CALCULUS PROJECT
The Calculus Project Addresses the Math Achievement Gap in Newton Schools
“The work I do in The Calculus Project makes me more engaged and I have evolved as a student overall.”
Jamari Brewster, Newton senior studying Calculus and AP Statistics
Research shows a strong correlation between taking high-level math in high school and completing college. Prior to The Calculus Project, few Black, Latinx, and low-income students were represented in advanced math classes in Newton’s four middle schools and two high schools.
This year 25 of the 31 12th graders in the program are taking Introductory or AP Calculus! Due to its great success, the Newton Public Schools (NPS) is seeking to expand The Calculus Project (TCP), and has already begun by admitting 47 rising 8th graders this year, by far the largest class to date.
2021 Graduates of The Calculus Project
YOUR IMPACT
Since the Calculus Project’s launch in 2013, your financial support has played a key role in the significant enrollment growth NPS has seen in high-level mathematics among traditionally underrepresented student groups:
- Hispanic student enrollment has increased 70 percent.
- African-American student enrollment has tripled.
- Low-income student enrollment has increased nine-fold!
The Calculus Project in Newton currently serves 150 students in grades 8-12. At a cost of $1000 per student for a full year of programming, its success depends on a public-private partnership between the Newton Public Schools, corporate donors, and generous individuals.
The Calculus Project helps students build their math skills and confidence. Students attend a three-week intensive summer “math camp” where they preview the upcoming year’s math curriculum, learn life and study skills, and go on exciting field trips to STEM companies like Google and iRobot. Throughout the school year, they are offered twice-a-week after-school tutoring support.
Calculus Project Video
