5th Grade Math Acceleration Entrance Criteria
5th Grade Math Acceleration Criteria
The A2 Virtual+ Middle School Math Acceleration Program allows qualified 5th-grade students to move directly from 4th-grade math into Math 6. Acceptance criteria have been developed based on eight years of program experience, student success data, and alignment with AAPS Board Policy.
2026–2027 School Year Eligibility
Students must meet both of the following requirements to be considered for acceptance into the 5th Grade Math Acceleration Program.
Requirement 1: NWEA Math Achievement
Students must meet one of the following NWEA Math criteria:
- Minimum 4th Grade Spring NWEA Math RIT score of 242
- Minimum 4th Grade Winter NWEA Math RIT score of 235 and Fall NWEA Math RIT score of 226
The percentiles reported on the NWEA Progress Report represent national results. For reference, the top 10% of AAPS 4th-grade students scored approximately 235 or higher during the Winter administration and 226 or higher during the Fall administration.
The Spring NWEA score is an important factor in the acceptance decision because many grades earned in this program are based on assessments. Students who are still developing test-taking skills may benefit from waiting until 6th grade to participate.
Note: There are no entrance criteria for 6th-grade students who choose to enter the Middle School Math Acceleration Program.
Requirement 2: Report Card Performance
Students should demonstrate strong academic performance and readiness for independent learning.
- Math report card marks should be 3s and 4s, with evidence of consistently meeting or exceeding standards.
- Learning/Social Behavior marks should be 3s and 4s in all areas.
Social maturity and the ability to work independently are critical components of success in an online accelerated math environment.
If Your Student Does Not Meet the Requirements
Students who do not meet the entrance criteria still have multiple opportunities to participate in math enrichment and acceleration.
Future Math Acceleration Opportunities
5th Grade Math Enrichment
During the 2026–2027 school year, classroom teachers can provide access to DreamBox, which offers differentiated math content from grades 5 through Algebra 1.
Testing Out of Math 6
At the end of 5th grade (Spring 2027), students may attempt the Math 6 testing-out assessment.
6th Grade Online Math Acceleration
Beginning Fall 2027, students may enroll in Online Math 6A through the A2 Virtual+ Middle School Math Acceleration Program.
After successfully completing Math 6A, students may begin Math 6B immediately.
Acceleration Pathway Options
- Fall 2027 (6th Grade): Students beginning the A2 Virtual+ Middle School Math Acceleration program in 6th grade may complete Math 6 and Math 7 during one school year through successful completion of accelerated coursework.
- Spring 2027 (End of 6th Grade): Students may test out of Math 7 and, if successful, enroll in AC Algebra 1 as a 7th-grade student.