Mathematics
Bio
Education:
B.S., Secondary Mathematics Education, Florida State University
MMath, Florida Atlantic University
Brief Background:
Upon graduating from Florida State, Mr. Leljedal began his math teaching career at Tallahassee Community College and Franklin Academy. His passion for mathematics motivated him to pursue a Master’s degree while teaching in the Broward County Public School District. Before joining Oxbridge Academy in 2019, he taught at Oak Hall School and served as an adjunct professor at Santa Fe College, both in Gainesville, Florida.
Oxbridge Academy offers various math courses, all incorporating problem-solving and logic.
The Math Department believes that students must learn how to creatively solve problems and apply quantitative skills learned in class to real-world situations. We strive to help students apply and explain logical processes, find practical uses for those concepts in their daily lives, and seek to instill a growth mindset in our students that will help them embrace the challenges they face in mathematics and beyond.
We offer the traditional coursework of Pre-Algebra through Calculus, along with advanced courses like Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations. Our unique electives, like AI/Math Modeling, Digital Logic, and Computer Science, apply math to concrete, real-world scenarios. Upon completing our curriculum, students can think deeply about problems and persevere to keep trying when their first answer is incorrect.
SCOTT LELJEDAL, MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Faculty
Rochain Burrell
Math Teacher
Estella Fierroz
Math Center Support
Bio
Education:
B.S., Applied Mathematics
Specialization in Computer Science Operations Research, University of California, UCLA
Brief Background:
Prior to joining Oxbridge Academy in 2011 as part of the Math Learning Support Team, Mrs. Fierroz taught high school math at private and public schools in South Florida for 11 years, including all levels of mathematics from algebra to calculus in IB and AP programs. Before becoming a teacher, she worked in corporate America as a computer programmer, systems analyst, and financial analyst for firms such as Accenture, Nestle, and JPL.
Seferino Fierroz
Math & Science Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.S., Electrical Engineering
UCLA
M.B.A., Pepperdine University at Malibu
MPh.Ed,
University of Virginia
Brief Background:
Mr. Fierroz worked his way through college as a machinist, and for many years he worked as a systems consultant for Andersen Consulting/Accenture. He has taught a variety of classes in math, physics, and computer science. Mr. Fierroz has been teaching for 18 years and joined Oxbridge Academy when the school opened in 2011.
Sheri Viggiano
Math Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.S., Mathematics,
Minor,Education and Business,
State University of New York at Albany, SUNY
M.S., Instructional Technology, IONA College
Brief Background:
Mrs. Viggiano is a secondary mathematics teacher certified by New York State and Florida and has an ESE certification in Florida. She taught at Nyack High School in New York for 12 years before joining the Oxbridge staff in its inaugural year in 2011. She is also a faculty advisor to the Cancer Awareness Club and National Honor Society.
Jhamilet Hawkins
Math Center Support
Bio
Education:
B.S., Electrical Engineering and Mathematics,
Florida Atlantic University
Brief Background:
Ms. Hawkins joined Oxbridge Academy in 2017 after years of experience in software engineering and teaching. She has worked for Siemens Enterprise Networks as a test engineer, and she has taught at institutions including G-Star School for Film and Animation and A.C.S. Youth Services.
Dr. Andrew Johnson
Math & Science Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.S., Physics and Mathematics University of Colorado
Ph.D., Applied Physics, Colorado School of Mines
Brief Background:
Before joining Oxbridge Academy in 2017, Dr. Johnson taught introductory and upper-division physics at the University of New Mexico and the Florida Atlantic University Honors College. He is a theoretical and computational physicist and has worked in various capacities in academia and industry, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, NextEra Energy Resources, and the Max Planck Florida Institute.
Amanda Goldberg
Math Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.S., University of Florida
Brief Background:
Mrs. Goldberg joined Oxbridge Academy with eight years of experience working in corporate finance and, most recently, teaching math at Renaissance Charter School at Cypress, where she was selected Regional Teacher of the Year by Charter Schools USA's charter system in 2019.
