Mathematics
The Mathematics Department at La Lumiere School is dedicated to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Our curriculum is designed to accommodate each student’s unique learning path, allowing them to advance based on their prior knowledge and future academic goals. Courses range from foundational classes such as Algebra and Geometry to more advanced offerings like Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics, ensuring a comprehensive mathematical education.With a focus on reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking students further understand the world around them through mathematical representation. Our curriculum and course structure promotes both self-advocacy and self-reliance within students.
Course Path
Students follow their own path upon where they enter La Lumiere starting with Algebra 1, Algebra 2, & Geometry and followed by a student’s choice in both course and level.
Algebra 1 |
Algebra 2, Honors Algebra 2 |
Geometry, Honors Geometry |
Precalculus, Honors Precalculus |
AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, Statistics, Financial Math |
Course Spotlight
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus AB is equivalent to the first two semesters of a general college Calculus course. The primary topics are differentiation (rates of change, function analysis, optimization,related rates, and other applications) and antidifferentiation (indefinite integrals, initial value problems, definite integrals, area, and volume applications). Students will be expected to complete homework assignments both on paper and electronically, and will have comprehensive, cumulative tests at regular time intervals throughout the year.
Co-curricular Spotlight
Academic Super Bowl
Through this Hoosier contest, teams of students enhance their research and study skills by delving into topics which change annually. Teams of 2-5 students learn about Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Literature, and Fine Arts (Visual Arts and Music). Students may join two of these teams and work collaboratively to learn about their subjects in preparation for the area competition in April and, potentially, the state competition at Purdue University in May.
Faculty
Contact: talexander@lalumiere.org
Taylor Alexander graduated from La Lumiere in 2009 and rejoined the community as an Algebra teacher in 2024. She studied Physics and Math at DePaul University, where she began her career teaching math. Later, she traveled across the United States and internationally with her family. Taylor is thrilled to return to La Lumiere, where she first discovered her passion for math and science, and she loves sharing her passion with her students.
Contact: kandert@lalumiere.org
Ken Andert joined the La Lumiere faculty in 1995 after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied physics and secondary education. He joined Notre Dame’s physics department in 1999 as a teacher in the QuarkNet program and spends his summers on a variety of research projects, which have included construction and installation of particle detectors for Fermilab and CERN, decoding images from the Hubble Space Telescope, and designing shows for Notre Dame’s planetarium. He runs our version of Bookstore Basketball in the spring, and still holds out hope that he can win it again one of these years.
How long have you taught at La Lumiere?
This is my 27th year at La Lumiere.
What is your favorite location on campus?
My favorite location at La Lumiere is standing behind the 3-point arc with a defender too far away to do anything about it.
What do you enjoy most about working with students at La Lu?
I enjoy working with students at La Lumiere to help them understand physics and mathematics.
What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition?
My favorite La Lumiere tradition is the senior banquet. (well, and of course Bookstore).
Contact: jfrankle@lalumiere.org
Jaime Frankle joined La Lumiere School in 2010 and is also an alumna of the school. She teaches Honors Precalculus, Precalculus, and Physics and serves as the Math Department Chair and the Library Coordinator. In the winter and spring seasons she coaches the Academia Cup and Academic Super Bowl teams. Jaime graduated from Grinnell College with a BA in Physics and completed their education licensure program. She spends her summers working as a stage manager at a local theater.
What is your favorite spot on campus? The Lake Loop.
What do you enjoy most about working at La Lumiere? Interacting with the students in so many different ways throughout the day.
What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition? Friday Funnies.
Contact: dbrownstein@lalumiere.org
Contact: dbrownstein@lalumiere.org
Daniel joined laumiere school in 2025. He earned a masters degree in applied economics from the University of Houston. Daniel has a passion for coaching sports, sports statistics and playing ping pong. In his spare time he also plays guitar. Daniel brings several years of mathematics teaching experience from schools back in his native Texas, along with a stint at a boarding school in New York.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete four( 4) credits of mathematics in order to graduate and should be enrolled in a math class during each semester at La Lumiere. All students must pass Algebra II and Geometry.
