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Curriculum Detail

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School Level

Department

Mathematics

Integrated Math I

Integrated Math II

Integrated Math II Honors

Grade Level: 9th – 10th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I with placement test
Course Description: The review of quadratic formula, completing the square, solutions as roots and x-intercepts and axis of symmetry goes by quickly and then quadratics are used to apply the newly proven Pythagorean theorem to distance in the plane and solving other geometric problems. Students prove the formula for understanding the distance between two points on a coordinate plane, which then becomes synonymous with slope, triangles, and vectors. Vectors are used in a deep dive into transformations in the plane. They also help students also explore linear motion, parametric equations and the optimum path of travel using vectors and parametric equations. Two column or paragraph proof strategies, algebraic process for reflection over a line, dilation and similarity are also discussed at a deeper level. Right Triangle trigonometry and the inverse functions help discuss how similarity is connected to the ratios of trigonometry. Properties of circles are introduced with challenging problems. Other topics in geometry include properties of parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons, and congruence. This seminar-style EmeryMath class guides students to become active participants in lively discussions to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical reasoning and a sense of curiosity for the subject. Students focus on developing skills to write and communicate mathematics accurately, as well as acquiring a lifelong passion for enjoying the beauty and the creativity involved in mathematics. Technology is used as a problem-solving resource, including the online graphing tool Desmos and other open-source apps which allow students to explore ideas and visualize mathematical modeling. Graphing calculators are frequently used to collect data, to estimate answers, to explore theorems or to visualize mathematical modeling. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Integrated Math III

Integrated Math III Honors

Integrated Math IV

Integrated Math IV Advanced

Calculus I

Calculus I Advanced

Advanced Statistics & Data Analysis

Calculus I Adv.

Statistics & Probability Honors

Faculty

Amber Gaudet

Upper School Math Department Chair and Teacher

(832) 204-5900

Queens College New York - B.A.
University of Northcentral at Arizona - M.Ed.

agaudet@emeryweiner.org

2016
Bio
Amber came to EWS in 2016 after being in public school for 10 years. Before EWS, she taught for several years in both middle school and high school. She is currently co-leading the math department’s transition to Emery Math with Jacob Guidry. Amber also coaches Middle School Girls Soccer, leads the Tikkun Olam Club, coordinates the Upper School’s Math Lab, or plans events for the faculty. In her free time, she competes in trail races and triathlons, surfs, camps, cooks, and travels with her family.
Dana Aboulafia

Assistant Head of Upper School

(832) 204-5900

University of Texas at Austin - B.S.
University of Texas at Austin - B.A.

daboulafia@emeryweiner.org

2003
Bio
Dana joined EWS in 2003. Before joining EWS, Dana taught in a public high school and in a private Jewish day school, both in Houston. She was the recipient of the Rav Preida Award for Teaching Excellence at EWS in 2015. Dana is currently the Assistant Head of Upper School and teaches Calculus. She is also the Grade Level Coordinator for the twelfth grade. Dana enjoys spending time with her family, power walking, watching reality TV shows and sports (especially the Texans) and volunteering at the Houston Food Bank.
Jacob Guidry

Upper School Math Teacher

(832) 204-5900

Tulane University - B.S.

jguidry@emeryweiner.org

2007
Bio
Jacob joined EWS in 2006. He currently teaches Calculus II, Calculus I, Statistics, Trigonometry and Finite Math, and Pre-Calculus. He has also taught Algebra II and Geometry at EWS. Jacob has attended multiple conferences, chiefly the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, that allow him to show his love of math to his students. Before joining Emery/Weiner, Jacob taught math at private schools in Houston and his home state of Louisiana. In his free time, Jacob enjoys studying the mathematical principles behind games of chance. However, above all else, Jacob enjoys exposing his two young children to the wonders of crawfish, Mardi Gras, and the New Orleans Saints. Who Dat?!
Jacob Kesten

Upper School Math Teacher

Rice University - Master's
Rice University - Doctor of Philosophy

jkesten@emeryweiner.org

2025
Bio
Jacob joined EWS mid-year in 2025 to help with Calculus III and Integrated Math II Honors courses. He obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees all from Rice University, where he specialized in Algebra and Category theory, taught Calculus II, and was involved with the Center for Teaching Excellence. Before returning to Rice for the PhD program, Jacob taught Precalculus and Calculus II at a private boarding school in Maryland.

