The Calculus Project at Newton’s middle and high schools is closing the achievement gap in higher-level mathematics. Newton Schools Foundation is honored for the third consecutive year to have a very generous donor who will match up to $25,000 in contributions from the community to the Calculus Project during the month of March.

The Calculus Project has been transformational for Newton students. Since the program’s 2013 launch, enrollment growth in higher-level mathematics among traditionally underrepresented student groups has been significant:
• Hispanic student enrollment has increased 70 percent.
• African-American student enrollment has tripled.
• Low-income student enrollment has increased nine-fold!

Additionally, the enrollment rate of Calculus Project 9th graders in honors math exceeds that of total Newton Public Schools 9th graders, and is nearly twice the rate of 9th graders who were eligible for The Calculus Project but did not participate.

Here’s how the program works: Students selected to participate in the Calculus Project attend intensive small-group summer classes to preview upcoming curriculum, boost their math skills, foster attitudes that support academic risk-taking and perseverance, and cultivate relationships among peers in the program.

The 2018 summer program includes instruction in Computer Science, field trips to STEM-related companies, and college campus visits for rising 11th graders with a focus on STEM majors and careers, During the school year, students receive mentoring and after-school academic support. The program also uses lessons and activities designed to improve self-perceptions about academic accomplishment. Currently serving 138 students, the Calculus Project will reach full scale next year with five cohorts of students in grades 8-12.

At a cost of $1,000 per student for a full year of programming, the Calculus Project’s success depends on a public-private partnership between the Newton Public Schools, private foundations and corporate donors, and the Newton community through donations to Newton Schools Foundation. To learn more about this innovative program that’s making a meaningful impact for Newton students, or to make a donation, visit www.NewtonSchoolsFoundation.org.