Course Placement Process

Mathematics Placement

We take great care to ensure every incoming student is placed in the math class that is the most appropriate level of challenge. In determining this placement, we examine every student's math placement test results, HSPT scores (Math, Quantitative, and CSQ scores), and additional middle school data (both quantitative and qualitative). This information helps us to make the best math placement decision for every incoming student. This is an intensive review process that ensures we are evaluating multiple data points along with our analysis of historical data about student success to make the best math placement decisions for students. 

Math Placement Test

To ensure student success in math classes, we require every incoming freshmen to take a math placement test in April. Kaley Trump, Math Department Chair, will share more about math curriculum and advanced math placement at Curriculum Night 2 on March 18, 2025. 

The math placement test options are dependent on the math class students are taking in middle school. Which math placement test should my child take? 

• Currently studying Pre-Algebra/Math 8: Math Skills Assessment 

• Currently studying Algebra 1: Algebra 1 Mastery Exam

The Math Skills Assessment and the Algebra 1 Mastery Exam testing window is 1 hour or 1.5 hours with extended-time accommodations.

• Currently studying Geometry: Algebra 1 and Geometry Combo Mastery Exam 

• Currently studying Algebra 2: Algebra 2 Mastery Exam 

• If your student has already taken Algebra 1 and Geometry, and is currently taking Algebra 2: two exams are necessary- Geometry Mastery Exam and Algebra 2 Mastery Exam. Since the student is taking the Algebra 2 Mastery Exam, it is not necessary to take the Algebra 1 portion of the combo exam.   

The Algebra 1 and Geometry Combo Mastery Exam, the Geometry Mastery Exam, and the Algebra 2 Mastery Exam testing windows are 2 hours or 3 hours with extended-time accommodations.

Math course placement decisions are based on the mastery exams in April, High School Placement Test scores, and a portfolio of information submitted through the application process. The course options are as follows.

• Algebra Prep and Algebra 1

• Algebra 1

• Geometry (Regular or Honors)

• Algebra 2 (Regular or Honors)

• Precalculus Honors

Math placement is reevaluated every year through the course scheduling process. There are multiple pathways for students in math courses.  Every student, no matter what their freshman placement is, has the opportunity to take Calculus or other AP or Dual Credit courses their senior year, if that is their individual goal.

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FORMAT AND DETAILS OF MATH PLACEMENT TESTS

Math Skills Assessment 

• The Math Skills Assessment consists of short answer and multiple choice questions on which your work, as well as correctness of your answer, will be graded.  Partial credit will be given where appropriate.

• Please allow one hour for regular time and 90 minutes for students with accommodations.  

• All students who have not taken one full year of Algebra I must take this exam.

• This exam will focus on various middle school math skills.

Algebra I Mastery Exam

• The Algebra I Mastery Exam consists of short answer questions on which your work, as well as the correctness of your answer, will be graded.  Partial credit will be given where appropriate.  

• No calculators are permitted.

• Please allow one hour for regular time and 90 minutes for students with accommodations.

• Students who have taken at least one full year of Algebra I should take the Algebra I Mastery Exam.

• Algebra I List of Topics - Click here to view.

Algebra I and Geometry Combo Mastery Exam

• Incoming freshmen who took Geometry for middle school credit must take and pass a mastery exam in order to receive credit at Brebeuf.

• The Geometry and Algebra I Combo Mastery Exam consists of two parts: Algebra I Mastery Exam and Geometry Mastery Exam.  Students will have one hour for each part for a total of two hours to complete the exams.  Please allow three hours for students with accommodations.  

• The Algebra I Mastery Exam portion consists of short answer questions on which your work, as well as the correctness of your answer, will be graded.  Partial credit will be given where appropriate.  

• The Geometry Mastery Exam portion consists of short answer and multiple choice questions on which your work, as well as the correctness of your answer, will be graded.  Partial credit will be given where appropriate.

• Students should bring a scientific, non-graphing calculator to the exam for the Geometry portion. 

• Algebra I List of Topics - Click here to view.

• Geometry List of Topics - Click here to view.

Algebra II Mastery Exam

• The Algebra II Mastery Exam consists of short answer questions on which your work, as well as the correctness of your answer, will be graded.  Partial credit will be given where appropriate.  

• Students should bring a scientific, non-graphing calculator to the exam.

• Please allow two hours for regular time and three hours for students with accommodations.  

• Students who have taken at least one full year of Algebra II should take the Algebra II Mastery Exam.

• Algebra II List of Topics - Click here to view.

Please email Kaley Trump, Mathematics Department Chair, at ktrump@brebeuf.org for questions regarding math placement and placement tests.

English Placement

Sarah O'Keefe, English Department Chair, will present more about English curriculum and advanced course placement for Honors English 9 at the Curriculum Night 1 on March 4, 2025.  

