Placement Testing
2026-27
Math Placement Testing
World Language Placement Testing
Spanish Placement Exam
Latin Placement Exam
Mandarin Placement Exam
Mathematics Placement Testing
Placement Testing Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
HC Math Department
At Houston Christian, students are required to earn credit in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, in this order These courses are offered at the regular and honors levels Students will take a placement test for the course that follows the one they are currently taking
Since the math courses in high school build upon the previous courses, it is important students have strong foundational content knowledge and be placed in appropriate courses. With that in mind, we have designed placement tests to assess where each student's current mathematical understanding is
This is not a test for which students should study or need to study We want to know what math knowledge has been retained at this point. However, we want students to be familiar with the format of the test and the content that will be covered. We also don’t want the vocabulary to impede their ability to answer the questions With that in mind, this document provides test objectives for each placement test Again, students do not need to study for this test
If a student is currently in Algebra 1, they may need to repeat Algebra 1 at Houston Christian during their freshman year
After Algebra 2, there are a variety of courses that students may take to earn their 4 credits of high school math See the chart below if this applies to your student
Our Mathematics teachers review all exams Afterwards, parents and students will receive an exam score and a recommendation of placement Should you have any questions about placement results, please contact Mrs. Julie Bermel, Mathematics Department Chair at jbermel@houstonchristian.org.
Houston Christian Math Courses
On- Level Classes
Honors/ AP Classes
Algebra 1* Algebra 1 Honors*
Geometry* Geometry Honors*
Algebra 2* Algebra 2 Honors*
Pre Calculus Pre Calculus Honors
College Algebra (Juniors and Seniors only)
Intro to Statistics (Seniors only) AP Statistics
Calculus AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC
*Incoming freshmen students may not be required to take this course at Houston Christian if they earned credit at their previous school and show mastery of the course based on the placement test
Math Placement Exam
The students' current math course and the course they are requesting will determine which placement test is required
Current Math Class Course Requested
Math 8, PreAlgebra, or Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Pre-Assessment
Math 8, PreAlgebra, or Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Honors Algebra 1 Mastery
Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 1 Mastery
Algebra 1 Geometry Honors Algebra 1 Mastery
Geometry Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Pre-Assessment
Geometry Algebra 2 Honors Algebra 2 Readiness
Algebra 2 Precalculus, Precalculus Honors, College Algebra or Intro. to Statistics
Precalculus Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC or AP Statistics
Precalculus Readiness
Calculus Readiness
Algebra 1 Pre-Assessment
This assessment is for incoming students who have requested to take Algebra 1 . Algebra 1 Pre-Assessment Objectives
Assessment objectives are listed with links to sample problems through Kahn Academy
● The student can perform operations ( with integers +, ,×,÷)
○ Signs of sums
○ Subtracting negative numbers
○ Adding and Subtracting negative numbers
○ Multiplying negative numbers
○ Dividing negative numbers
● The student can perform operations ( with positive and negative +, ,×,÷) fractions.
○ Adding and subtracting negative fractions
○ Multiplying positive and negative fractions
● The student can evaluate functions for a given input value.
○ Evaluating expressions with one variable
○ Evaluate functions
● The student can evaluate numerical expressions using order of operations.
○ Order of operations (basic)
○ Order of operations with fractions and exponents
● The student can simplify algebraic expressions
○ Combining like terms with negative coefficients
● The student can solve equations and inequalities
○ Two-step equations
○ Two-step inequalities
○ Equations with variables on both sides of the equation
● The student can graph linear functions and identify the slope-intercept form of a line using the graph
○ Graph from slope-intercept form
○ Slope-Intercept equation from graph
● The student can factor trinomials with a leading coefficient of one.
○ Factoring quadratics intro
Algebra 1 Mastery Assessment
This assessment is for incoming students who have requested to take Honors Algebra 1, Geometry or Honors Geometry
Algebra 1 Mastery Assessment Objectives
Assessment objectives are listed with links to sample problems through Kahn Academy.
● Simplifying numerical and algebraic expressions
○ Order of operations (basic)
○ Order of operations with fractions and exponents
○ Equivalent Expressions
○ Combine like terms with negative coefficients and distribution
○ Factoring quadratics intro
○ Factoring quadratics with a common factor
● Solving equations and inequalities including literal expressions
○ Equations with variables on both sides
○ Equations with parentheses
○ Multi-step linear inequalities
● Solving systems of linear equations
○ Systems of equations with graphing
○ Systems of equations with substitution
○ Systems of equations with elimination
○ Number of solutions to a system of linear equations
● Translate English sentences into algebraic equations or inequalities
○ Writing expressions with variables
● Answer questions and work with different representations of linear functions (for example, graphs, tables, and equations)
○ Khan Academy Algebra I: Unit 4 Linear Equations & Graphs
○ Khan Academy Algebra I: Unit 5 Forms of Linear Equations
Algebra 2 Pre-Assessment
This assessment is for incoming students who have requested to take Algebra 2.
Algebra 2 Pre-Assessment Objectives
Assessment objectives are listed with links to sample problems through Kahn Academy.
● The student can simplify algebraic expressions.
