Seattle Public Schools is expanding access to advanced middle school math, aiming to ensure that students who are ready for accelerated coursework have a clearer and more consistent pathway, regardless of where they attended elementary school.
District officials say the changes are designed to address long-standing concerns from families about unequal access to advanced learning opportunities across schools.
Beginning this summer, SPS will introduce additional entry points into advanced math pathways, including a 12-week online summer program for incoming middle school students who are ready to accelerate.
The expansion follows feedback gathered from families during district listening sessions, where parents and students raised concerns about barriers to advanced coursework, particularly for students outside of the Highly Capable program.
“If a student is ready for advanced math, there should be a clear and predictable way for them to access it,” said Superintendent Ben Shuldiner. “This summer option is one step toward expanding opportunity and making sure readiness and interest guide experiences for students across the district.”
Under the updated approach, students will be identified for advanced math opportunities based on readiness, including performance on assessments such as the MAP test or eligibility for Highly Capable services, rather than the specific elementary school they attended.
Two pathways will be available for eligible students. Some will move directly into Compacted Math 7/8, while others will participate in the summer program to prepare for accelerated coursework in middle school.
The district says the expansion represents a significant increase in access. This year, 555 students from 57 elementary schools across Seattle will be invited to participate in the summer math program, including students who have demonstrated high achievement but are not formally identified as Highly Capable.
District leaders say this shift is intended to create more equitable access to advanced learning opportunities, particularly for students who may have previously faced barriers entering accelerated pathways.
“This work is about creating clearer onramps for students who are ready for advanced math,” said Dr. Paula Montgomery, director of Highly Capable Services. “By identifying students based on what they know and what they are ready for, we are reaching students across neighborhood schools in a more consistent way.”
Parents have also expressed support for the expanded options.
“We are switching our middle kid from private school to public school for 5th grade so he can hopefully take advantage of SPS adding new math acceleration pathways,” said parent Charlotte Taylor.
The summer program is scheduled to run from May 13 through Aug. 7, with schools finalizing student schedules for the 2026–27 school year later in August.
Families who receive invitations can find more information through the district’s Highly Capable Summer Math Program website or by contacting SPS directly.