In addition to math, Jacob especially enjoys cooking, particularly Cajun food from his home state of Louisiana, and traveling, either with his family, to practice the Russian language, or to scuba dive.
Cheryl Magzen

Upper School Math Teacher

(832) 204-5900

University of Texas at Austin - B.S.

cmagzen@emeryweiner.org

2004
Bio
Cheryl joined EWS in 2004. She currently teaches Calculus and Pre-Calculus. In previous years, she has taught courses in Advanced Calculus, Statistics, Advanced Pre-Calculus, Honors Geometry, Geometry, and Algebra. Prior to joining the Emery/Weiner community, Cheryl taught both Advanced Placement and On-Level courses at a large, local public high school. Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Austin. While at The University of Texas, she participated in the UTeach program and earned her secondary teaching certification in mathematics. Cheryl has received several honors, one being selected as a member of Who’s Who among America’s Teachers. In her spare time, Cheryl loves spending time with her children, as well as dancing and swimming.
Gabriella Novak '18

Upper School Math & Technology Teacher

(832) 204-5900

University of Rochester - B.S.

GNovak@emeryweiner.org

2022
Bio
Although Gabby joined EWS in 2022, she has been a familiar face in the community since entering the Upper School as a student in 2014. After graduating from EWS in 2018, she attended the University of Rochester, studying statistics and computer science, and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2022. Gabby brings timely expertise and perspective on the teaching and learning of statistics and technology at the university level and their application in the workplace. In her free time, Gabby enjoys creating recipes with liberal usage of “some” as a unit of measurement, sewing her own clothes, and keeping her coding skills sharp.
Julia Zhu

Upper School Math Teacher

Rice University - Master of Arts
Drexel University - Masters
University of Science and Technology Beijing, China - Bachelor of Science

jzhu@emeryweiner.org

2025
Bio
Julia joined EWS in 2025. Before joining the school, she spent three years teaching Math and Geometry in Houston ISD. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from China and later pursued an MBA at Drexel University. Julia also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rice University.

Before transitioning into education, Julia was working in the oil and gas industry, with professional experience in China, Germany, and the United States. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and two young children.

The Emery/Weiner School

9825 Stella Link Road Houston, TX 77025
Phone: (832) 204-5900 Fax: (832) 204-5910

A private, pluralistic Jewish, college-preparatory middle and high school serving grades 6-12.
Click here for more information.

