MHS Math Students Excel in Statewide Competition

On average, 80 students have participated this year in each of the voluntary math contests.

Montclair High School math scholars are at it again.

The 2008-09 school year marks the third consecutive year MHS has ranked in the top 20 NJ High Schools in the New Jersey Math League statewide competition. In keeping with the past two years’ tradition, when Montclair finished in the #1 spot in Essex County, this year the Mountie math scholars took a very close second in the county after three contests.

For the third consecutive year, MHS students have excelled in math competitions throughout the state, region and nation.

In addition, Montclair took third place last semester at the 2008 Caldwell College competition, held in May. It marked the best finish MHS has had since this contest began in 1974.

Each year, students who are interested in developing their math skills participate in a series of competitions at the state, regional and national level. The New Jersey Math League (NJML), a high school competition that begins in the fall, has been an area of key focus for MHS teacher Dana Rubin, with support provided by the math department and Math Supervisor George Fox.

According to NJML regulations, students sit each month for a 30-minute voluntary exam consisting of 6 problems. The problems are designed to challenge students to apply concepts and strategies learned in their classes.

Students who participate in the New Jersey Math League take the exams without formal preparation, though some opt to meet with faculty for practice and reinforcement prior to the contests.

This year the average number of MHS students participating per contest is 80, up from about 70 last year. The participants are a diverse group of students, most of whom play a sport or are involved in other extracurricular activities, Mr. Rubin reports.

Stats & Standings

Thus far in 2009, Montclair High School has a total of 107 points in the New Jersey Math League. Despite rising in the overall standings statewide, MHS remains in 2nd place in Essex County with the same score as Livingston High School in the latest contest.

	MHS math teacher Dan Rubin.

Top schools in New Jersey, ranked by total points accrued as of January 2009:

W. Windsor-Plainsboro HS North: 117
W. Windsor-Plainsboro HS South: 117
East Brunswick HS: 116
High Technology HS: 116
Holmdel HS: 114
Livingston HS: 114
Ridge HS: 113
St. Joseph's HS: 113
AAST/BCA Mu AAA: 112
Cherry Hill HS East: 112
Parsippany Hills HS: 110
Watchung Hills Reg. HS: 110
Hillsborough HS: 109
Morristown HS: 109
New Providence HS: 109
South Brunswick HS: 109
Voorhees HS: 109
Gov. Livingston HS: 107
Montclair HS: 107
Parsippany HS: 107
North Hunterdon HS: 106
Ridgewood HS: 106
Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS: 106
Wayne Hills HS: 106
AAST/BCA Alpha A: 105
Blair Academy: 105

Read more about Montclair High School’s past math achievementson this site. Find out more, too, about the New Jersey Math League.