On a Monday morning before the school day even started, Math Lab was already going strong. There were a couple juniors working on test corrections, while a pair of freshmen asked questions about homework problems that had stumped them over the weekend, and a senior studied for a quiz. I love starting my week like this: surrounded by students, already eager to learn, and the wide variety of math topics they bring with them. There’s never a dull moment in Math Lab, where Upper School students can come at any time throughout the school day for help in any of their math classes, from Algebra I to AP Calculus.
During a free period last week, B. Revanche '25 was using Math Lab as a quiet and productive place to complete her upcoming homework. As she checked an answer and learned she was correct, she pronounced, “Even if I’m doing something easy, because I’m in Math Lab, I feel smarter.” In that sentiment, she captured the goal of Math Lab: to empower students and help them feel more capable and confident in their work.
While many students visit Math Lab occasionally, like any hot spot, we have our regulars. Some of these students pop in frequently for shorter sessions, while others camp out and spend practically any free moment in the Math Lab. I spoke with a few of these students to share their expert perspectives, as well as their advice for their fellow students.
P. Wheelan '26 comes to Math Lab every C block, usually to work on her AP Calculus homework assignments and problem sets. Her favorite part of Math Lab is the individualized attention; “you can spend more time asking a question, and you can understand not just how to do something but why.” Honors Precalculus student A. Bala '26 added that because a variety of different teachers staff Math Lab, it can be helpful to have another perspective on a confusing topic. “You can always get help with whatever you’re struggling with, and you can have another teacher explain it in a way that makes sense for you.”
While the juniors and seniors have had years to learn about the benefits of Math Lab, younger students are equally welcome, and some have already made Math Lab a major part of their Upper School experience. A. Lewis '28 figured out early in the year that she could come to Math Lab during her assigned study hall, and that she would get much more of her Algebra II Accelerated homework done in this setting. “I like that I get one-on-one time. The math teachers are really smart, and they know what we’re doing in class,” she explained. This is another of my favorite parts of working in Math Lab; I get snapshots of what’s going on in other math classes, and I see the innovative ideas my colleagues have for various topics and assignments.
T. Ximba '28, who started coming to Math Lab “on the second day of actual homework” thinks of Math Lab as “calming.” She now often comes to Math Lab to work on her Algebra I homework independently, explaining that she likes the ability to ask a quick question and then try the work on her own. She also praised our fidget collection and shared her own pro tip: “You can play with the toys when you’re waiting for help.”
All of the regulars encouraged their peers to come and see for themselves what a great resource Math Lab can be. “I feel like the smartest students go to Math Lab,” Wheelan claimed. Math Lab is not only a great academic resource, but it’s a lot of fun, for students and teachers alike.