Department

Mathematics

Integrated Algebra and Geometry

Mathematics is a system for describing an enormous piece of the human experience. In this integrated course, students will study two key pillars of this system - algebra and geometry - exploring new topics and building on their previous knowledge. This course is designed for 9th graders who could benefit from additional study of algebra before diving into future abstract math courses in coming years (Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, etc.).

As we build fundamental and powerful mathematics, students will come to understand how algebra and geometry encompass and tie together many topics in both theoretical and applied math. By the end of the course, students will have a richer understanding of the breadth, depth, variety, and surprising flexibility of math. Students will be challenged to think in new ways and to see the patterns around them in a new light. In addition, students will gain precision and accuracy in communicating, justifying, and unpacking their ideas while also subjecting them to an appropriate amount of skepticism.
Geometry

This course is a basic study of geometry. We will use hands-on investigations and computer explorations to introduce key understandings in the areas of measurement, reasoning involving angles, lines and parallel lines, and classical construction. We will explore numerical and structural properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and circles. Area, Pythagorean theorem, similarity and proportion will receive a thorough treatment. During the course we will prepare for the PSAT test within the scope of the regular curriculum.
Accelerated Geometry

Permission of the department is required.

This course is a basic study of geometry. We will use hands-on investigations and computer explorations to introduce key understandings in the areas of measurement, reasoning involving angles, lines and parallel lines, and classical construction. We will explore numerical and structural properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and circles. Area, Pythagorean theorem, similarity and proportion will receive a thorough treatment. During the course we will prepare for the PSAT test within the scope of the regular curriculum.
Algebra II

Algebra II builds upon the skills learned in Algebra I and is designed to build algebra skills that students will use in future math and science courses, as well as on tests such as the SAT. Students will review linear equations, systems of equations, and polynomial expressions, then learn to work with and use factoring, quadratic equations, rational expressions, conic sections, powers and roots, and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Accelerated Algebra II

Permission of the department is required.

Accelerated Algebra II is a demanding and fast-paced Algebra II course, building on skills acquired in Algebra I. The course is intended as preparation for the Precalculus and Calculus courses. The content includes the study of linear equations, systems of equations, quadratic equations, factoring, rational expressions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Emphasis is placed on application problems, and technology is used regularly.
Precalculus

Precalculus is an elective fourth year math course, intended for the student who has completed the math distribution requirements and seeks more enrichment in the typical analysis sequence. Content includes circular functions, analytical trigonometry, applications of trigonometry, systems of equations, polynomial and rational function analysis, and exponential and logarithmic functions. It is more rigorous than other fourth year electives and is topically geared to preparation for Calculus.
Discrete Mathematics and Statistics

This course will cover a wide range of topics to help students gain an understanding of the many uses of mathematics in our modern world. Students will explore topics such as probability, statistics, the mathematics of voting, set theory, logic, sequence and series, financial math, and graph theory. A major focus will be students creating and utilizing their own math to solve problems, not memorizing procedural achievements of past mathematicians. Students will come to see mathematics as a powerful tool to make sense of, and make changes in, our surrounding world.
AP Calculus AB

Permission of the department is required.

Prerequisite(s): Precalculus or equivalent.

AP Calculus AB is primarily concerned with developing students' understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. Technology is used regularly in the course to study the unifying themes of derivatives, integrals, limits, approximations, and applications and modeling. The course emphasizes multi-representational approaches to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Importance is placed upon the connections among these representations. Students can qualify for credit at many colleges upon satisfactory completion of the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam.
AP Statistics

Permission of the department is required.

Prerequisite(s): Algebra II or equivalent, but Precalculus or equivalent strongly recommended.

AP Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The course includes analysis of data through the use of graphical and numerical techniques to study patterns and departures from patterns; the collection of data through well-developed plans; the development of the use of probability as the tool for anticipating what the distribution of data should look like under a given model; and the use of statistical inference to estimate population parameters and test hypotheses. Important components of the course include the use of technology, projects and laboratories, cooperative group problem solving, and writing, as parts of concept-oriented instruction and assessment. Students can qualify for credit at many colleges upon satisfactory completion of the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics exam.
Independent AP Calculus BC

(Fall semester, ½ credit) Permission of the department is required.

Calculus BC is an elective, ½ year, fifth or sixth year mathematics course. A student must have completed Calculus AB, with excellent grades and with a high qualifying score on the AB exam, in order to join this class. Content is similar to what a student would see in a competitive, collegiate, second semester calculus offering. A student who takes this course is required to sit for the BC Calculus exam in May. Content includes the differential and integral calculus of parametric and polar functions, an expanded set of antiderivative methods, an expanded set of applications of integration, Taylor series and error bounds, and an extensive unit on series and sequences. This course will be offered as a tutorial, independent study, or structured class, depending on enrollment. Unless there is a structured class, the course will be offered pass/fail, fall semester only.

List of 21 members.

Nathaniel Adkins

Washington and Lee University - B.S.

2019
Sonia Brandon

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Spanish, French

Mississippi State University, - M.A., Foreign Languages
Mississippi State University, - B.S.

2019
Tim Brannelly

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Latin, Tutor - Learning Resource Center

University of Virginia - Ph.D.
University of Virginia - M.A.
Cornell University - B.A.

2019
Susan Brodie

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Visual Arts

Colby College - BA
University of Kentucky - MA

2018
Claire Buisseret

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - French

University of Virginia - ELL endorsement
Northwestern University - MS -- Education
Loyola University of Chicago - BA
Loyola University of Chicago - School Administration certificate

2014
Jocelyn Camarata

Tandem Friends School

Dean of Student Life; Upper School Faculty - Science

434-296-1303

Hobart and William Smith Colleges - BS
Lesley University - MEd

2006
Trefor Davies

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Math

Oberlin College - BA
Teachers College, Columbia University - MA

2017
Jason Farr

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - History; Coach - V Cross Country & Track

University of Tennessee - BA
Western Carolina University - MAEd
College of Charleston - MA
University of Virginia - MA (ABD)

2011
Peter Gaines

Tandem Friends School

Assistant Head of School for Mission & Values, Director of Major Giving

434-951-9306

Colby College - BA
Warren Wilson College - MFA

2016
Sarah Gillespie

Middlebury College - M.A.
James Madison University - B.A.

2019
Mark Goldstein

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Music

x355

Cornell University - BA

2014
Perry Medlin

Elon University - BFA

2016
Maria Morrell

434-296-1303 x352

Middlebury College - BA
Tulane University - MA
Tulane University - PhD

2003
Alex Siragy

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Science; Coach - Science Olympiad

University of Virginia - BS
Johns Hopkins University - MA

2016
Melissa Winder

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - History; Coach - MS Cross Country

Texas A&M University - BA/Teacher Certification

2014
Tucker Winter

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - English

434-296-1303

University of Virginia - BA
University of Michigan - MA

2010
Sampson Dale

Tandem Friends School

Middle School Faculty - PE Teacher, PE Mentor; Coach, Varsity Boys Basketball

West Virginia University - Masters
Green Mountain College - Bachelor of Arts

2019
Gordon Fields

Tandem Friends School

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Belonging (DEIJB)

Winston-Salem State University

2001
Sarah Mensah

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Math

Carnegie Mellon University - B.A.

2020
Casey Reed

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Science; Coach - Ultimate Frisbee; Assistant Coach - MS Cross Country

Teachers College of Columbia University - M.A.
Swarthmore College - B.A.

2021
Robert Schuster

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - English

George Mason University - M.F.A.
Oberlin College - B.A.

2020