Parents at James Denman Middle School and across San Francisco say the district’s much-touted return of Algebra 1 to eighth grade still is not being implemented in regular classrooms for many students. At Denman, PTA leaders, teachers, and advocates say students are being nudged toward an online class or a rushed summer option instead of a standard, in-person course. They warn that those workarounds could choke off the pipeline to AP Calculus and other college-track math if the district does not follow through in full.
Pilots, not a systemwide return
The school board voted 6-1 in February 2024 to reinstate Algebra 1 and launched pilot programs at seven schools for the 2024-25 academic year. In practice, this meant that only about one-third of K-8 and middle schools ran pilots, leaving most campuses without on-site Algebra 1 instruction during the regular school year. According to the district, it is testing three approaches: an “Algebra 1 for all” model, a compressed Math 8 and Algebra 1 option, and an extra math period for students who qualify. As laid out by SFUSD, the goal is a full rollout by the 2026-27 school year.
Parents and teachers say the options fall short
At James Denman, longtime math teacher Rori Abernathy did not mince words about the district’s self-paced online Algebra 1 program, calling it “It should just be killed with a stick,” and a parent who used the course described it as literally a set of videos that his child painstakingly had to complete. PTA leaders say staff at the school have offered to teach an in-person Algebra 1 class, but the principal did not respond to requests for comment. Those accounts and quotes were reported by The San Francisco Standard.
District says it's committed, but won't promise in-person
SFUSD spokesperson Laura Dudnick told the district is “committed to providing Algebra 1 as an option to all 8th grade students in the 2026-27 school year.” Still, she would not say whether that option will be an in-person class during the regular school day. Superintendent Maria Su said the board will make that call next semester after reviewing the pilot through classroom observations, focus groups, and teacher surveys, according to The San Francisco Standard.
New curriculum and a big target
This fall, the district approved a new K-8 math curriculum and linked it to a significant benchmark: increasing eighth-grade proficiency to 65% by 2027, up from approximately 42% in 2022. SFUSD says that new instructional materials, additional coaching, and enhanced digital tools are central to this push. The curriculum adoption and proficiency goals are outlined in an SFUSD press release from August 7, which details the rollout and describes how the district plans to expand access to Algebra in the middle grades.
Research adds pressure
A March 2023 study from the Annenberg Institute found that the previous policy of delaying Algebra I until ninth grade did not significantly reduce racial inequities and was linked to a drop in AP math placement of approximately 15% across the district. Parents and advocates frequently cite that paper as they argue that equitable access requires a strong, in-person Algebra option in middle school. The research is available via EdWorkingPapers.
Legal and political pressure
Parents filed a lawsuit in 2023, challenging the district’s math placement practices. Community advocates followed up with a ballot measure, Proposition G, which urged SFUSD to offer Algebra 1 by eighth grade and passed with overwhelming support. Reporting on the legal challenge appeared in local coverage, including The Frisc, and the city’s voter information on Prop G is posted on the City and County of San Francisco.
What parents are watching
Families and teachers say the next few decisions will tell them whether the district’s promise turns into meaningful access or stays on paper. They are looking for a clear timetable, specific staffing plans, and strong in-class support. Advocates want the board to commit to offering in-person, school-day Algebra 1 classes at more sites and to outline how students who struggle will be supported. The outcome will shape math pathways for San Francisco students for years to come.
