The Calculus Project Overview
“Success in higher-level high school mathematics courses is strongly associated with college enrollment and attainment of an undergraduate degree. Completion of calculus in high school is the strongest predictor of college completion.” (Adelman, 1999, 2006; Harrell & Forney, 2003; Horn & Nunez, 2000).
The Calculus Project is a math equity initiative that uses research-supported strategies to increase the diversity in honors and advanced level math classes to reflect the rich diversity that exists in Newton's High Schools.
According to founder Dr. Adrian Mims, “The Calculus Project (TCP) is defined by its comprehensiveness, its very high expectations, its cultural sensitivity, and its commitment to sustainability.”
The Calculus Project strives to increase the numbers of Black, Hispanic, Latinx, and low-income students enrolled in high-level math courses at the high schools. It supports deep mathematical understanding and ensures that all students are provided with a safe and enriching learning environment in which they can see themselves and affirm their abilities as mathematicians. All students in the program are expected to take accelerated or honors math at the high school level.
Student Experience
School Contact
Bigelow Middle School Kim LeQuire
Brown Middle School robyn Eaton
FA Day Middle School Britni Brierly
FA Day Middle School Maggie Heffernan
Oak Hill Middle School Matthew Timmins
Newton North High School Stephanie Piantedosi
Newton South High School Hayley Donati
Parent Experience
"Last summer my daughter got invited to participate at The Calculus Project. Of course she wasn't thrilled to spend part of the summer doing math, but we gave her no choice and she had to go. To my surprise once she started she stopped complaining and went every day. She continued with the tutoring during the year and didn't complain when we told her she was going to do it this summer again. The people running the program are doing an amazing job, you can not imagine the difference it has made in her approach to math, it went from profound dislike to being one of her favorite subjects. I'm writing to thank you for giving her the chance, to tell you that the program works and encourage you not only to continue with it but to expand it."
Maria Mizrahi, Oak Hill Middle School Parent
"We are so pleased with the progress our son has made in math. The Calculus Project has increased his confidence by 100%. He went from telling us in 7thgrade that he was “bad” at math, to telling us in 9thgrade how he helps explain solutions to his peers! He really liked his summer teachers and the field trips!"
Heather Schoenfeld & Harvey Young, Newton North High School Parents