What is the correct order for the upper level math courses?

I have often been asked about the upper level sequence. There are two factors to consider when deciding in which order to take Algebras 1 & 2 and Geometry. The first is upper level science. In order to perform well in Chemistry, you need Algebra 1, and it is better to have Algebra 2 as well.  The more math a student has studied before Chemistry and Physics, the easier it will be for them.  The second factor has to do with prerequisites. In many Algebra 1 texts, exponents, square roots, and radicals are presented, which must be learned before studying Pythagorean Theorem which is a central topic in Geometry. In Math-U-See these topics are covered in Pre-Algebra and Geometry, which allows for some flexibility in the order a student studies upper level math. I still recommend the first sequence, but recognize there may be exceptional circumstances which warrant an alternate approach. Or, a student may just want to accelerate his study of Algebra 1 through PreCalculus. These alternatives are described below.

Recommended Sequence for Upper Level Math:

Algebra 1 – Geometry – Algebra 2 – PreCalculus (which includes Trigonometry)

If you are taking one course per year it would look like this:

Year 1 – Algebra 1
Year 2 – Geometry
Year 3 – Algebra 2
Year 4 – PreCalculus (which includes Trigonometry)

Alternative 1:

Take Algebra 1 and Geometry simultaneously. When you have completed these, take Algebra 2, followed by PreCalculus (which includes Trigonometry). If you choose this option, you will notice that Algebra 1 review lessons are systematically sprinkled throughout Geometry. Skip these lessons or do them as your knowledge of Algebra increases.

Year 1 – Algebra 1 and Geometry
Year 2 – Algebra 2
Year 3 – PreCalculus (which includes Trigonometry)

Alternative 2:

Take Algebra 1, then follow this by taking Geometry and Algebra 2 at the same time. The following years, you would be ready for PreCalculus (with Trigonometry). If you decide on this course of action, finish Geometry Lesson 18 before beginning Algebra 2 Lesson 22. Also, some of the last 5 questions on the tests deal with Geometry. Do them if you can, or skip them until you finish Geometry.

Year 1 – Algebra 1
Year 2 – Algebra 2 and Geometry
Year 3 – PreCalculus (which includes Trigonometry)