Math

Note: These are just recommendations. All courses and their descriptions can be found (look for the Cedar Ridge classes) here.

For math courses, this site recommends taking Adv. Algebra II in 9th Grade if possible, or, if it is not, taking Adv. Geometry. Taking Pre-Calculus (Known as PreCal) in 9th Grade leads to much harder classes later on, leaving a larger negative impact on GPA. Taking on-level math courses is not worth it, for they teach the same material at a slightly slower pace while greatly negatively impacting GPA.

When possible, this site recommends taking AP math courses. Additionally, this site recommends taking Calculus as close to college as possible. If you wish to take AP Statistics, you cannot take it between Algebra II and PreCal unless you take it with either simultaneously.

This site recommends to take OnRamps Pre-Cal if you can since as of 2025, Cedar Ridge does not have an AP Pre-Cal class. This class is a college class at the University of Texas while simultaneously being a high school class. It is a great way to get a head start on college since you can get a college credit for most colleges in Texas and some out of state, but the class can be a bit hard for some.

Instead, students can take Advanced Precalculus if they prioritize their grade over the college credit or if they find college-level courses too difficult.

Ranking (Easiest to Hardest)

Algebra I

Ranking: Easy (Only on-level is available at Cedar Ridge)

Algebra I is a very easy course for students in math, though this site would not recommend taking it in high school because of the negative GPA impact (it is on-level).

Adv. Geometry

Ranking: Middle

Geometry is easy for most students, but for students that are weak at math, it can ruin their GPA. If you think you are one of these students, this site recommends doing prep for Geometry before taking the course. Also Geometry involves some different skills than Algebra which can affect the difficulty.

Adv. Algebra II

Ranking: Easy-Middling

The creator of this site found Algebra II an easy course, but, for others, it can ruin their grades insanely quickly. Be sure to learn topics beforehand if you wish to excel.

OnRamps Pre-Calculus

Ranking: Middling-Hard

OnRamps PreCal is a college class taken simultaneously in high school where you have a college and high school professor. This class is for people who work better without teacher intervention. You can earn a college credit for this class if you want and it can save you money in college. This course also costs a fee which is less than that of it in college which gives reason to take this course

AP Calculus AB

Ranking: Hard

AP Cal AB is a hard course, but it is manageable for most students. It is a good introduction to calculus and is recommended for students who want to take calculus in college.

AP Calculus BC

Ranking: Hard

AP Cal BC is a hard course, but it is manageable for most students. It is a good introduction to calculus and is recommended for students who want to take calculus in college.

AP Statistics

Ranking: Hard

AP Statistics is a hard course, but it is manageable for most students. It is a good introduction to statistics and is recommended for students who want to take statistics in college.