Competency Based Geometry

Instructor: Garrett Austen

Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Dates: Sept. 23 – June 12 (no class Thanksgiving week, Christmas/New Year holidays, or TCSD spring break)

Cost: $3,825 for the full year

The class is designed to be competency-based, giving students agency to move at their own pace while choosing how they learn and demonstrate understanding. The curriculum is guided by the Common Core Geometry Standards, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous approach to key concepts and skills.

Students may enroll in either Geometry or Honors Geometry tracks. Both follow the same core curriculum.

Class Tracks

Geometry

  • Standard problem sets

  • Balanced algebra use

  • Standard unit expectations

Honors Geometry

  • More complex problem sets

  • Stronger integration of algebra and geometry

  • Greater focus on application and word problems

  • Higher standards for unit submissions

Switching Tracks

Students who demonstrate strong mastery in Geometry may choose to move into Honors Geometry mid-year, with Garrett’s recommendation, to take on more challenging work.

Likewise, students in Honors Geometry who find the workload overwhelming may switch back to the standard Geometry track while maintaining credit for completed units.

Students will have access to a variety of learning resources and methods, including:

  • Mini-lessons with Garrett

  • Khan Academy

  • IXL practice

  • YouTube tutorials

  • Student textbook

  • Worksheets

  • Hands-on problem-solving and learning through mistakes

Grading and moving between units

- To move on to the next unit, students must earn at least a competent C on assessments.

- Final submissions for each unit are graded on a C–A scale.

- Formative work and homework do not count toward the unit grade; they are for practice and preparation.

For each unit, students must demonstrate competency to show mastery.

1

Complete the unit test

2

Choose at least one additional way to show mastery

  • Project

  • Presentation

  • Teaching a concept to others

  • Math journal reflections or problem analyses

  • Portfolio of solved problems

This model emphasizes student agency, giving learners choice in both how they acquire knowledge and how they demonstrate mastery. The flexible structure supports different learning styles and empowers students to take ownership of their progress.

Course Completion: All units must be completed by June 12 in order to pass the course.

Meet the Instructor

Garrett brings a deep and wide ranging teaching background to competency based geometry. He holds a Bachelor's in English and a Master's in Education from the University of Maryland, plus a recent Master's in Learning and Technology. He has taught learners from elementary to adult levels in five countries, developed curriculum for an international IB boarding school, and founded Teton Tutors. That combination of curriculum design and classroom experience makes him skilled at presenting geometric ideas clearly, from spatial reasoning and constructions to formal proofs and coordinate geometry.

In a competency based geometry class Garrett emphasizes mastery of core skills, steady progression through standards, and real world problem solving so students build confidence and independence. He uses thoughtful technology and interactive tasks to visualize concepts, provides frequent formative feedback and targeted practice, and guides students from procedural fluency to deep conceptual understanding they can apply across math and other STEM subjects.

Sign up for classes and clubs today.

Questions? Chat with us first