Departmental Offerings

The following course descriptions detail the likely offerings during any school year, though specifics will vary from term to term and course lineups are always changing. Click on the course titles below for full descriptions.

  • Data Structures and Robots

    This course covers the data structures and algorithms foundational to college-level study of computer science and also acquaints students with introductory engineering principles and control theory related to the design, construction and operation of autonomous vehicles. Using a project-based model, the course covers linked lists, abstract data types, queues, stacks, binary trees, heaps, priority queues, sets, maps, hashing, exhaustive search, and sorting. In robotics, Lego Mindstorms are used to expose the student to computational theories of modeling in a “closed world,” ethology and animal behaviors, open- and closed-loop control, latency and hysteresis, finite state machines, PID, and behavior-based models for subsumption and hierarchical design. Artificial learning algorithms are also presented, including Q-Learning, genetic algorithms and, if time permits, neural networks.

  • Honors Statistics

    This course is designed for students that have successfully completed Math 4 and elect to continue to an applications-based course at a high level. Students will study exploratory data analysis, experimental design, the concept of distributions of data, probability, graphical displays and numerical summaries of data, relationships of association and correlation, confidence and inference. Student projects will involve designing data collection, gathering and analyzing different types of data, displaying their research and analysis and presenting their work to their classmates and/or to wider audiences. Throughout, students will be expected to use technology to help organize and analyze their work and create mathematical models as a part of their study. Students’ agency will be manifested in their selection of project goals, their initiative in collecting and analyzing data and in formulating the means of presentation to their audience.

  • Math I

    This foundational course aims to offer students a broad overview of algebraic topics. In this course students will hone their skills simplifying, evaluating, and solving the basic equations and functions of algebra. Within building fluency with these skills, students will develop the habit of problem solving. With this solid base in algebra, the students will have a successful career in mathematics at Thacher.

  • Math II

    This course focuses on extending students’ skills in working with mathematics analytically, graphically and numerically and asks students to apply their algebraic reasoning to complex problems. Math II does not isolate algebra and geometry as separate branches of study, but instead teaches them in a way that shows their interconnectedness. Additionally, there is a conscious focus on integrating multiple STEM disciplines to showcase the deep relationships between topics and across fields. Concepts are arranged to support an overlapping math-physics program with full grade level lab activities. Embedding programming with Python into the mathematics content additionally enhances the algebra topics being studied and allows students to explore the topics more fully while gaining experience and confidence in coding. This along with using data to model real world events combine to make a comprehensive jumping off point for whatever path lies ahead.

  • Math III

    This course continues the study of algebraic elementary functions such as quadratics and high order polynomials. It then dives deep into the family of exponential and logarithmic functions furthering student's study of mathematical relations. Students will also investigate conic sections, series and sequences and topics of second-year geometry. There will be many opportunities for students to explore, discover and prove their understanding of the topics through applications and real-world modeling.

  • Math IV

    200

Faculty

  • Photo of Kenny Nguyen
    Kenny Nguyen
  • Photo of Charlotte Humes
    Charlotte Humes
    Mathematics Department--Instructor
    Bio
  • Photo of Todd Meyer
    Todd Meyer
    Bio
  • Photo of Tyler Ortiz
    Tyler Ortiz
    Mathematics Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Kamala Qalandar
    Kamala Qalandar
    Mathematics and Science Departments, Director of Programs for Technology and Innovation
    University of California, Santa Barbara - BA
    University of California, Santa Barbara - PhD
    Bio
  • Photo of Gary Roth
    Gary Roth
    Cornell University - B.A. '74; M.A.T. '75
    University of Oregon - M.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Spencer Stevens
    Spencer Stevens
    Bio
  • Photo of Jonathan Swift
    Jonathan Swift
    Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy Teacher and Director of the Thacher Observatory
    University of California, Berkeley - PhD
    University of California, Los Angeles - BS
    Bio
  • Photo of Nathan Vish
    Nathan Vish
    Mathematics Teacher
    Bio
A college preparatory boarding school for grades 9-12
5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, California, 93023
Tel: 805-646-4377 Fax: 805-646-9490 Email: info@thacher.org 
Notice of nondiscriminatory policy as to students: The Thacher School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.