Preparing Students Who Struggle with Math for the Algebra Exit Exam: What You Can Do

For many Chicago Public Schools students, the Algebra Exit Exam can feel especially challenging, particularly for those who have struggled with math in the past. Because the exam is designed to measure readiness for high school-level coursework, it requires not only familiarity with algebra concepts but also confidence, stamina, and strong problem-solving habits. With the right support and strategies, however, students who find math difficult or don’t necessarily feel confident in algebra can still make meaningful progress and perform successfully on the exam.

One of the most important first steps is identifying specific gaps in understanding. Students who struggle with math are often missing foundational skills, such as working with integers, fractions, or basic equations, which can make higher-level algebra feel overwhelming. Going back to the basics of understanding algebra concepts by reviewing classwork, quizzes, and practice assessments can help pinpoint whether difficulties stem from conceptual misunderstandings, procedural errors, or test-taking habits. Once these gaps are clear, preparation becomes far more focused and effective.

Building confidence through practice is equally important. Many students who struggle with math develop anxiety that interferes with performance, even when they know how to solve a problem. Regular, low-pressure practice helps students become more comfortable with the types of questions they will see on the Algebra Exit Exam. Working through problems step by step, explaining reasoning out loud, and revisiting mistakes without judgment can shift a student’s mindset from frustration to persistence.

Because the Algebra Exit Exam emphasizes linear relationships, equations, functions, and systems, preparation should focus on mastering these core topics rather than trying to review everything at once or completely mastering all algebra topics. Breaking content into manageable pieces allows students to experience small successes, which builds momentum over time. Visual support such as graphs, tables, and real-world examples can be especially helpful for students who struggle with abstract concepts.

Time management can be another common challenge for students. The exam is timed, and students who struggle in math may spend too long on difficult questions and lose points they could have earned elsewhere. Teaching pacing strategies, such as recognizing when to move on, eliminating incorrect answer choices, and returning to challenging problems later, can significantly improve overall performance. Practice tests under timed conditions help students learn how to balance accuracy with efficiency.

The fact is, preparing for the Algebra Exit Exam is not just about passing a test. It is about helping students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in high school math and beyond. With early intervention, focused practice, and the right support system, students who struggle with math can approach the Algebra Exit Exam with greater confidence and a stronger foundation for future success.

Test Prep Chicago is equipped to assist students with prep for the Algebra Exit Exam, no matter where they are in their math journey. Though our Algebra Exit Exam prep courses have already begun, we still have two Algebra Exit Exam one-day workshops running this weekend (click here), which involve students taking a practice test based on the real exam, breaking for a pizza lunch provided by us, and reviewing answer explanations and test-taking strategies with a tutor. TPC also has individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students looking for one-on-one, personalized help on their Algebra Exit Exam prep. This can be especially useful for students who may struggle in group settings or with algebra topics. With the exam coming up next week, be sure to take advantage of these final test prep opportunities for your student!

Content Overview: Algebra I Topics Seen on the Algebra Exit Exam

For students in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) taking Algebra I in middle school, the Algebra Exit Exam is an end-of-course assessment designed to measure mastery of the key algebra skills taught during that year and to help determine readiness for higher-level math in high school. The exam aligns with the district’s Algebra I curriculum and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and it draws directly from the critical concepts students encounter in their algebra studies, preparing them for mathematical studies that they will encounter in high school. Succeeding on the Algebra Exit Exam can help students go down accelerated math pathways in high school, and later, in college. Below, we will review the content and structure of what to expect on the Algebra Exit Exam.

The Algebra Exit Exam typically includes around 40 questions that mix multiple-choice items with numeric response problems. Students are given about 120 minutes to complete it. This format requires a strong ability to reason, make educated guesses, and solve problems efficiently and in an organized manner, encouraging students to show not just correct answers but understanding of mathematical processes.

While we don’t know exactly what will be on the test, we expect to see common Algebra topics addressed. This will include things like linear relationships; students need to interpret, represent, and manipulate linear equations and inequalities, solve them using a variety of methods, and connect algebraic expressions to graphs, tables, and real-world contexts. Other common Algebra topics that may be seen on the exam include slope, intercept, translation, functions, systems of equations, inequalities, and quadratic equations. Throughout the Algebra Exit Exam, emphasis is placed on understanding equivalent expressions, manipulating algebraic structures, and using mathematical reasoning to justify solutions. Students also interpret and analyze data, which connects algebraic thinking to real-world problem solving.

It is important to note that the exam, similarly to ones that a student would encounter in-class, assumes that students are confident with expressions and equations. This means students must be comfortable simplifying various expressions, applying the distributive property, combining like terms, and using algebraic reasoning to model and solve problems. These foundational skills support the more complex work with functions and systems.

While TPC’s Algebra Exit Exam prep courses have already begun, we still have one-day Algebra Exit Exam workshops available for enrollment (click here), which involve students taking a practice test based on the real exam, breaking for a pizza lunch provided by us, and reviewing answer explanations and test-taking strategies with a tutor. TPC also has individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students looking for one-on-one, personalized help on their Algebra Exit Exam prep.

What You Need to Know About Whitney Young's Academic Center

With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up this month and next, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Whitney Young’s Academic Center, a program that has thus far helped over 4,000 students achieve their goals through accelerated learning and early access to high school level classes.

Whitney Young High School is situated in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Admittance to Whitney Young’s Academic Center is highly coveted, as it also grants admittance to Whitney Young High School. This can certainly relieve a lot of stress from students, as they will not have to participate in Chicago’s highly competitive high school admissions process. Whitney Young advertises a “six-year plan” for enrolled 7th grade students, and the high school courses offered to middle school students can allow them increased flexibility to pursue their interests in their junior and senior years at Whitney Young.

