Junior High Talented Math Program | Loyola Academy

Junior High Talented Math Program

Discover Your Potential Through Challenge and Curiosity

Loyola Academy’s Program for Talented Math Students (LAPTMS) is designed for exceptional seventh- and eighth-grade students who demonstrate advanced mathematical ability and a passion for learning. Rooted in Loyola’s Jesuit tradition of intellectual curiosity and reflection, the program encourages students to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and grow as confident problem-solvers.

Through this accelerated curriculum, participants progress through high school–level math—culminating in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus and post-calculus courses such as Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, or Honors Discrete Math.

This unique program nurtures both academic excellence and personal growth—inviting students to explore the beauty of mathematics while developing the discipline, perseverance, and critical thinking skills that prepare them to lead and serve others.

 

Program Overview
  • Open to students entering at the Algebra 1 or Geometry level. Students may begin in seventh or eighth grade.
  • Cost is $1,000
  • Classes follow the Loyola Academy academic calendar and meet daily 7:45 a.m. to 8:25 a.m.
Honors Algebra Qualifying Exam Information

The LAPTMS qualifying exam for Honors Algebra will take place on February 21, 2026, from 8:00 to 10:15 a.m. No calculators are permitted.

  • In order to take the LAPTMS qualifying exam, students must have a score of 88th percentile or above in math on a nationally normed standardized test taken in the current school year. A recommendation from a current math teacher is also required.
  • Students must earn a qualifying score on the LAPTMS exam in order to be invited to the program.
  • Topics on the exam are available here. 
To register, submit the following by February 12, 2026:
  • Completed Honors Algebra Qualifying Exam registration form.
  • A copy of the student's standardized test results emailed to LAPTMSadmissions@loy.org with the student's name and current school.
  • A recommendation from a current math teacher. Recommendations should be made using the recommendation form available here. Please give the form to the student's teacher.
Honors Geometry Qualifying Exam

The LAPTMS qualifying exam for Honors Geometry will take place on May 2, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The test will include a full year Algebra exam. Scientific calculators, TI-83 and TI-84 calculators are permitted for the Algebra skills portion of the exam. TI-89, TI-92 or calculators with a QWERTY keyboard are not allowed.

  • In order to take the LAPTMS qualifying exam, students must have a score of 88th percentile or above in math on a nationally normed standardized test taken in the current school year. A recommendation from a current math teacher is also required.
  • Students must earn a qualifying score on the LAPTMS exam in order to be invited to the program.
  • Prerequisite: Algebra 1
  • Topics on the exam are available here. 

Note: A student who maintains a B or higher in LAPTMS Honors Algebra 1 is automatically eligible for Geometry.

To register, submit the following by April 24, 2026:
  • Completed Honors Geometry Qualifying Exam registration form.
  • A copy of the student's recent standardized test results (88th percentile or above in math on a nationally normed standardized test taken in the current school year sent to LAPTMSadmissions@loy.org. You must include the student's first name, last name, and current school in the email.
  • A recommendation from a current math teacher. Recommendations should be made using the recommendation form available here. Please give the form to the student's teacher.
Course Sequence

Students in the LAPTMS program may begin with Honors Algebra 1 in seventh or eighth grade or with Honors Geometry in eighth grade.

A typical Loyola Academy student in this program follows this accelerated sequence:

  • Honors Algebra 1
  • Honors Geometry
  • Honors Algebra 2
  • Honors Pre-Calculus
  • AP Calculus BC
  • Multivariable Calculus / Linear Algebra or Honors Discrete Math

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