8th Grade Advanced Algebra
St. Teresa’s Academy, a longstanding leader in college-preparatory education, is offering Advanced Algebra I to eighth-grade girls who are talented in mathematics and excited to learn.
We are committed to developing math skills in young women to support their interest in STEM/STEAM fields, or simply to become more innovative and critical thinkers.
Students must first complete a Math Qualifying Exam.
Key Dates
- Two testing options are available:
- June 2 (Tuesday) – 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- June 3 (Wednesday) – 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- June 8 – Students will be notified of their acceptance into the course
- August 1 – Final payment of $1,000 is due
Please see important details below.
Contact Mandi Sonnenberg, Director of STEAM Projects & Education, with any questions.
The course is taught by highly qualified STA faculty. It is a year-long course that begins August 17, 2026. Classes take place daily (while school is in session) from 7:00-7:40 a.m., before your daughter’s regular school day begins.
There are numerous advantages to taking the course:
- Students will earn one full high-school math credit, which will be granted upon successful completion of the class.
- Students who pass the course and go on to attend STA their freshman year will have their freshman-year registration fee waived (current value $500).
- Course is still $1200.
- Transcripts will reflect the grade and credit earned, but will not be calculated into the student’s GPA. She still will need to earn four math credits during her four years at STA.
- Students successfully completing the course will be considered for placement into Geometry or Honors Geometry their freshman year.
- The core components of an Advanced Algebra I curriculum will be included, but with a focus on more exploratory and authentic applications. Students will develop their technology skills and be issued an STA computer.
- Opportunities are available for college dual enrollment and Advanced Placement in math and science during the student’s junior and senior years, as well as in computer sciences.
NOTE: Five recorded absences from the class per semester may lower the student’s grade for the course.
Students must successfully complete the Math Qualifying Exam at STA to be admitted to the course. The exam requires a $200 deposit*, which will be applied to the cost of the class. The additional $1,000 will be due by the course registration deadline, August 1, 2026. Payment plans are available. The next exam dates are
- June 2 (Tuesday) – 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- June 3 (Wednesday) – 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
* Students will be notified of their acceptance into the course on or before June 8, 2026. Those who do not qualify for the course will be refunded the exam fee.
Please contact Dr. Mandi Sonnenberg, Director of STEAM Projects & Education, or Belinda Toma, math instructor, with questions.
Belinda Toma joined STA’s math department in 2018. Prior to joining STA, she taught for 11 years at a diocesan school in New Jersey.
Teaching high school math is a second career for Belinda. She graduated from Boston College with a degree in management and economics, and worked for many years in the banking industry. While tutoring students for the SAT, Belinda discovered her passion for teaching high school.
At STA, Belinda has taught the Advanced Algebra I/II courses and Algebra II. She looks forward to teaching Advanced Algebra I again this year. She’s excited about introducing students to higher-level Algebra concepts, challenging their critical thinking skills, and developing their voice in the classroom.