Application

Anyone interested in joining Ms. Chan’s Honors Algebra I class should fill out the application and submit tuition to hold a spot.

If you are interested in a self paced version of this course, please sign up via www.mathamelia.com.

Course Description

This course introduces the foundational concepts of algebra, focusing on the language and structure needed for higher-level mathematics. Topics include variables and expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, graphing linear functions, systems of linear equations, and proportional relationships. Students will also study exponents, polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations, and basic radical expressions. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and connecting algebraic representations to real-world applications.

Who Should Apply?

All students should have successfully completed Pre Algebra.

Why Take This Class?

This is the first high school math sequence, designed to build a strong algebraic foundation for future coursework, including Precalculus, AP® Statistics, and AP® Calculus. Drawing on the strengths of both Asian and Western educational traditions, the course emphasizes deep conceptual understanding, structured problem solving, and mathematical reasoning, rather than rote memorization alone.

Students learn not just how to solve problems, but why the mathematics works, developing logical reasoning and clear mathematical communication. This approach provides a strong and lasting foundation for success in advanced mathematics.

Course Fee

Early Bird Special: $650
After June 30: $695

Textbook and Materials

No textbook is required. Ms. Chan provides all instructional materials.

Technical Requirements

• Computer with high speed internet access, email capability and camera
• Smartphone or scanner to save multiple handwritten pages as a single PDF file
•  Graphing calculator: TI 89, TI Nspire, or TI 83/84 Plus. Students may use other graphing calculators; however, a College Board approved calculator is a good investment and can be used for years to come. 

Course Delivery

A. Asynchronous Components

Students access class materials on Canvas at any time. All materials are available 24/7.

• Video lectures for each lesson by Ms. Chan
• Weekly assignments, quizzes, chapter tests, and exams
• Discussion forum for questions, monitored by TAs and the instructors

B. Optional Live Sessions

One optional live Zoom session per week focusing on key concepts and challenging assignments. Attendance is optional and recordings are provided. The course is designed to be asynchronous, so students who are unable to attend live classes will not be at a disadvantage. Student who cannot attend the class should watch the recording.

Live sessions are taught by Mr. Clark. (See instructor qualifications.)

Course Schedule

Optional weekly live Zoom session meets every week on Tuesday at 1 pm - 1:55 pm EST
The course runs from August 25, 2026 through early May 2027. Breaks are to be determined.

Grading and Assessment

• Homework and Quizzes: Homework is extremely important. Students’ success in this class depends on their ability to complete and understand the homework problems. Watch the video lessons and complete the homework.
• Chapter Tests: There will be a test at the end of each chapter. All tests are closed books. You cannot use the internet, any textbook nor notes.
• Exams: There will be a midterm and final exam.

Questions and Support

Students may ask questions through the discussion forum or bring them to the live Zoom sessions. 

Instructor Qualifications

Amelia Chan
She holds an M.A. in Mathematics from Columbia University in New York and dual B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a math instructor at De Anza College. Her professional background includes work as an Investment Banker, Financial Software Engineer, and Actuarial Consultant. After her children began school, she chose to homeschool them, designing customized courses to fit their individual abilities and needs. Through this experience, she began teaching mathematics to homeschool co ops and after school programs. Many of her students have excelled academically and won national math competitions. She has taught mathematics online and in person for over 20 years and is passionate about teaching students from around the world and supporting their success in mathematics. For more information about her and her teaching philosophy, please visit www.mathamelia.com.

Dorr Clark
Mr. Clark holds a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Santa Clara University and is a former mathematics instructor in the Graduate School of Mathematics at Santa Clara University for 28 years. After working as a software engineer, he chose to dedicate his time to teaching mathematics and debate to young students (www.clarksdebate.com). He taught AP® Calculus to homeschooling students and has co taught summer math camps with Ms. Chan, making advanced mathematical ideas accessible through intuitive and exploratory learning. In addition to teaching, Mr. Clark has homeschooled his three children and is the founding Debate Chair of the StoaUSA National Speech and Debate League, bringing an emphasis on logical reasoning and clear communication to his math instruction.

Testimonial (more at www.mathamelia.com)

There are many math teachers in this area but what makes Amelia different is her love for students. She does not only guide the student’s math education but genuinely cares for their emotional well being. There is a lot of pressure studying in this area. We need more teachers that are thoughtful, encouraging and loving like Amelia.   

Amelia, you have made a strong impression on my daughter in the first lesson. She said that if you were their math teacher for Algebra, everyone would love you. She does not enjoy math but you have made her feel really comfortable with it just by one class. That is a huge compliment coming from a very critical almost teenage girl. Thank you. 

My two daughters have worked with many tutors and taken many math classes even Russian Math school and Amelia Chan has been by far the most skilled at explaining math concepts in a quick, efficient smart way that has translated to very high scores on placement exams.  She is no nonsense and respects our time and efforts and I would highly recommend her. 

When we started tutoring with Amelia, we were having trouble with rational functions, now we have mastered that and are on to trig topics and understanding them in depth.

I really enjoy going to tutoring sessions, because I know every minute will be used efficiently to help me move forward at the fastest pace possible.  She makes sure I understand and can do my work as efficiently as possible and is always able to give targeted advice without missing a beat. I am sure she could do this for first graders up to a really high level and am glad we used her for alg 2/trig. 

Amelia makes the middle school and high school math so easy to learn for us. Math is not that complicated after all. 

Amelia has been teaching my son Geometry since August; I think she could tailor a class or tutoring to meet anyone's needs.  She's been engaged, progressing quickly, doing his homework, and he appreciates that she relates the math to real life with stories and examples.  We would like to pass on this recommendation to anyone else who is looking for excellent math instruction!

Our son didn’t feel the kind of confidence he has doing math until he started working with Amelia.  Amelia’s talent lies in the way she teaches — she is great at how she explains problems and concepts in digestible ways for our son to absorb.  She is keen on how her student is feeling, working through a problem, and is very kind giving reassurance and praise.  Math now is fun for Ethan and he really looks forward to his tutoring sessions with her.  

My daughter is 9th-grader whose has been tested to be at a third-grade math level. She didn't have a solid foundation for Algebra when we came to Amelia at the beginning of the school year. However, after 3 months of lessons and homework, Amelia has brought her up to level. My daughter is now able to start Algebra 1 and finish it by the end of her freshman year. Not only she caught up with math, more importantly, her confidence level has significantly increased. To me, that is priceless. 

​​Amelia has been working with my daughter for several years. Amelia’s mathematical expertise is impeccable. My daughter has completed all the advanced math classes with ease with Amelia’s assistance. I highly recommend Amelia for advanced math learners.