○ Equivalent Expressions
○ Combine like terms with negative coefficients and distribution
● The student can solve multi-step equations and inequalities
○ Equations with variables on both sides
○ Equations with parentheses
○ Multi-step linear inequalities
● The student can solve equations by factoring
○ Quadratics by factoring (intro)
○ Quadratics by factoring (with leading coefficient not equal to 1)
● The student can evaluate linear and higher order functions for a given input value.
○ Function evaluation
● The student can graph linear equations and inequalities and quadratic equations.
○ Graphing from slope
○ Graph from slope-intercept form
○ Graph quadratics in vertex form
○ Two-variable inequalities from their graphs
● The student can write the slope-intercept form of a linear equation given a graph, points, or parallel or perpendicular lines
○ Graph from slope-intercept form
○ Slope-Intercept equation from graph
○ Slope-intercept from two points
○ Write equations of parallel and perpendicular lines
● The student can perform operations ( with polynomials +, ,×)
○ Subtract polynomials (into)
○ Add and subtract polynomials: two variables
○ Multiply binomials
● The student can solve systems of linear equations by different methods such as graphing, substitution, and elimination.
○ Systems of equations with graphing
○ Systems of equations with substitution
○ Systems of equations with elimination
○ Number of solutions to a system of linear equations
Algebra 2 Readiness Assessment
This assessment is for incoming students who have requested to take Honors Algebra 2.
Algebra 2 Readiness Assessment Objectives
Assessment objectives are listed with links to sample problems through Kahn Academy Formula Chart Provided on Test
● The student can apply the ratios of sides in the 2-special right triangles
○ Khan Academy Geometry: Right Triangles and Trigonometry
● The student can solve for the area of composite figures
○ Area of Composite Shapes
● The student can solve for missing sides and angles in right triangles.
○ Khan Academy Geometry: Right Triangles and Trigonometry
● The student can solve for missing parts of similar figures using proportions and solve for missing angles using angle relationships.
○ Solve Similar Triangles
○ Angle Relationships with Parallel Lines
● The student can solve for total surface area and volume of prisms.
○ Surface Area and Volume
● Simplifying numerical and algebraic expressions
○ Order of operations (basic)
○ Order of operations with fractions and exponents
○ Equivalent Expressions
○ Combine like terms with negative coefficients and distribution
○ Factoring quadratics intro
○ Factoring quadratics with a common factor
● Solving equations and inequalities including literal expressions
○ Equations with variables on both sides
○ Equations with parentheses
○ Multi-step linear inequalities
● Solving systems of linear equations
○ Systems of equations with graphing
○ Systems of equations with substitution
○ Systems of equations with elimination
○ Number of solutions to a system of linear equations
● Translate English sentences into algebraic equations or inequalities
○ Writing expressions with variables
● Answer questions and work with different representations of linear functions (for example, graphs, tables, and equations)
○ Khan Academy Algebra I: Unit 4 Linear Equations & Graphs
○ Khan Academy Algebra I: Unit 5 Forms of Linear Equations
Precalculus Readiness Assessment
This assessment is for incoming students who have requested to take Precalculus, Honors Precalculus, College Algebra or Introduction to Statistics.
Precalculus Readiness Objectives
● Quadratic Functions
○ Solving Equations and Inequalities
○ Identifying graphical features
○ Understanding nature of the discriminant and its relation to the number and types of solutions
● Rational Functions
○ Simplifying
○ Solving Equations
● Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
○ Solving equations
○ Evaluating expressions
○ Identifying graphical features, including basic transformations
Calculus Readiness Assessment
This assessment is for incoming students who have requested to take Honors
Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC or AP Statistics
Calculus Readiness Objectives
● Operations and Solving Equations with
○ Fractions
○ Trigonometry
○ Exponent Laws
○ Composite functions
○ Exponentials
● Graphing including linear, quadratic, exponential, piecewise, and trigonometric functions
● Problem solving involving critical thinking applications
Revised: March 6, 2026
World Language Placement Testing
Placement Testing Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
HC World Language Department
Houston Christian’s World Language Department offers regular classes in Mandarin and regular and honors classes in Latin and Spanish Students are required to take a minimum of one year of a world language at HC; two are required for graduation
Houston Christian strongly encourages any student who has taken at least one year of a language in middle school to take our placement exam. We understand that testing can be a stressful experience, and we want you to do your best! Below you will find the format of the exams, as well as vocabulary and grammar topics you can expect to see on each level of the exams.
Our World Language teachers review all exams Afterwards, parents and students will receive an exam score and a recommendation of placement Should you have any questions about placement results, please contact Ms Michele Webb, World Language Department Chair at mwebb@houstonchristian.org.