Janet Outlaw
Math Teacher & Learning Support Chair
Tiler Schysm
Math Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.S., Electrical Engineering, McNeese State University
Minors, Mathematics and Instrumentation Engineering
Brief Background:
A member of the Oxbridge Academy faculty since fall 2022, Mr. Schism previously taught middle school math and science in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He currently coaches girls flag football at Oxbridge Academy.
Matthew DeBarger
Math Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.S., Lehigh University
M.Ed, Mathematics Instruction and Curriculum
Tier 2 teaching certification for International Baccalaureate
Brief Background:
Over the last 18 years, Mr. DeBarger has dedicated himself to the field of education, following a successful partnership at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. He is passionate about biking and enjoys spending his leisure time watching movies with his dog.
Victor Concepcion
Computer Science Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.A., Digital Sound Design, SUNY Binghamton
M.S., Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, SUNY Albany
Brief Background:
Mr. Concepcion is an experienced educator who brings two decades of pedagogical expertise to Oxbridge Academy. Having taught CompSci, Stem and Robotics at New York’s Independent Schools, Mr. Concepcion brings an indefatigable energy that fosters positivity and an engaging classroom environment.
He holds a Master of Science in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from The State University of New York. Here at Oxbridge, Mr. Concepcion teaches a variety of classes, including Middle School STEM, Web Development, Python and Java. We are glad to have him onboard, and we enjoy his enthusiasm for all things STEM.
Julie Prugh
Math Teacher
Yoshua Carhuamaca
Math Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.S., Economics & Finance, Florida Atlantic University
M.A., Financial Economics, Florida Atlantic University
Brief Background:
Before joining Oxbridge Academy, Mr. Carhuamaca primarily taught senior social studies dual-enrollment courses, college-readiness math courses, and business classes at Jupiter Christian School. Before assuming this role, he served as a Math Learning Specialist at Palm Beach State College, leading a team of 40 tutors. In addition, he dedicated his time as a volunteer GED math coach at The Lord's Place in Boynton Beach.
This diverse background underscores Mr. Carhuamaca's dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting student learning. His leadership role in higher education and experiential experience in high school classrooms equip him with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape. Furthermore, his commitment to community service reflects a holistic approach to education that extends beyond traditional classroom settings.
In his role at Oxbridge, Mr. Carhuamaca further enhances the academic environment by infusing a global perspective into his teaching. Coming from Peru, his experience of arriving in the U.S. (in 1990) during a challenging period in Peru's history instilled in him a deep appreciation for the opportunities and freedom it offered. This unique perspective enables him to enrich discussions on various topics and give students a broader worldview. He also serves as the 9th-grade class advisor.
Lindsay Rosado
Math and Learning Support Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.A., Mathematics, University of Florida
Brief Background:
Ms. Rosado was born with a passion for mathematics. Her love for the subject grew in high school and college, eventually leading to a career in education. Before joining Oxbridge Academy in 2024, Rosado taught math at The Batt School, serving students with varied levels in grades six through 12. Before that, she taught middle and high school math at Somerset Academy Canyons School, also serving as Math Department Chair. In 2015-2016, Ms. Rosado was named Teacher of the Year and served as the school’s Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honor Society) sponsor.
Course Offerings
- Algebra 1 Courses
- Geometry Courses
- Algebra 2 Courses
- Trigonometry
- Selected Topics in Mathematics
- Statistics With Applications
- Personal Finance
- Pre-Calculus
- Honors Pre-Calculus
- Descriptive Statistics and Probability
- Intro to Calculus
- Inferential Statistics
- Honors Probability and Statistics
- Applications of Calculus: Business
- Honors Calculus A & Honors Seminar Calculus B
- Honors Seminar Multivariable Calculus
- Honors Seminar Differential Equations
- Digital Logic 1 & 2
- Honors Computer Science 1 & 2
- Honors Web Application Programming
- Honors Game Development in C#
- Honors Mathematics and Physics Programming
- Honors Seminar Artificial Intelligence and Computational Modeling
Algebra 1 Courses
This course is the foundation for all other high school math courses. Algebra 1 covers topics including but not limited to linear relationships, exponential and quadratic relationships, advanced functions and equations, and data analysis.
