Mathematics
Emma students will spend their adult lives in a world influenced by technology and quantitative methods. For this reason, each student is asked to see mathematics as a tool for problem solving.
To prepare our students for mathematics at any college or university, our mathematics department teaches with a variety of pedagogical approaches, including traditional algebraic methods, problem-based methods, and methods that take advantage of technologies including graphing calculators and the computer program GeoGebra.
After an initial placement test, students are placed into general sequence courses. They can also take Computer Science courses and math electives that focus on areas including statistics, finance, and engineering. As students progress through the mathematics curriculum, they learn to do more sophisticated work with technology.
Emma’s Mathematics Department also aims to develop students’ independent problem-solving skills and number sense. Teachers frequently make connections between mathematics and its applications in other areas, allowing students to gain proficiency and confidence in all areas of mathematics.
Download our course catalog for more details and graduation requirements.
The Albany Area Math Circle placed first in the B-division at the New York State Mathematics League competition on Saturday, April 5. Close to 500 of the strongest high school math students from all over the state were in attendance which made for a very collaborative, and fun environment.
Last week, Emma Willard competed at the 37th Annual HS Programming Contest at Siena College. For the second year in a row, our team came in first place in the Green division! There were 73 teams in this division, including Capital Region and nonlocal schools.
This is the largest group of winners Emma has ever had and speaks to the growing popularity of computer science courses here at Emma—awards range from Regional Rising Star to National Honorable Mention.
Judy Price, Tony Holston, and their children Sarah ’20 and Sol ’24 reflect on their life-long connection to the Emma community.
At the 2024 Academic Convocation, Associate Head of School Dr. Meredith Legg introduced Mathematics Instructor Alexandra Schmidt as the new Henry L. Thompson Chair in Mathematics.
Math Learning Center
Located in Weaver Hall, the Math Learning Center is a dedicated place where students can ask questions of a math teacher and/or a peer tutor. Some students go to “talk out” their ideas about problems and clarify questions from class. Other students go regularly to have a quiet place to do their math homework and appreciate the support of having a teacher or peer tutor available should questions arise.
Going to the Math Learning Center is a way for students to take initiative and show their determination for learning math.
Mathematics Faculty

Ms. Chiara Shah

Ms. Elizabeth Davis