Houston Christian World Language Courses
On- Level Classes
Spanish 1*
Spanish 2*
Spanish 3
Spanish 4: Conversations & Culture
Latin 1*
Latin 2*
Mandarin 1*
Mandarin 2*
Mandarin 3
Mandarin 4
Honors/ AP Classes
Spanish 1 Honors*
Spanish 2 Honors*
Spanish 3 Honors
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Latin 3 Honors*
Latin 4 Honors
*Incoming freshmen students are eligible to place in any of the starred courses Incoming freshmen who have passed the AP Spanish exam in 8th grade are eligible to enroll in Spanish 4 Conversation and Culture
Spanish Placement Exam
The Spanish Language Placement Exam has the following sections:
● Multiple choice
● Reading comprehension
● Short answer / translation
● Short paragraphs
Students must demonstrate mastery of the concepts taught in Spanish 1 in order to be placed in Spanish 2 or Spanish 2 Honors
Spanish 1 Vocabulary
Spanish 1 Grammar
● Nouns - plural and singular, masculine and feminine
● Definite and Indefinite Articles
● Infinitives
● Negatives
● Gustar and Encantar
● Adjective agreement and placement
● Word order (statement vs question)
● Subject pronouns
● Ser vs. Estar
● Ir + a + Infinitive
● Prepositions of location
● Asking questions - Interrogatives
● Telling time
● Possessive adjectives (short form)
● Unequal comparisons
● Superlatives
● Affirmative tú commands
● Present progressive tense
Present tense conjugations:
● Regular -ar, -er, -ir
● Ir
● Jugar
● Stem changing verbs (o→ue, e→ie, e→i)
● Tener and Tener expressions
● Venir
● Dar
Spanish 2 Vocabulary
Spanish 2 Grammar
● Stem-changing verbs
● Affirmative and negative words
● Making comparisons
● Saber and conocer
● Hace + time comparisons
● Reflexive verbs
● Ser vs Estar
● Possessive adjectives
● Demonstrative adjectives
● Using adjectives as nouns
● Preterite of regular verbs
● Irregular preterite verbs: ir/ser, I group, U group, J group, oír, leer, creer, destruir, dar, ver
● Preterite of -ir stem-changing verbs
● Irregular affirmative tú commands
● Irregular present progressive
● Direct and Indirect object pronouns
● Verbs that use indirect object pronouns
● Imperfect tense: regular and irregular verbs
● Imperfect progressive and preterite
● Preterite vs. imperfect
● Present perfect tense
The Spanish 3 placement exam is for transfer students only. Students must demonstrate mastery of the concepts taught in Spanish 2 in order to be placed in Spanish 3 or Spanish 3 Honors.
Latin Placement Exam
The Latin Language Placement Exam has the following sections:
● Vocab
● Grammar
● Reading Comprehension
Students must demonstrate mastery of the concepts taught in Latin 1 in order to be placed in Latin 2
Latin 1
Latin 1 Vocabulary
Latin 1 Grammar
● Cases
○ Nominative
○ Genitive
○ Dative
○ Accusative
○ Ablative
○ Vocative
● Declensions
○ Nouns
■ 1st Feminine
■ 2nd Declension Masculine and Neuter
■ 3rd Declension (M/F and N)
○ Adjectives
■ 1st/2nd style
■ 3rd style (1, 2 and 3 terminations)
● Verbs
○ 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 3rd -io Conjugations
○ Irregulars (sum, possum, eo, fero and nolo)
○ Present Tense Only
● Agreement of adjectives
● Prepositions
● Questions
● Imperatives
○ Incl. irregulars like: dic, duc, fer, fac
● Turning adjectives into adverbs
● Relative pronouns qui, quae, quod
● Demonstrative pronouns is, ea, id, ille, illa, illud
● Personal pronouns ego, tu, is/ea/id
● Reflexive pronouns
● Demonstrative pronouns hic, haec, hoc, ipse, ipsa, ipsum (intensive)
Latin 2
Latin 2 Vocabulary
Latin 2 Grammar
● Verb Tense / Voice / Mood
○ Imperfect and future active indicative
○ Formation of perfect stems
○ Perfect/Pluperfect/Future Perfect Active Indicative
○ Present, future and imperfect passive, indicative
○ Present participles
○ Perfect passive participle
○ Perfect, future perfect, and pluperfect passive, indicative
○ Subjunctive present; active and passive
● Adjectives / Adverbs
○ Comparative and superlative adjectives
○ Irregular superlatives
○ Comparative and superlative adverbs
○ Adjectives alter, uter, uterque
● Numbers (1-20, 50, 100, 1000)
● Nouns
○ 1st-5th declension
○ Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative, Ablative, Vocative and Locative
○ Locative case
○ Uses of the ablative
● Expressions of time
○ Abl Time When
○ Abl Time Within Which
○ Acc of Duration
● Expressions of place
○ Abl Place Where
○ Acc Place to Which
● Misc Ablatives
○ Means/Instrument
○ Manner
○ Accompaniment
○ Respect/Specification
○ Separation
○ Source/Material
● Relative clauses
Students must ALSO demonstrate mastery of the concepts taught in Latin 2 in order to be placed in Latin 3.
Mandarin Placement Exam
The Mandarin Language Placement Exam has the following sections:
● Multiple choice
● Reading comprehension
● Short answer / translation
● Essay
Students must demonstrate mastery of the concepts taught in Mandarin 1 in order to be placed in Mandarin 2
Mandarin 1
Vocabulary
Revised: March 6, 2026