This course is also available at the survey level and an accelerated "Plus" level.
Geometry Courses
Geometry
This course will build upon Algebra 1 curriculum and is essential to further instruction in Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and beyond. The purpose of this course is to develop geometric relationships and deductive strategies that can be used to solve a variety of real-world and mathematical problems. Geometry covers topics including but not limited to geometric structure, congruence, similarity, and measurement.
Geometry Plus
Geometry Plus covers the same curriculum as Geometry, with a greater emphasis on logic, proofs, and constructions. The focus is on the student’s continuous development of analytical and critical thinking through logical and spatial reasoning.
Honors Geometry
The topics covered in this course include all of those listed in Geometry and Geometry Plus. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Algebra 2 Courses
Algebra 2
This course will build upon the Algebra 1 curriculum and is essential for further instruction in post Algebra 2 courses. Algebra 2 covers topics including but not limited to: extension of the properties of the real number system, linear and quadratic relations and inequalities, polynomials, radical and inverse functions, complex numbers, logarithmic and exponential functions, and rational functions.
Algebra 2 Plus
This course covers the same curriculum as Algebra 2, with a greater emphasis on the depth of the questions asked.
Honors Algebra 2
The purpose of this course is to continue the study of Algebra and to provide the foundation for applying algebraic skills to other mathematical and scientific fields. This course covers the same curriculum as Algebra 2 Plus as well as trigonometric functions, formulas, graphs, and identities. Topics are taught at a greater depth than Algebra 2 Plus. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Trigonometry
Selected Topics in Mathematics
Statistics With Applications
This course will focus on developing fundamental understandings of the statistics and probability that students will encounter in everyday life. Topics covered will include probability models, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and confidence intervals. An emphasis will be placed on applications of these topics to real world situations.
Personal Finance
Pre-Calculus
This course is a study of the theory and applications of polynomials, trigonometric identities, vectors, statistics, and rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions. Graphing calculators will be used extensively in this course. The successful student in this course will be well prepared for more advanced topics.
Honors Pre-Calculus
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for a Calculus course. The course includes all of the topics listed in Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry, as well as matrices, polar coordinates, analytical Geometry and discrete math. Students will demonstrate their mastery via projects that synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Descriptive Statistics and Probability
This course explores all areas of descriptive statistics, such as different ways to display data, measures of center and variability, the normal distribution, and linear regression. Students will study several types of sampling methods and learn the differences between studies and experiments. Students will also learn how to find compound and conditional probabilities.
Intro to Calculus
Inferential Statistics
This course builds upon all the ideas learned in Descriptive Statistics and Probability. Students will be expected to go beyond describing data, using and applying the information and skills from semester one to draw conclusions about what they observe. Topics will include random variables, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. Students will learn and apply different distributions of data, including the Normal distribution, t-distribution, and chi-squared distribution.
Honors Probability and Statistics
In this course students explore binomial distribution, the normal distribution, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, t-distribution, chi-square distribution, correlation, regression, and multiple regression. Students will learn how to calculate confidence intervals and employ hypothesis testing. This course will make extensive use of graphing calculators and Excel spreadsheets. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Applications of Calculus: Business
This course is intended for those studying business, economics, or other related business fields. The following topics are presented with applications in the business world: functions, graphs, limits, exponential and logarithmic functions, differentiation, integration, partial derivatives, and optimization. Topics also include total cost, variable cost, average cost, marginal cost, total revenue, marginal revenue, and average revenue.
