Many students shiver at the thought of calculus or even algebra. However, a select group of seniors has chosen to dive headfirst into the world of derivatives, integrals, and matrices, tackling a Georgia Tech mathematics course while still in high school. Ranked the ninth-best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the Georgia Institute of Technology is renowned for its challenging academics, making this achievement all the more impressive. 12th graders at NAHS who have excelled in math are given the opportunity to take Georgia Tech’s linear algebra and multivariable calculus classes, adding one more challenge to their rigorous senior year.
Seniors enrolled in this two-course program take linear algebra during the fall semester and multivariable calculus in the spring semester. This year, 22 students are enrolled in the program, a significant increase from previous years, which typically included around 10 students. Linear algebra analyzes vectors, matrices, and linear transformations, while multivariable calculus extends beyond the two-dimensional x-y plane by introducing a z-axis. Students take the courses on a platform called Canvas, where they watch pre-recorded lectures and complete homework, quizzes, and projects. Although most of this work is expected to be done at home, students are required to take four to five proctored tests at North Atlanta on specific dates. “To stay on track, I work on the class every day, which probably totals to about four hours a week,” said senior Piper Curnow.
This class is supervised by math teacher David Ehrman, who graduated with an industrial and mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech and a master’s degree in math education from Georgia State. Additionally, Ehrman teaches precalculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC at North Atlanta, meaning he has been most of these students’ teacher for three years. Many of the students enrolled in this Georgia Tech course attribute their success in math to Ehrman’s phenomenal teaching. His patience and intelligence over the years have enabled them to excel and build confidence in their higher-level math courses. Senior Elizabeth Nilson has been in Ehrman’s class since her sophomore year and is currently enrolled in the Georgia Tech math class. “Mr. Ehrman teaches math in a way that just makes sense,” said Nilson. “He also stays after school every single day to offer extra help and practice.”
To qualify for this course, students must have scored at least a four or five on the AP Calculus BC exam. They must also have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and a 3.5 unweighted math GPA. Because the students in this program are exceptionally high-achieving, they adapted quickly to the rigor of this college-level course. Additionally, there are many extra credit opportunities to boost grades. Although the math is extremely advanced, taking the class is worth the extra hours every week as it helps the students stand out for college admissions, earns them college credit, and prepares them for a more challenging college curriculum. “If students are interested in pursuing some sort of mathematical, engineering, or computer science degree, they are going to have to take these courses eventually, so they might as well get them out of the way,” said Ehrman.
For seniors willing to take on such a rigorous course, this program will be extremely beneficial in the long run. The Georgia Tech math class offers a valuable introduction to the next stage of life that will begin after graduation.
