Middle School Subject Readiness Checks
Wondering if your student is ready to move into middle school level Biology or Pre-Algebra?
These quick 5-question readiness checks give parents a simple way to see whether the basic foundation is already in place β or whether a little review would help first.
How to Use the Readiness Checks
Choose the subject.
Your student can take the Biology check, the Pre-Algebra check, or both.
Let your student work independently.
We're looking for what they understand right now β not what Mom can whisper from across the room. π
View the recommendation.
Each quiz automatically gives you a score and a suggested next step.
Review or move forward.
If your student needs review, we'll point you toward the appropriate Schoolhouse Online resources.
Middle School Biology Readiness
This check is designed for students who have completed approximately 5th grade science and are preparing to move into middle school Biology.
What Should My Student Already Understand?
Students do not need to know Biology before taking Biology. However, they should recognize some basic life science concepts.
Living Things
Recognizing basic characteristics shared by living organisms.
Cells
Understanding that cells are the basic units of living things.
Plants
Having a basic understanding of how plants use sunlight.
Human Body
Recognizing major body systems and their basic functions.
Ecosystems
Understanding basic food chains and relationships between organisms.
Biology Readiness Check
Have your student choose the best answer for each question.
Build the Foundation Before Rushing Ahead.
If your child isn't quite ready for middle school Biology yet, that's exactly what this readiness check is meant to show you.
Students can strengthen their science foundation in our LIVE Grades 3β5 Science Class.
Mondays
12:30 PM EST
Schoolhouse Online
Students learn with a real teacher, ask questions, participate with other homeschool students and build the concepts they'll need before moving into more advanced science.
Explore the Live Science Class βFocus on These Skills
- Living and nonliving things
- Cells
- Plants
- Human body systems
- Food chains and ecosystems
Biology Parent Answer Key
1. They grow and change
2. Cell
3. To make food
4. Respiratory system
5. A food chain
Keep this closed until your student has completed the quiz.
Pre-Algebra Readiness
This quick check looks at the upper-elementary math skills students will use as they begin Pre-Algebra.
What Should My Student Already Understand?
Students do not need to know Algebra before starting Pre-Algebra. They should, however, have some familiarity with:
Whole Number Operations
Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Fractions
Equivalent fractions and basic fraction concepts.
Decimals
Decimal place value and basic operations.
Order of Operations
Knowing which operations should be completed first.
Beginning Variables
Understanding that a letter can represent an unknown number.
Pre-Algebra Readiness Check
Have your student choose the best answer for each problem.
Use the 5thβ6th Grade Math Lessons.
If your student struggled with several questions, spend some time strengthening those skills before moving fully into Pre-Algebra.
The review lessons are already available in the Schoolhouse Online Student Dashboard.
- Open the student dashboard.
- Choose 5th or 6th Grade.
- Select the Math class.
- Work through the lessons your student needs.
Focus on These Skills
- Multiplication and division
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Order of operations
- Simple unknowns and equations
Pre-Algebra Parent Answer Key
1. 8
2. 2/4
3. 5.75
4. 18
5. 7
Keep this closed until your student has completed the quiz.
Not Sure What Your Student Should Take?
That's exactly what our class walkthrough is for.
If you are unsure which grade or subject level your student should use, or if you need help getting their curriculum set up, schedule a 30-minute Class Walkthrough.
We'll help you understand your student's Schoolhouse classes and get them set up in Shmoop, where our elementary through high-school curriculum is housed.
Choose the Right Level
We'll help you decide whether your student is ready to move forward or would benefit from some review first.
Find the Right Classes
We'll show you how to locate the classes and curriculum your student should be using.
Set Up Shmoop
We'll help get your student's curriculum account set up so they can get started without Mom spending three hours wondering what she's supposed to click. π
Bring your questions. That's exactly what we're here for.