Whitney Young 7th graders receive high school credit for their math and science classes. Additionally, these students have the opportunity to take high school level electives. 8th grade students will also receive high school credit for their Social Studies and English classes. Electives offered to Academic Center students at Whitney Young include Robotics, Computer Science, Piano, Orchestra, Dance, Drama, Film and Video, Graphic Design, various foreign language classes, and more!

Admission scores for Selective Enrollment Academic Centers are calculated on a 600-point scale. 300 points are determined by the Academic Center Entrance Exam, and 300 points are determined by 5th grade scores in math, reading, science, and social studies. While we cannot know the scores required for admittance into Whitney Young for the 2026-27 school year, last year’s cutoff scores for Whitney Young are listed below:

Rank                    Min. Point Total

Tier 4                                   565.5

Tier 3                                   542.5

Tier 2                                   547.5

Tier 1                                   507.5

Admission to Whitney Young is highly competitive, and the Academic Center Entrance Exam is a key component in the admissions process. Currently, Test Prep Chicago is offering individualized tutoring (click here), a self-paced online course (click here), and one-day workshops (click here) to ensure our students are as prepared as possible for the exam. Our extensive curriculum covers Number Series, Verbal and Figural Analogies, Paper Folding, Number Puzzles (Algebra), Figural Matrices, and more. We prepare students for every possible section that can appear on the ACEE. It is not too late to begin your student’s prep!

To find out more about Whitney Young Academic Center’s courses or extracurriculars, visit their website: here. To see the cutoff scores for all Selective Enrollment Academic Centers, click here.

All About Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center

With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up this month and next, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center, a program with a long-standing reputation in Chicago Public Schools and a strong option for students ready for accelerated academics in middle school.

Kenwood Academy's Academic Center is a selective enrollment public school located in Chicago’s Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood, which serves students in grades 7 and 8. Like with any Academic Center attached to a CPS selective enrollment high school, students who complete their 7th and 8th grade years at the Academic Center are guaranteed a seat at Kenwood Academy High School should they want it, allowing for a smooth transition into ninth grade.

One of the defining features of Kenwood’s Academic Center is that it places middle school students in a high school setting with increased academic expectations. The program is designed to provide accelerated instruction that goes beyond the standard middle school curriculum, helping students develop strong study habits, independence, and readiness for high school coursework. Academic Center students take core classes such as math, science, English language arts, and social studies at an advanced pace compared to traditional middle schools. Kenwood’s Academic Center also stands out for offering students the opportunity to earn high school credit while still in middle school, depending on the course. These credits can count toward high school graduation requirements for students who remain at Kenwood, giving them early exposure to advanced academic pathways. This structure allows motivated students to move into higher-level coursework once they enter high school.

As part of the larger Kenwood Academy community, Academic Center students benefit from being on a campus with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Kenwood Academy is known for its strong arts programs, including band, choir, and visual arts, as well as competitive athletic teams that participate in the Chicago Public League. The school also offers numerous student organizations and clubs that support interests in leadership, academics, and creative expression. While participation rules vary by activity, Academic Center students are connected to this broader environment, and are able to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Overall, Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center offers a well-rounded academic experience for students who are ready for greater challenges and responsibilities in middle school. At Test Prep Chicago, we support students preparing for the Academic Center Entrance Exam/Regional Gifted Center Test by offering one-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring (click here). Our programs focus on building strong test-taking strategies, reinforcing essential tactics and skills necessary to succeed on the exam, offering plenty of test-taking practice, and helping students approach the test with confidence. Interested in learning more about the exam itself? Check out our breakdown here.

CPS High School Admissions Test Paused Due to Technical Difficulties

Due to technical difficulties, CPS has delayed High School Admissions Testing for many public schools across the city. In an email today to principals and network leadership, CPS assessment officials stated that many schools were experiencing technical issues with the testing platform.

Some schools were able to access the test with no issues. In email communications, it was indicated that students who finish the test today will be able to use their scores in their GoCPS applications. Any school that experienced difficulties was instructed to stop testing and wait for a rescheduled date, which will be shared “as soon as possible”.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

An Overview of Morgan Park Academic Center

Morgan Park Academic Center (also known as Morgan Park) resides in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood and is situated on the south side of Chicago. Similar to the other six Academic Centers, Morgan Park Academic Center is made up of 7th and 8th graders. Morgan Park offers their students the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum. In doing so, Morgan Park Academic Center is able to thoroughly prepare its students for their future academic endeavors. Upon completion, students are automatically accepted into the 9th grade IB MYP Cohort at Morgan Park High School.

To elaborate, Morgan Park’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme allows students to take 9th grade level curriculum which in turn allows the students the opportunity to earn high school credits. Therefore, when students are entering their high school years, they are better advantaged to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses during their later years. Additionally, students are assigned a dedicated counselor specifically for Academic Center students and their counselor remains with them until they enter the 9th grade. This is also supplemented by Student Academic and Social Supports for continued, consistent support during their 7th and 8th grade years. 

Morgan Park Academic Center lets students choose between studying Spanish or French coupled with an elective course of either band or chorus through their duration of 7th and 8th grade years. Students are also encouraged to participate in clubs and select sports programs such as NJHS, Student Council, Boys & Girls Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Flag Football, etc. Transportation is also provided to students who live more than 1.5 miles away from Morgan Park Academic Center. 

To find more information for Morgan Park Academic Center, please visit Morgan Park High School’s website and click the Academic Center tab: https://morganparkcps.org/

Ramisha Ejaz, Tutoring Coordinator
ramisha@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266