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The Calculus Project

Donors

The Calculus Project is supported through the generous donations of the following organizations.

akamai foundation logo

Google Giving

newton schools foundation: educate, innovate, inspire

The Calculus Project Overview with Newton and Brookline Students

“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 Newton Public Schools program 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.

Program Overview

Summer session:

  • Previews mathematics content for the upcoming academic year
  • Taught by middle and high school math educators
  • High expectations for participation, engagement and mastery
  • Homework assigned each night
  • Exposed to a community of representation within the STEM culture, inclusive of diverse backgrounds and shared experiences
  • Acceptances are determined the spring before 7th grade with the expectation that students participate every year through twelfth grade

Academic year:

  • After-school support extends the opportunity for students to work on the concepts and skills of honors and accelerated math
  • Encourages relationship building and collaboration as a cohort 
  • Continues to strengthen academic habits and encourage a growth mindset as math students