Grade Level: 9th - 10th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I or Intgrated Math I and placement test
Course Description: After a short review of basic methods of solving second-degree equations—such as quadratic formula, completing the square, solutions as roots (both real and complex) and x-intercepts and axis of symmetry— quadratics are used to apply the Pythagorean theorem to distance in the plane and solving other geometric problems. Algebraic concepts are used to establish a basic understanding of the distance between two points on a coordinate plane, which then becomes synonymous with slope and triangles. In-depth circle and right triangle trigonometry are used to investigate the logical structure of Euclidean geometry and to solve challenging problems. Topics in geometry include properties of parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons, congruence, and similarity between geometric figures. Throughout the year, students are learning how to communicate mathematically with each other. Student presentations of ideas on a regular basis help begin the discourse as students are then encouraged to ask each other questions with the facilitation of the teacher. Technology is used as a problem- solving resource, including the online graphing tool Desmos, which allows students to explore ideas and visualize mathematical modeling. Graphing calculators are frequently used to collect data, to estimate answers, to explore theorems or to visualize mathematical modeling. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Grade Level: 10th – 11th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math II or placement test
Course Description: Students in Math III begin their studies with more in-depth Right Triangle Trigonometry which leads into the non-right triangle Trigonometry that helps generalize ideas. Follow-up geometric concepts are covered such as surface area and volume of many 3D Solids. Circles and right triangles are combined in a study of the unit circle where those properties are viewed in relation to each other. The concept of periodic functions allows students to grow in their understanding of the connection between the unit circle and the graphs of the trigonometric functions. This idea leads to studying other functions and their inverses such as exponential and logarithmic functions. Properties of both functions are explored, and the graphs are used in many types of problems – both applied and theoretical. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Grade Level: 10th – 11th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math II Honors or placement test
Course Description: In this course, students go more in-depth with Right Triangle Trigonometry and their inverses. This leads into the non-right triangle Trigonometry that helps generalize ideas. Students prove advanced geometric concepts such as surface area and volume of various 3D Solids. Students use vectors to describe projection in a plane and utilize them to analyze transformations of functions. The study of vectors is extended to matrices and matrix operations and applications. Circles and right triangles are combined in a study of the unit circle where those properties are viewed in relation to each other. The concept of periodic functions allows students to grow in their understanding of the connection between the unit circle and the graphs of the trigonometric functions. Initial concepts of combinatorics and probability are used to challenge students and prepare for higher level math. This seminar-style EmeryMath class encourages students to become active participants in lively discussions to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical reasoning and a sense of curiosity for the subject. Students focus on developing skills to write and communicate mathematics accurately, as well as acquiring a lifelong passion for enjoying the beauty and the creativity involved in mathematics. Technology is used as a problem-solving resource, including the online graphing tool Desmos and other open-source apps which allow students to explore ideas and visualize mathematical modeling. Graphing calculators are frequently used to collect data, to estimate answers, to explore theorems or to visualize mathematical modeling. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Grade Level: 11th – 12th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math III or placement test
Course Description: Prior to enrolling in this course students need to have mastered order of operations with integers, fractions, and exponents, basic operations with polynomials, simplification of exponents and radicals, solving of equations (linear, literal, absolute value, quadratic, radical), linear systems of equations, and inequalities (linear and compound), determining slope, graphing linear equations and inequalities, and factoring. They also need to possess foundational skills in geometry. This course is similar to a traditional Precalculus course, and prepares students for calculus, either in high school or in college, through an in-depth study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. To further their problem-solving and critical thinking skills and to solidify skill mastery, students will be required to practice beyond daily assignments to solidify skill mastery. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Grade Level: 11th – 12th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math III Honors or placement test
Course Description: This typically eleventh-grade math course starts the year with a continuation of explorations that combine many previous topics from Math II and Math III which allow students to synthesize problem solving practices. Investigations into the application of fundamental geometry skills on various types of problems blend into the study of the inverse functions and periodicity. After, more advanced probability problems lead into utilizing random walks to discover ideas about the binomial theorem and show connections to both Pascal’s triangle and combinations. Sequences and series have a major focus, and the concept of the infinite becomes more apparent. This allows a natural transition into the concept of convergence of series and asymptotes of functions. Limits help get students conceptually prepared for the study of calculus. Students then delve deeper into probability and combinatorics, and geometric and arithmetic sequences and series. Later in the year, students will be exposed to fundamental topics of differential calculus such as average and instantaneous rate of change, which guide students to the formal study of calculus topics. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Grade Level: 9th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Math 8 or Pre-Algebra
Course Description: After a short review of basic middle-grades skills and concepts, algebraic fundamentals will be applied to real world concepts as well as geometric applications. Equations and inequalities involving linear, quadratic and absolute value, as well as related word problems, are thoroughly investigated. These three concepts are elaborated on with their connected functions through the study of a vertex, intercepts, and transformations. Applied linear problems reinforce ?the properties of line equations, inequalities, and systems of equations. Various problems on exponents, radicals, and visual manipulations with algebra blocks slowly blend into factoring, quadratic equations, parabolas, and their real-life applications. Methods of solving second-degree equations (graphing, factoring, quadratic formula, completing the square) as well as vertex, x-intercepts, and axis of symmetry, are used to model and solve real-world problems. Throughout the year, students are learning how to communicate mathematically with each other. Student presentations of ideas on a regular basis help begin the discourse as students are then encouraged to ask each other questions with the facilitation of the teacher. Technology is used as a problem- solving resource, including the online graphing tool Desmos, which allows students to explore ideas and visualize mathematical modeling. Graphing calculators will be frequently used to collect data, to estimate answers, to explore theorems or to visualize mathematical modeling. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Grade Level: 11th – 12th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math IV and placement test
Course Description: Calculus I is a rigorous college-preparatory mathematics course where students master the three crucial components of Calculus: limits, derivatives, and integrals. The course includes a review of concepts in algebra and trigonometry and is paced to allow for more in-class attention to homework problems and test concepts. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, mathematical reasoning and real-world applications in science, engineering, and economics. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.

Grade Level: 12th	Length of Course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Completion or dual enrollment of Integrated Math IV
Course Description: Advanced Statistics and Data Analysis is a collaborative seminar in statistical problem solving and data-driven argumentation. Students are introduced to proof writing and delve into the theoretical underpinnings of introductory statistics while using the R programming language to wrangle, explore, and model real-world data, leveraging data science and traditional statistical skills in tandem to draw and communicate informed conclusions. Calculator requirement: Graphing calculator (TI-84+) will be used in this course.