The Secret to Acing High School Math and Science? Start Strong in September

The first few weeks of a new school year are more important than most students (and parents) realize. In Alberta high schools, courses in Math, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics move quickly. By the time September ends, students have already covered a large chunk of material—and catching up later can feel like running uphill.

At Ace It Tutoring, we see this every year: the students who start strong early in the semester are the ones who finish strong. Here’s why it matters, and how students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 can set themselves up for success right from day one.

Grade 10: Math 10C – The Foundation Year

For many students, Math 10C is their first real wake-up call. It’s faster-paced than junior high, introduces algebra and factoring in depth, and lays the foundation for either the -1 or -2 stream. Fall behind here, and students often spend the rest of high school struggling to catch up.

Starting strong in Math 10C is essential. Regular practice, asking questions early, and building confidence with the basics sets students up for smoother transitions into Math 20-1, 20-2, and eventually Math 30.

Grade 11: Chemistry 20 and Physics 20 – The Pace Picks Up

By Grade 11, students often face Chemistry 20 and Physics 20, both of which introduce brand-new concepts at a pace that can feel overwhelming. In chemistry, topics like stoichiometry, chemical bonding, and gas laws build quickly on one another. In physics, kinematics, dynamics, and energy concepts demand not only strong math skills but also the ability to apply theory to problem-solving.

The challenge? Many students underestimate how fast these courses move. Missing just a week or two of understanding in September can snowball into confusion for the rest of the semester. That’s why consistent support right from the start is so critical—because in these courses, the content doesn’t slow down.

Grade 12: Diploma-Level Pressure

In Grade 12, courses like Chemistry 30, Biology 30, Physics 30, and Math 30-1 don’t just move fast—they also lead into the diploma exams. With those exams worth 30% of the final grade, there’s no time to waste. A rocky September or October makes it harder to perform when it matters most.

Students who begin the year strong, mastering unit tests and coursework early, go into diploma prep with a solid foundation—rather than trying to relearn an entire semester’s worth of material in December.

Why “Starting Strong” Matters More Than “Cramming Later”

Parents often assume their child can buckle down in the final weeks and make up lost ground. But with today’s grading system, course grades (70%) matter more than ever. A strong start to the semester means a higher course grade, less stress before finals, and a smoother path into post-secondary.

For example: A student cruising with 65% in Chemistry 20 can’t magically push their grade into the 80s with one good final exam. The math just doesn’t add up. The only way to earn consistently strong grades is through steady effort throughout the semester.

Don’t Play Catch-Up, Stay Ahead.

At Ace It Tutoring in Calgary, back-to-school isn’t just about fresh notebooks—it’s the start of a semester that will shape your child’s grades and future opportunities. Our drop-in tutoring model gives students unlimited access to expert math and science support, with no appointments and no time limits. Whether it’s Math 10C, Chem 20, Bio 20, Physics 20, or any Grade 12 diploma course, our team of tutors helps students build strong foundations, keep pace with fast-moving material, and stay ahead all semester long. Starting strong in September is the smartest move a student can make—and with the right support, there’s no need to play catch-up later.