Mathematics is more than numbers and equations. It is a journey, a process of thinking, an exercise in problem-solving that requires both an understanding of basic concepts and the ability to think critically. 
 
The role of the Mathematics Department at St. John’s is to help students connect to mathematics, its ideas, and its applications. Four years of math are required for all students, who must complete courses through Algebra II. All courses are designed for college preparation, so students will be prepared for college-level math. The department offers courses that satisfy all levels of mathematical skills, from basic Algebra and Geometry through honors courses and on to AP classes in Statistics and Calculus at both the AB and BC levels.  
 
Through classroom discourse, technology, and teacher guidance, students learn to conjecture, invent, and solve problems. They build a foundation in math that will serve them well in whatever their ultimate career path they ultimately choose. 

Course Offerings

Freshman Year
Algebra 1
Honors Algebra 1/ Geometry
Honors Algebra 2
Sophomore Year 
Geometry 
Algebra 2 
Honors Algebra 2 
Honors Precalculus
Junior Year 
Algebra 2 
Precalculus 
Honors Precalculus 
AP Statistics 
AP Calculus AB 
AP Calculus BC
Senior Year 
Algebra 3 
Trigonometry 
Precalculus 
Honors Calculus 
AP Statistics 
AP Calculus AB 
AP Calculus BC

Math Prerequisites

All 8th-grade students should have mastered (without a calculator): 
 
  • Arithmetic concepts, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers 
  • A basic understanding of exponents 
  • Correct order of operations when performing computations 
  • Simplifying like terms: 2x + 5y - 6x – 10y = -4x – 5y 
  • Solving a linear equation: 9x+3=14x+8 
  • Applying the distributive property: -7(3x-+9)
  • Graphing ordered pairs on a coordinate plane 
  • Basic geometry formulas: area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, triangles, and trapezoids 

Students should also have developed good organizational and note-taking skills. On notes, homework, tests and quizzes, work should be written neatly and arranged in an orderly fashion. When solving a problem, a premium is placed on showing work in steps under the problem. 

Extracurricular Opportunities

During the fall semester, the Math Department offers the following math competitions. 

In October, students are invited to compete in the University of Maryland’s High School Math Competition (UMD), which is open to all DC and MD high school students. Part I involves 25 multiple-choice questions during a 75-minute period. Those students who do well advance to take Part II, which involves completing five, free-response problems during a two-hour period. Approximately 10% of all Part I competitors advance to Part II. Each year the top three students are awarded a scholarship for full tuition and expenses at the University of Maryland. For additional information, click here.  

In November, the Math Department offers two American Mathematics Contests (AMC10 and AMC12) which both involve completing 25 challenging multiple-choice questions without using a calculator during a 75-minute period. Students who perform well advance to take the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) in the spring (a three-hour, 15-question contest with all answers integers between 0 and 999). Approximately half a dozen students have qualified for AIME over the last 15 years. Those students who do well on the AIME may be added to Team USA to compete in the Junior Math Olympiad. For additional information, click here
 
 

Mathematics Faculty

List of 13 members.

  • Photo of Selma Solera

    Selma Solera 

    Department Chair, Math; Honors Algebra 2, Honors Calculus
    202-363-2316 x1940
    University of Maryland - B.S.
    University of Maryland - B.A.
    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - M.A.
  • Photo of Antwon Bailey

    Antwon Bailey 

    Algebra 1, Precalculus
    202-363-2316 x1993
    Syracuse University - B.S.
  • Photo of Duane Carr

    Duane Carr 

    Honors Algebra 2, Precalculus
    202-363-2316 x1938
    George Mason University - B.A.
  • Photo of Paul DeStefano

    Paul DeStefano 

    Geometry, Trigonometry
    202-363-2316 x1043
    Catholic University - B.A.
  • Photo of Elizabeth Eways

    Elizabeth Eways 

    Algebra 2, Honors Precalculus
    202-363-2316 x1935
    Catholic University - B.S.
    Catholic University - M.A.
  • Photo of Haley Griffin

    Haley Griffin 

    Algebra 1, Geometry
    202-363-2316 x1937
  • Photo of Karrisa Jackson

    Karrisa Jackson 

    Algebra 1, Algebra 2
    202-363-2316 x1936
    Ball State University - B.A.
    Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis - M.A.
  • Photo of Thomas Lander

    Thomas Lander 

    AP Calculus AB, Honors Algebra 1/Geometry
    (202) 363-2316 x1941
    Susquehanna University - B.A.
  • Ian MacInnes 

    Class Dean for 2024; Algebra 2
    202-363-2316 x1109
    Elon University - B.A.
    Notre Dame of Maryland University - M.A.
  • Photo of Kevin Morse

    Kevin Morse 

    AP Statistics, Geometry
    202-363-2316 x1901
    Loyola University (Chicago) - B.S.
  • Photo of Bill Pribac

    Bill Pribac 

    Head Girls' Volleyball Coach; Geometry
    202-363-2316 x1973
    Earlham College - B.A.
  • Photo of Mike Sheehy

    Mike Sheehy 

    AP Calculus BC, Honors Precalculus
    202-363-2316 x1942
    University of Notre Dame - B.S.
    University of Portland (OR) - M.A.T.
    University of Wisconsin - M.S.
  • Joshua Shields 

    Algebra 2, Geometry
    202-363-2316 x1939