Rigor and Relevancy: A Snapshot of LuHi’s Mathematics Department

The LuHi Mathematics department is dedicated to providing students with a dynamic and relevant education that challenges them to think critically and prepares them for college-level mathematics. In this blog post, we will explore the strengths of our department, the unique experiences our students enjoy, and the exceptional classes that set us apart.

Strengths of the Department: At Long Island Lutheran, our Math Department boasts a team of hard-working and devoted teachers who are committed to delivering the best education possible. With their extensive experience and expertise, they ensure that our curriculum remains relevant and rigorous, keeping pace with the ever-evolving field of mathematics. We offer opportunities for academic advancement, enabling students to study advanced college-level courses and providing Honors classes for our high school learners. Additionally, we provide a supportive environment for students who may find math challenging, empowering them to thrive and excel.

Student Outcomes: Our goal is to equip LuHi graduates with a solid foundation in mathematics that will serve them well in their college studies. We strive to prepare our students to tackle the demands of higher education mathematics with confidence. As Mathematics Department Chair, Mrs. JoAnn O’Brien, shared, “We hope that students, through their study of mathematics at LuHi, have attained critical thinking skills that will carry them through the rest of their lives.”

Middle School Experience: In our middle school, we customize the mathematics curriculum to meet the unique needs of each student. Whether studying on their grade level or advancing by one or two years, our students receive an education that challenges them appropriately. Our teachers foster an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect, encouraging students to actively engage in learning and cultivate a genuine passion for mathematics.

High School Experience: As students progress to the high school level, they continue their mathematics education at an appropriate level or have the opportunity to advance further. We offer both regular mathematics classes and honors classes for students. Advanced students can also explore more rigorous courses, including Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Calculus BC, providing them with a head start before they embark on their college journey. Throughout their high school experience, students benefit from supportive and respectful relationships with their teachers, and these relationship help cultivate student growth and success.

Highlighted Classes: One of the standout classes in our department is the sixth-grade class. This diverse group of students brings various backgrounds in mathematics, and our teachers skillfully cater to their individual needs. By reinforcing fundamental skills and providing opportunities for growth, we strive to ensure that all students master the material and develop a strong mathematical foundation.

The Calculus AB & BC AP classes hold a special place within our department, offering students a demanding yet rewarding experience. These classes focus on honing higher-level thinking skills and aim to prepare students to earn college credit. Alumni who have returned to LuHi speak highly of the preparation they received in these classes, noting that they felt well-equipped for the challenges of college mathematics. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in students expressing interest in majoring in Mathematics or pursuing math-related fields of study.

The LuHi Math Department is dedicated to providing an outstanding mathematics education that equips students with the skills necessary for success in college and beyond. With our passionate teachers, opportunities for advancement, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking, we strive to foster a love for mathematics and facilitate growth in every student. We continuously refine our curriculum to align with the demands of state and national standards to ensure that our students receive a comprehensive mathematical foundation that will serve them well in their future endeavors.