[pflats]

You are correct. It is generally expected to be part of an Algebra I curriculum (as per Common Core Appendix A's Traditional Pathway).

> Common Core High School: Algebra » Reasoning with Equations & Inequalities » Solve equations and inequalities in one variable. » 4 » a

> Use the method of completing the square to transform any quadratic equation in x into an equation of the form (x - p)^2 = q that has the same solutions. Derive the quadratic formula from this form.

http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/HSA/REI/B/4/a/