The goal of the Mathematics Department is to provide each student with an opportunity to develop an appreciation for and a depth of knowledge in mathematics.

From the fifth grade through the senior year of high school, the NYA mathematics curriculum is designed to encourage students to understand, explore, and appreciate mathematics as well as to prepare them for mathematics courses at the college level. The department offers different levels in courses from Pre-Algebra through Pre-Calculus in order to accommodate the varied abilities of students, and its courses include a first-year algebra course for eighth graders and an opportunity for independent study in second-year calculus for motivated seniors. All students must complete a minimum of three math courses in the upper school, although most elect to take mathematics all four years, and many complete their study with Advanced Placement courses. 

In the middle school, the traditional mathematics curriculum fosters the furtherance of conceptual ideas, problem solving, computation skills, mathematics vocabulary, and mathematics communication. Students who are prepared for greater challenge may take a full-year Pre-Algebra course in the seventh grade, followed by an Algebra I course in the eighth grade.

In the upper school, the goal of the department is to provide each student with the strongest, most suitable college preparatory mathematics sequence. Thus, the department offers different levels for most courses; a particular level will either provide more support for those students who require it or greater challenge and in-depth analysis for students for whom mathematical concepts come more easily.  Each year, in both the middle school and the upper school, teachers re-examine the placement of each student in order to ensure that all students are adequately challenged and supported.  The sequence of upper school courses includes two years of Algebra split by a course in proof-based Geometry.  This is followed by offerings of Pre-Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Advanced Placement Statistics, and Advanced Placement Calculus. 

Beginning with Algebra I, students become comfortable with the use of technology as they learn and apply mathematics.  Each student owns and extensively utilizes the TI-84 graphing calculator, and teachers use the TI-Smartview emulator software as a teaching tool in the classroom.   

Our middle school and upper school math teams compete at local and statewide math meets throughout the year and serve as an additional way for students who are interested and motivated to obtain further challenge in mathematics.  There is also an opportunity for qualified students to compete at the national level.