The Facts

Thanks to your emails, algebra will once again be offered in 8th grade. Nearly 350 GrowSF supporters emailed the district to demand a better math curriculum and the district has listened!

Anna Bauman at the San Francisco Chronicle reports that SFUSD’s 2026-27 algebra proposal would let 8th graders choose between Math 8 and Algebra 1, or even take both at the same time if they want.

District staff said an updated Math Placement Policy will go to the Board of Education on March 24, 2026 to formalize 8th-grade algebra.

The Context

In 2014, San Francisco made the horribly misguided decision to get rid of 8th grade algebra and force all kids into the same math class, even if they were capable of more. For over a decade, middle schoolers couldn't take algebra.

SFUSD’s new plan reverses that 2014 mistake and sets a path for 8th grade algebra in every school by next school year.

The GrowSF Take

This is a meaningful improvement, and it happened because you spoke up. Nearly 350 GrowSF supporters emailed the district in under 48 hours, and that pressure helped avert a bad plan that would have forced many students to give up electives. Today is one of those days that makes this whole project worth it. Thank you!