Please click here for information about the difference between Honors English 9, and English 9.

Students who are interested in taking Honors English 9 should indicate that preference on the Summer School Enrollment and Course Request Form 1, which will be shared with families on March 5, 2025, and the deadline for submission is March 17, 2025. English course placement results will be shared with families in April.

There is not an additional placement test for Honors English 9 consideration. For students who indicate a desire for English 9 Honors consideration on the Course Request Form 1 (due on March 17), there is a portfolio review of application materials.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah O’Keefe, English Department Chair, at sokeefe@brebeuf.org.

Matt Mayer, Social Studies Department Chair, will present more about the social studies curriculum and advanced course placement for AP World History at the Curriculum Night 1 on March 4, 2025.  

Please click here for information about the difference between World Civilization and AP World History.

Students who are interested in taking AP World History should indicate that preference on the Summer School Enrollment and Course Request Form 1, which will be shared with families on March 5, 2025, and the deadline for submission is March 17, 2025. Social studies course placement results will be shared with families in April.

There is not an additional placement test for AP World History consideration. For students who indicate a desire for AP World History consideration on the Course Request Form 1 (due on March 17), there is a portfolio review of application materials.

If you have any questions, please contact Matt Mayer, Social Studies Department Chair, at mmayer@brebeuf.org.

World Languages Placement

Kris Schwickrath, World Languages Department Chair, will share more about language curriculum and the placement process at Curriculum Night 2 on March 18, 2025.

The study of World Languages at Brebeuf Jesuit is not only a graduation requirement, but it is an opportunity to develop as global citizens where students are called to understand other cultures, make global connections, and learn French, Latin, or Spanish.

Choosing a Language to Study--Learning Beyond the Classroom

When choosing a language to study at Brebeuf Jesuit, students have the opportunity to explore interests and experience an array of enrichment opportunities through travel and clubs, which provide an experiential learning component that extends the learning beyond the classroom. Brebeuf Jesuit students can apply and deepen their learning through service and language immersion travel options to El Salvador, Spain, France, and Italy. Local and regional field trips also extend classroom curricula. Additionally, we offer clubs that are connected to the study of languages and world cultures. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore their passions and interests--all while developing their language skills.  

Click here to learn more about Global Travel Experiences.
Click here to learn more about Clubs and Co-Curricular Opportunities.

World Languages Placement Process

To ensure student success in world language classes, we provide an intentional placement process that ensures that students are properly challenged in their world languages classes. Students have the opportunity to continue the study of a language or begin a new language for their freshman year.

What are the steps for studying a new language?

All Class of 2028 students who intend to study French, Latin, or Spanish for the first time, there is no additional world language placement test required. You will indicate your elective language choice on Course Request Form 2 (sent on March 19), and you will be scheduled to begin in a Level 1 course.

Am I required to take a world language placement test?

All Class of 2029 students who intend to study French, Latin, or Spanish and meet ANY of the following criteria below are required to take a placement test in that language. You will indicate your elective language choice on Course Request Form 2 (sent on March 19), and you will register for a world language placement test in April. 

• Previous formal study (elementary or middle school language coursework; summer enrichment camps; online coursework)

• Lived or studied abroad for any length of time

• Use the language at home

More information about world language placement tests, registration, format, and expectations will be shared at Curriculum Night 2 on March 18, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Kris Schwickrath, World Languages Department Chair, at kschwickrath@brebeuf.org.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT WHEN TAKING THE PLACEMENT TEST?

• 60 minute exam that is progressive by design

• The questions will generally increase in difficulty, so students should not be surprised to eventually encounter material that is unfamiliar to them.

French:

• Multiple choice covering vocabulary and grammar concepts in the target language.

• Essay questions that allow students to express themselves and discuss their personal interests.

Spanish:

• Several prompts in English that require a response in Spanish.

• Reading comprehension

• An objective multiple choice section

Latin:

• Multiple choice, reading comprehension, fill in the blank and translation.

• The Latin test has a free response section in English.

HOW TO STUDY?

• Students do not need to study or prepare for any specific part of the exam.  It is designed to assess your current level of language learning so that you can be placed in the course most appropriate for you.

If you have any questions, please contact Kris Schwickrath, World Languages Department Chair, at kschwickrath@brebeuf.org.

Science Placement

Robin Esteb, Science Department Chair, at resteb@brebeuf.org, will share more about the science curriculum and placement at Curriculum Night 2 on Wednesday, March 18, 2025.

All freshmen at Brebeuf Jesuit are enrolled in Biology. For students who have taken high school Biology in middle school, have earned high school credit, and can provide an official high school transcript for their Biology coursework, they may bypass the Biology mastery exam in order to take Honors Chemistry during the freshman year. For students who can not provide an official high school transcript for their Biology coursework, they will take a Biology mastery exam.