"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."

Curriculum Detail

Faculty

  • Photo of Melanie Smith
    Melanie Smith
    Department Chair - Mathematics
    (212) 979-5030 x4367
    Columbia University - BS
    Teachers College Columbia University - MA
  • Photo of Susan Beyersdorf
    Susan Beyersdorf
    Teacher - Mathematics
    (212) 979-5030 x4309
    Swarthmore College - BA
  • Photo of Benjamin Frisch
    Benjamin Frisch
    Teacher - Mathematics
    (212) 979-5030 x4406
    Haverford College - BS
    California Institute of Technology - MS
    Columbia University - MS
  • Photo of Elena Hartoonian
    Elena Hartoonian
    Teacher - Mathematics
    University of Colorado, Boulder - MA
    California Institute of Technology - BS
  • Photo of Clayton Raithel
    Clayton Raithel
    Academic Center Director / Teacher - Mathematics
    (212) 979-5030 x4427
  • Photo of Amy Smith
    Amy Smith
    Teacher - Mathematics
    (212) 979-5030 x4356
    Manhattanville College - MAT
    Fairfield University - BS
  • Photo of Amy Starks
    Amy Starks
    Teacher - Mathematics
    (212) 979-5030 x4358
    San Francisco State University - MA
    Pace University - BS

Select Department Below

Mathematics

Mathematics is a universal language whose symbolic logic and precision of thought is shared by all cultures.  Mathematics allows us to measure, quantify, organize, analyze and visualize relationships in the natural world, in the sciences, in society, and among abstract concepts. From the fundamentals of counting to the study of rates of change in calculus, we strive to teach our students not only to calculate, but also to appreciate the inherent beauty, power, and elegance of mathematical patterns and processes.  Mathematical truth can be seen as reflecting the Quaker values of simplicity and integrity. The discipline of mathematics fosters academic focus, concentration, and perseverance in problem solving that can be applied to all a student’s studies.

While in the Upper School, each student is required to take the equivalent of three years of math courses, including Geometry and Algebra II.  We attempt to strike a balance between ability grouping and open-ended placement, evaluating each student’s performance, goals, and readiness each year.  After Algebra II, students place into a Precalculus course and may qualify to take a Statistics course concurrently. Following the Precalculus level, students may take a Calculus course, a Statistics course, or a different math elective. Multivariable Calculus is offered to students who take Advanced Calculus I & II prior to their senior year.  If a student wishes to co-enroll in two math courses, they must schedule a meeting with the department chair to discuss additional requirements for co-enrolling.
 
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.

FRIENDS SEMINARY
222 East 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
P: 212-979-5030
F: 212.979.5034
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.