Honors Calculus A & Honors Seminar Calculus B
Honors Calculus A
This course will introduce students to calculus from an algebraic, numerical, and graphical perspective. Topics covered include continuity and limits, differentiation techniques and applications including implicit and logarithmic differentiation, exponential and logarithmic functions, simple differential equations, and definite and indefinite integrals. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Honors Seminar Calculus B
This course is a continuation of Honors Calculus A. Students will further their study of definite and indefinite integrals; additional topics include integration techniques and applications, the calculus of parametric, vector, and polar functions, sequences, and series, including Taylor and MacLaurin series. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Honors Seminar Multivariable Calculus
This course studies the calculus of the 3D world. Topics covered include differential and integral calculus of functions of two or three variables, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, Green’s, Stokes’s, and Divergence Theorems, calculus of vectors and paths in two and three dimensions. The course will conclude with an introduction to first and second order differential equations. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Honors Seminar Differential Equations
Differential Equations is the study of equations involving rates (derivatives); Linear Algebra is the study of linear systems and vector spaces. Combining these courses will allow us to study systems of differential equations. This course will cover first-order differential equations, linear systems and matrices, vector spaces, higher order differential equations, eigenvectors, linear systems of differential equations, and Laplace Transforms. The emphasis is on application; as such, graphical interpretation and engineering application will be the focus and not the theory. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond examples discussed in class.
Digital Logic 1 & 2
Digital Logic 1
This course will introduce students to the elements of circuit design and implementation. Topics will include number systems, logic, gate minimization techniques including Boolean Algebra, DeMorgan’s Theorem, and Karnaugh mapping, binary arithmetic, multiplexers, flip-flops, memory, and finite state machines.
Digital Logic 2
Digital Logic 2 builds on the concepts and skills developed in Digital Logic 1. Students will work with sensors and motors, write code for microcontrollers such as the Arduino, and learn the fundamentals of soldering to create permanent designs. This course will place a greater emphasis on independent projects that synthesize the concepts learned over the semester.
Honors Computer Science 1 & 2
Honors Computer Science 1
Honors Computer Science 1 focuses on developing reasoning skills and algorithmic thinking. Python, a programming language renowned for its simplicity and ease of use, is taught to develop student competency in software development. Topics such as simple data types and structures (booleans, integers, floats, strings, lists, and tuples), loops, function development, control statements, and recursion will be taught. This course is a strong introduction to the computing science field with a particular emphasis on software development.
Honors Computer Science 2
Honors Computer Science 2 is a course similar in structure to Computer Science 1 Honors in so far as a subset of similar topics are taught (loops, functions/methods, control statements, recursion). The major difference, though, is that the class is taught in the Java programming language. Java, a purely object-oriented language, requires the teaching of object-oriented topics such as Java class design, object references, polymorphism, the substitution principle, inheritance, and interfaces. Java is an industry standard, and thus this class provides a solid exposure to college-level concepts.
Honors Web Application Programming
Students will learn how to create fully functioning web applications using a variety of programming languages. Languages taught in this course include server-side languages such as PHP, client-side languages such as JavaScript, languages for database information retrieval such as SQL/MySQL, and markup languages such as HTML and CSS.
Honors Game Development in C#
Honors Mathematics and Physics Programming
Students will use Processing, a flexible software sketchbook, to model topics that they have learned throughout their math and physics careers. Processing allows for graphical programming in a much more intuitive and natural way than the provided graphical user interface packages traditionally included with languages such as Java or Python.
Honors Seminar Artificial Intelligence and Computational Modeling
The first semester of this two-semester sequence will focus on computational modeling using Python. This course integrates concepts from calculus, statistics, linear algebra, and computer science through the lens of real-world scenarios. There will be an emphasis on numerical methods for solving differential equations. In addition, students will be introduced to statistical methods to analyze large data sets along with specific techniques from linear algebra.
The second semester will introduce students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, focusing on machine learning techniques and training, neural networks and deep learning, and applications of machine learning to real-world problems.
PLEASE NOTE: Course availability fluctuates from year to year. Please review the 2023-2024 Course Catalog for information on course availability and enrollment requirements.