Bridge to Algebra
A fun, flexible, virtual 5-week program to keep math skills sharp and boost confidence before Algebra 1
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A virtual, self-paced enrichment course designed for students entering Algebra I. Perfect for families looking to sharpen foundational math skills and build algebra readiness over the summer—without the pressure of live classes.
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This 5-week self-paced summer program is designed to help your child enter Algebra with confidence — without taking over your family’s summer. Each week, you’ll receive a new lesson plan via Google Classroom that includes a pre-recorded lesson taught by Ms. Cara, printable practice, fun online games (like Blooket and Desmos), and fluency activities to strengthen core math skills. It’s completely flexible: students can start anytime and work on their own schedule. To keep them on track, your child will also get a 15-minute one-on-one Zoom check-in each week, plus access to direct email support. The full program is only $209, and extra tutoring is available at a discounted rate if more support is needed. It’s everything they need, without the summer slide.
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With over 20 years of experience teaching middle school math and a degree in mathematics, I’ve helped hundreds of students successfully transition into Algebra. This 5-week course blends the exact skills I know students need - taught the way I teach in my own classroom and tutoring sessions. It’s focused, flexible, and designed to build real confidence before Algebra begins.
FAQs
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5-Week Bridge to Algebra Curriculum
Week 1: Integer Operations & Order of Operations
Goal: Master positive and negative numbers, including operations and PEMDAS with integers.
Key Skills:
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers
Evaluating expressions with multiple operations
Understanding when and why negatives matter in algebra
Week 2: Expressions & Combining Like Terms
Goal: Build fluency with simplifying expressions and understanding algebraic structure.
Key Skills:
Identifying variables, coefficients, constants
Combining like terms
Using the distributive property
Week 3: Solving 1-Step & 2-Step Equations
Goal: Learn how to isolate variables and solve basic equations.
Key Skills:
Inverse operations
Keeping equations balanced
Application to word problems
Week 4: Graphing on the Coordinate Plane & Linear Relationships
Goal: Make connections between equations and graphs.
Key Skills:
Plotting ordered pairs
Identifying parts of the coordinate plane
Graphing linear equations from a table or rule
Intro to slope as rate of change (optional extension)
Week 5: Word Problems, Patterns, and Functions
Goal: Strengthen algebraic thinking and problem-solving.
Key Skills:
Translating word problems into expressions/equations
Identifying input/output relationships
Recognizing function rules and using function tables
Introduction to function notation (optional)
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This self-paced 5-week program is designed to give students entering Algebra the strongest possible start. Each Monday, students receive a new weekly lesson plan through Google Classroom that includes one to three short, engaging video lessons, printable practice worksheets, interactive online games (like Blooket and Desmos activities), and targeted fluency work to build foundational math skills. The curriculum is designed to take 15-30 min, 5 days a week. Students can enroll anytime and progress on their own schedule, with weekly one-on-one check-ins (15 minutes) via Zoom to ask questions and get personalized support. Additional tutoring is available at a discounted rate.
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The cost of the 5-week program is $209 which includes the curriculum, videos, email support, and a weekly live check-in with Ms. Cara. Payment can be made at time of enrollment via Venmo or PayPal.
Additional personalized tutoring may be purchased at a discounted hourly rate.
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One-on-one sessions last up to 15 minutes and are conducted via Zoom. Scheduling will be done on an individual basis, based on family and Ms. Cara’s schedule.
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With over 20 years of experience teaching middle and high school math and a degree in mathematics, I’ve helped hundreds of students successfully transition into Algebra. This 5-week course blends the exact skills I know students need — taught the way I teach in my own classroom and tutoring sessions. It’s focused, flexible, and designed to build real confidence before Algebra begins. Read more about me here.