Do the Math: How Renbrook Builds Confident, Capable Mathematicians
by Eleanor Strumolo and Barbara Doyle
At Renbrook School, mathematics is not simply about mastering procedures or memorizing formulas. It is about developing confident, capable thinkers who understand how and why math works—and who see themselves as mathematicians.
“Every student is a mathematician,” says Eleanor Strumolo, Chair of Renbrook’s Math Department. “To learn mathematics, students have to do mathematics, and mistakes are an essential part of the learning process.”
That philosophy underpins Renbrook’s comprehensive math program, spanning Preschool through Grade 8, and shapes how students experience math every day in the classroom.
A Clear Philosophy Grounded in Research and Practice
Renbrook’s math program is built on three foundational beliefs:
- Every student is a mathematician.
- Mathematics is learned through active problem-solving.
- Mistakes are essential to deep learning and growth.
These beliefs guide program goals that include building self-confidence, strengthening foundational skills, inspiring curiosity and problem-solving, encouraging collaboration, fostering perseverance, and helping each student develop a strong mathematical identity.
Three Core Tenets: Rigor, Differentiation, and Experiential Learning
To bring this philosophy to life, Renbrook’s K–8 math program is anchored in three core tenets: rigor, differentiation, and experiential learning. Together, they ensure that learning is intellectually challenging, developmentally appropriate, and deeply engaging.
Rigor That Goes Beyond Speed and Difficulty
When families hear the word rigor, they often think of harder problems or faster pacing. At Renbrook, rigor is defined more intentionally.
“True rigor lives at the intersection of conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application,” explains Strumolo. “When students understand the concepts, can apply skills accurately, and use math to solve meaningful problems, that’s where real learning happens.”
From Kindergarten through Grade 5, this approach is supported by the Dimensions Math curriculum, a research-based program that integrates all three components of rigor. Students progress from concrete learning with hands-on manipulatives to pictorial representations and finally to abstract thinking using symbols and equations.
Importantly, abstraction does not mean jumping prematurely into advanced algebra. For young learners, it may begin with writing an equation such as 3 + 2 = 5—a powerful step toward mathematical reasoning.
Dimensions Math also emphasizes higher-order skills, including metacognition, reasoning, communication, modeling, and reflection, all introduced in developmentally appropriate ways.
Differentiation: Meeting Students Where They Are
Differentiation is a cornerstone of Renbrook’s approach and a key advantage of its small class sizes.
“Differentiation means customizing instruction to meet students’ individual needs, while holding the learning goals constant,” says Strumolo. “The goal is the same for everyone, but the path to get there may look different.”
In practice, differentiation at Renbrook includes:
- Manipulatives for all ages, from base-ten blocks and counters in the Lower School to algebra tiles and integer chips in Middle School
- Open-ended questions and number talks, beginning in Kindergarten and extending through advanced algebra
- Challenge-by-choice opportunities, such as “mild, medium, and spicy” practice that allows students to stretch appropriately
- Leveled assessments, enabling students to demonstrate learning at an approaching, meeting, or extending level
Beyond the classroom, Renbrook offers enrichment and extension through math competitions and advanced coursework, including Math Olympiad, MathCounts, AMC 8, and AMC 10(American Mathematics Competitions), as well as honors-level classes beginning in the Upper School. At the same time, strong support systems—Math Lab, study hall, teacher availability, and learning specialists—ensure that students receive targeted help when needed.
Experiential Learning: Bringing Math to Life
Experiential learning is a defining feature of the Renbrook experience. Students regularly apply math concepts to real-world projects that deepen understanding and spark engagement.
Some signature examples include:
- The Candy Box Project (Grade 6): Students design and build a three-dimensional candy box to demonstrate mastery of geometry concepts.
- Slope Investigations: Students calculate slope by measuring stairwells and architectural features around campus.
- Word Problem Booklets: Creative, real-world algebra projects that connect equations to students’ interests.
- Barbie Bungee Jumping (Algebra II): A beloved project in which students use linear and quadratic equations to design the safest possible bungee jump.
“These projects allow students to go deep,” Strumolo notes. “They’re applying math, collaborating, revising their thinking, and presenting their work—skills that matter far beyond the classroom.”
Assessment Without Overreliance on Standardized Testing
While Renbrook does not rely on traditional standardized testing, assessment is thoughtful, data-informed, and ongoing. Beginning in Grade 1, students complete IXL benchmarks three times per year, providing nationally normed data that helps teachers track growth and adjust instruction. In Kindergarten, assessment is closely aligned with Dimensions Math benchmarks, ensuring a strong foundation for future learning.
Technology as a Thoughtful Support
Technology plays a targeted role in Renbrook’s math program. Tools such as Reflex (for fact fluency) and IXL (for benchmarking and skill practice) support learning, particularly in the Upper School. At the same time, most math classes remain intentionally low-tech, emphasizing discussion, whiteboards, manipulatives, and hands-on problem-solving.
“Math is fundamentally a thinking discipline,” says Strumolo. “We want students talking, reasoning, and engaging with ideas, not just working on screens.”
A Supportive Environment That Encourages Productive Struggle
A common question among prospective families is whether a supportive environment leaves enough room for challenge. At Renbrook, the opposite is true.
“When students feel safe to make mistakes, they’re more willing to take risks,” explains Strumolo. “That willingness is what leads to deeper learning and real perseverance.”
Differentiation does not eliminate struggle; it ensures that struggle is purposeful and productive.
Preparing Students for What Comes Next
Renbrook’s math program is intentionally advanced. Even regular-level classes often exceed grade-level expectations, and many students complete Algebra II by eighth grade, entering high school prepared for advanced coursework such as Precalculus.
More importantly, students leave Renbrook with confidence in their abilities, a strong mathematical foundation, and the habits of mind needed for future success.
Learn More About Math at Renbrook
Renbrook offers a comprehensive, developmentally thoughtful math program from Preschool through Grade 8, grounded in research, enriched by hands-on learning, and led by expert educators who know their students well.
To explore the full scope of Renbrook’s academic program, visit www.renbrook.org.
Interested in seeing math in action? Schedule a visit and experience how Renbrook brings learning to life, one meaningful problem at a time.