Mathematics

At Kent Place, our students study topics and contexts that reveal the power of mathematics in contemporary society and their individual lives. Students investigate challenging questions that reflect multifaceted problems from the world in which they live. From Pre-K through the Upper School, our students combine their own creativity with established results, developing their own power to innovate in any type of quantitative setting. Students enjoy the process and appreciate the value of mathematical study for its own sake and for practical applications.

Our mathematics program emphasizes procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, problem-solving strategies and methods of reasoning as equally essential aspects of mathematical proficiency. Realistic and complex problems are woven throughout our curriculum, challenging each student to advance to new levels of mathematical sophistication. Through interdisciplinary studies and other long-term investigations, students experience mathematics as a subject that involves a diverse array of thinking skills.
We encourage students to personalize their experience within our curriculum. We offer multiple pathways for advancement, a variety of elective courses and research.

Did You Know...

  • In 2019, over 30% of our students are taking an advanced mathematics class beyond AP Calculus.
  • 25% of Primary School Students opt to wake up early to participate in the Math Lab enrichment course before official school hours.
  • 20% of our Middle School students participate in the American Mathematics Competition.
  • All Middle School students engage in a collaborative problem-solving competition created by the Girls' Angle Math Club of Boston.
  • 90% of our students take at least one AP Mathematics course.
  • The Upper School student organization GEMS (Girls Eliminating Math Stereotypes) is dedicated to advancing the presence of women in mathematics, and members have been invited speakers at numerous national conferences.
  • Our Primary and Middle school students have placed at the national level in the math league.org competition in each of the past two years.
  • In each of the past 5 years, mathematics faculty have presented workshops at regional and national mathematics education conferences.

View Our Course Offerings

Primary School
Middle School
Upper School

Meet the Department

List of 12 members.

  • Photo of Ralph Pantozzi

    Dr. Ralph S Pantozzi 

    Department Chair / MS/US Math
    Rutgers College - B.A.
    Rutgers University - Ed.M.
    Rutgers University - Ed.D.
    Bio
  • Photo of Maura Crowe

    Ms. Maura Crowe 

    MS/US Science and STEM Coordinator
    Rutgers University - B.A.
    Teachers College, Columbia University - M.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Jennifer Greene

    Mrs. Jennifer Greene 

    Mount Holyoke College - B.A.
  • Photo of Alicia Grysko

    Ms. Alicia Grysko 

    MS/US Math
  • Photo of Cheryl Kaplun

    Ms. Cheryl Kaplun 

    MS Math
    Lehigh University - B.S.
    Lehigh University - M.Ed
    Bio
  • Photo of Maureen Kroeger

    Mrs. Maureen M Kroeger 

    State University of New York at Oneonta - B.S.
    Bank Street College - M.S.Ed.
    Bio
  • Photo of Nancy Manjovski

    Ms. Nancy Manjovski 

    MS/US Math
  • Photo of Denise Mulry

    Ms. Denise Mulry 

    US Math
    Fairfield University - B.S.
    University of Dayton - M.S.
    Bio
  • Photo of Michelle Murphy

    Mrs. Michelle A Murphy 

    Dean of Students/ US Math
    Hunter College - B.A.
    Hunter College - M.Sp.Ed.
    Bio
  • Photo of Neisha Payne

    Ms. Neisha Payne 

    MS Dean/MS Math
    Pennsylvania State University - B.A.
    City College of New York - M.S.
    Bio
  • Photo of Sally Snyder

    Mrs. Sally Snyder 

    Fifth Grade
    Ohio Wesleyan University - B.F.A.
    New York University - M.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Robin Versh

    Ms. Robin S Versh 

    Fourth Grade
    Smith College - B.A.
    New York University - M.A.
    Bio
Kent Place School is an all-girls K through 12 independent college preparatory day school with a coeducational Preschool, located in Summit, NJ.

  • TEST WHAT'S "EXPECTED."

    That's our mantra in robotics. Try crazy things, be free with your ideas, and see what happens. If you're going to build the future, you'll need to be a pioneer. –Emma, seventh grade

  • LEAN INTO DIFFICULTY.

    When it comes to academics, it pays to challenge yourself. I'm in the Bioethics Symposium, presenting research on the ethics of genetically-enhanced intelligence. At times it's daunting—research, deadlines, time management—but it's also a whole new way of thinking. Very independent and "you-driven." –Isabella, sophomore

  • OWN YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

    It's one of the "conversation norms" we have at Kent Place, and it's always resonated with me. Everyone has a different and equally valid perspective to bring to the table—so put yourself out there. –Mary, senior

  • DON’T THINK YOU’RE GOING TO GET A LABEL.

    There are no jocks here at Kent Place, no science geeks, no theater nerds. Last month a varsity athlete went to sing at the Vatican. Everyone here has some unique quality — and they’re amazing at what they do. –Claire, senior

  • REACH BEYOND WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH.

    You'll face plenty of challenges, but push through them. Brilliant women use their resources: their teachers, our studios and library and, of course, each other. If you're stuck, collaboration can almost always get you across the finish line. –Suzanne Carreno-Powers, Math Teacher and STEM Coordinator

  • GET READY FOR RIGOROUS WORK.

    And multiple extracurricular activities. Busy days, and a few late nights. But through it all, don’t lose your sense of fun. –Alessandra, junior

  • MAKE CONNECTIONS.

    KPS alumnae are amazing. I met one alumna after a math and science panel who works in retail architecture. That made me think about a cool way to combine two of my interests — math and fashion. –Amber, junior

  • YOUR TIME AT KPS IS GOING TO OPEN UP OPTIONS YOU HADN'T EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT.

    And when it's time to choose, you're going to know yourself so well, you'll pick the college that's the best fit for you—academically, socially, personally. So don't get tunnel vision. This is your process. Just know that you'll be ready! –Jennifer Simpson, Director of College Advising

  • SOLVING PROBLEMS IS A JOURNEY, ENJOY THE RIDE!

    In the Middle School we do a Science Expo—either two or four people work on a science project for a couple of months and then present it to the entire class. We go into some in-depth projects and it’s incredible what we learn along the way, and how willing our teachers are to help us through the tough parts. –Toni Ann, eighth grade

  • SPEAK YOUR MIND.

    Every girl here learns from an early age how to speak up and speak to adults. You never feel silly raising your hand, and you’re given lots of opportunities to speak publicly. I’m never shy about saying what’s on my mind. –Vittoria, fourth grade

  • ETHICS WILL CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE OUTLOOK.

    Right away, we tackled questions of "right versus right." We're learning to look at every issue from both sides, which helps with everything from homework to friendships. –Elizabeth, eighth grade