As the number of students progressing into Calculus BC and Multivariable Calculus continues to grow, more XCP students are wondering where else they can enhance their math skills. Luckily, Xavier offers several opportunities for math-loving students to channel their knowledge and interests.
Mu Alpha Theta is one such option. This historic math honor society meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Congregating in Founders Hall B, the community accepts students in Honors Geometry and above.
According to Rob Hendrickson, AP Calculus BC teacher and Mu Alpha Theta moderator, its purpose is “to give the top math students different views of ways that math can be out there in the real world.”
Every month, Mu Alpha Theta hosts guest speakers, competitions and activities designed to strengthen math skills. But according to Hendrickson, its most valuable aspect isn’t the grade boost.
“Our goal is for these students to see, besides the obvious grade benefits, why it’s helpful to be good at math,” Hendrickson stated.
For students who want to go further with their math knowledge, compete nationally and commit to an honor society, Mu Alpha Theta is likely the best option.
But for those seeking a more casual, interactive way to enjoy math, Xavier’s Calculus Club might be a better fit.
A small and welcoming group, the club meets every other Monday in AP Calculus AB teacher Stella Ollarsaba’s room. Students can join by filling out a form distributed by their Calculus teachers at the start of the school year.
According to Hazel Vynalek ‘26, Calculus Club BC section leader, “The AB and BC people have the same overall curriculum, but they’re learning at different paces. It’s really nice, through the club, to find people in different cohorts that can explain topics to you in different ways.”
The club’s atmosphere is another highlight. Vynalek noted that every meeting begins with a fun activity, moves into a paper exercise and ends with snacks or prizes.
“Everyone is super chill, and I really enjoy going there for lunch,” Vynalek said.
For students eager to take their math skills even further, Xavier’s AP Statistics course might be the way to go.
Starting junior year, students have the option to take AP Statistics alongside their standard math course. As James Marando, Xavier’s AP Statistics teacher, said in an email, “When I first started at XCP in 2022, we had 12 students enrolled.” Today, the class holds 32.
Marando, though, has bigger goals. “My goal is to have every student at XCP take AP Statistics. In my strong opinion, statistics is the most important math class a student can take,” Marando said.
AP Statistics offers a unique opportunity for students to apply their skills in new ways. Unlike traditional math courses, the focal point isn’t complex calculations.
“Rather than grind out the laborious calculation, we use a calculator to find it and focus on the meaning of that number and how it is used within the context of the given problem,” Marando explained.
Ultimately, the class prepares students for a data-driven world. With AP Statistics, students can strengthen their mathematical and analytical skills while preparing themselves for the future.
As more XCP students advance into higher math, opportunities like Mu Alpha Theta, Calculus Club and AP Statistics give them ways to build on skills. At Xavier, there’s a place for every kind of math mind.
