Homeschool math and science course chart with three paths
Last checked: Nov 4, 2026 (PT)
Math and science for each year from 7th to 12th grade, in three paths, with what each course needs first.
A common 7th to 12th grade plan runs math from Prealgebra to Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus and Calculus (Derek Owens FAQ), and science from General Science and Physical Science to Biology in 9th, Chemistry in 10th and Physics in 11th (Apologia course chart, PDF). A second publisher, BJU Press, sets each course a year later, and some students start faster, so the table below shows the first two paths by grade and the third follows it.
The plan, by grade
| Grade | Path 1 math | Path 1 science | Path 2 math (BJU Press) | Path 2 science (BJU Press) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th | Prealgebra | General Science | Math 7 | Life Science |
| 8th | Algebra 1 | Physical Science | Pre-Algebra | Earth Science |
| 9th | Geometry | Biology | Algebra 1 | Physical Science |
| 10th | Algebra 2 | Chemistry | Geometry | Biology |
| 11th | Precalculus | Physics | Algebra 2 | Chemistry |
| 12th | Calculus | Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics or Marine Biology | Precalculus | Physics |
Where each cell comes from:
- Path 1 math: Derek Owens gives the order and says "Most students take Algebra 1 in the 8th or 9th grade." His course pages say Geometry "is normally taken by students in grade nine or ten" and Algebra 2 "in grade ten or eleven" (FAQ; Geometry; Algebra 2). Precalculus in 11th and Calculus in 12th follow his stated order.
- Path 1 science: Apologia's course chart, grade by grade (PDF).
- Path 2: the grade listed for each course on BJU Press's own course list (BJU Press).
Path 3: a faster start
Two publishers name an early start, and that's as far as their pages go:
- Derek Owens: "Some advanced students take Algebra 1 in the 7th grade, but that is not common." (FAQ)
- Apologia says Biology could be done by an advanced student in 8th grade, and it has no math prerequisite (Apologia).
From there, follow Path 1 in order and check the "needs first" list before each science.
What each science course needs first
The math lines are the part parents tend to miss. Apologia's course chart lists these prerequisites (PDF):
- Physical Science: 7th grade math.
- Biology: no math prerequisite.
- Chemistry: Algebra 1.
- Physics: Algebra 1, Geometry and basic trigonometry.
So if Algebra 1 lands in 9th grade, Chemistry waits until at least 10th. Path 2 fits that: BJU Press lists Algebra 1 in 9th and Chemistry in 11th.
Is Algebra 1 in 7th grade normal?
It happens, but it's the fast lane. In Derek Owens's words:
"Most students take Algebra 1 in the 8th or 9th grade. Some advanced students take Algebra 1 in the 7th grade, but that is not common."
Geometry or Algebra 2 first?
Usually Geometry. Derek Owens lists Algebra 1, then Geometry, then Algebra 2, and says "Algebra 2 may be taken before Geometry if desired." (FAQ)
Does my teen need Precalculus?
Probably worth it. Derek Owens writes, "Most colleges require at least one math course that is more advanced than Algebra 2" (FAQ). Requirements differ, so check the schools your teen is looking at.
How many lab sciences?
Apologia says "Most colleges and universities require at least two lab sciences," and that Biology in 9th, Chemistry in 10th and Physics in 11th leaves senior year for an advanced science (Apologia). That's a publisher's summary, not a universal rule, so check your state and target colleges.
What about Physics First?
Physics First flips the order so students take physics before chemistry and biology. The American Association of Physics Teachers adopted a statement on it on April 13, 2002 (AAPT). Its guide says the emphasis "should be focused on conceptual understanding rather than mathematical manipulation" (AAPT guide, PDF). The catch: Apologia's Physics course lists Geometry and basic trigonometry first, so a Physics First year calls for a conceptual course.
Can I change the plan halfway?
Yes. Derek Owens says Algebra 2 may come before Geometry, and Apologia's chart says that for a student who is not science oriented, the courses can be spread over 2 years (FAQ; chart, PDF). Move a row, then recheck the "needs first" list.
Related: Plan hub, Competitions (ways to stretch an advanced student).