings that include peers, instructors, and occasional special guests.

Virtual class meetings may be recorded for students to review.

After a you complete a course, your projects may be used to illustrate work for future students. 

About Mathematics at CTY

Our online Mathematics courses—spanning elementary through college-level curricula—cover a wide range of topics, from algebra and geometry to chess, cryptology, and AP Calculus and are guided by expert instructors. You’ll join group sessions with classmates to ensure you stay on track with challenging course content. Whether you’re looking for pure math fun and enrichment, to move up the math ladder and advance your honors and AP (and beyond) academic standing, or to train for mathematics competitions, there’s a CTY course that’s right for you.

New math enrichment courses available!

Explore our new math enrichment courses, including Excursions in Pre-algebra and Introduction to Logic and Proofs.

Join the exciting world of competitive math

Participate in the High School Math Club or enroll in 6 IP courses: Middle School Competitive Math I, Middle School Competitive Math II, Middle School Competitive Math III, Competitive Mathematics Prep, Competitive Mathematics I, Competitive Mathematics II.

Meet our Mathematics Instructors