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.
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
This course will be devoted to an introduction to trigonometry where students will study right triangle trigonometry, non-right triangle trigonometry, the unit circle, trigonometric graphs, and vectors. The second semester of this course is designed to strengthen and build on students’ understanding of topics covered in previous math classes. Topics covered include quadratic functions, polynomial functions, radical functions, rational functions, sequences, series, probability, and statistics. |
- Algebra 1 Courses
- Geometry Courses
- Algebra 2 Courses
- Honors Algebra 2
- Trigonometry & Selected Topics in Mathematics
- Statistics With Applications
- Personal Finance
- Pre-Calculus
- Honors Pre-Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
- Introduction to Calculus & Applications of Calculus Business
- Honors Seminar Calculus A&B
- Honors Seminar Differential Equations
- Honors Digital Logic
- Honors Computer Science 1
- Honors Computer Science 2
- Honors Seminar Game Development in C#
- Honors Seminar A.I. Computational Modeling
Algebra 1 Courses
Geometry Courses
GEOMETRY
Year • Honors & Plus Sections Available • Algebra 1 Required (Dept. Approval Required for Honors)
This course will build upon the Algebra 1 curriculum and is essential to further instruction in Algebra 2, Precalculus, 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.
Algebra 2 Courses
ALGEBRA 2
Year • Plus Section Available • Geometry Required
This course will build upon the Algebra 1 curriculum and is essential for further instruction in advanced math 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.
Honors Algebra 2
HONORS ALGEBRA 2
Year • Minimum “B” Average in Honors Geometry and Dept. Approval Required
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 as well as trigonometric functions, formulas, graphs, and identities. Topics are taught at a greater depth than Algebra 2. Students are expected to synthesize and apply the material beyond the examples discussed in class.
.
Trigonometry & Selected Topics in Mathematics
TRIGONOMETRY & SELECTED TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS |
This course will be devoted to an introduction to trigonometry where students will study right triangle trigonometry, non-right triangle trigonometry, the unit circle, trigonometric graphs, and vectors. The second semester of this course is designed to strengthen and build on students’ understanding of topics covered in previous math classes. Topics covered include quadratic functions, polynomial functions, radical functions, rational functions, sequences, series, probability, and statistics. |
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
PERSONAL FINANCE
Semester • Open to Grade 12 Only
This course prepares students to understand financial planning, investing, and creating a budget, with an emphasis on the mathematical principles associated with each concept. Students will learn about the world of banking, credit, and taxes, and leave with a better understanding of financial vocabulary. Additionally, students in this course will read the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki to further understand the financial principles and strategies for building wealth.
Pre-Calculus
PRECALCULUS
Year • Algebra 2 Required and Teacher Recommendation
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
PRECALCULUS
Year • Algebra 2 Required and Teacher Recommendation
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.
Statistics and Probability
STATISTICS & PROBABILITY |
Students will learn how to understand the data and statistics they encounter in everyday life. |
Introduction to Calculus & Applications of Calculus Business
INTRODUCTION TO CALCULUS & APPLICATIONS OF CALCULUS BUSINESS
Year • Precalculus Required
This yearlong course introduces students to fundamental calculus concepts while emphasizing their applications in business, economics, and related fields. Semester 1 focuses on foundational calculus procedures, including limits, derivatives, and integrals. Students will build on their previous mathematical knowledge, including trigonometry, to understand and apply these concepts to real-world problem-solving. Semester 2 expands on these foundations by exploring calculus applications in business. Topics include exponential and logarithmic functions, differentiation, integration, partial derivatives, and optimization. Students will analyze concepts such as total cost, variable cost, average cost, marginal cost, total revenue, marginal revenue, and average revenue, using calculus to interpret and solve business-related problems.
Honors Seminar Calculus A&B
HONORS SEMINAR CALCULUS A & B |
This yearlong course provides an in-depth exploration of calculus from algebraic, numerical, and graphical perspectives, with an emphasis on synthesis and application beyond classroom examples. Semester 1 introduces students to fundamental calculus concepts, including continuity and limits, differentiation techniques and applications (such as implicit and logarithmic differentiation), exponential and logarithmic functions, simple differential equations, and both definite and indefinite integrals. Semester 2 builds on these foundations with a deeper study of integration techniques and applications. Additional topics include the calculus of parametric, vector, and polar functions, as well as sequences and series, including the Taylor and Maclaurin series. Students will continue to develop their ability to apply calculus concepts to complex problems beyond standard classroom examples. |
Honors Seminar Differential Equations
HONORS SEMINAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Year • Honors Seminar Calculus B Required
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 the examples discussed in class.
Honors Digital Logic
HONORS DIGITAL LOGIC
Year • Corequisite Algebra 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. During the second semester, 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
HONORS COMPUTER SCIENCE 1
Year • Corequisite: Geometry Plus
This course focuses on developing skills in algorithmic thinking using Python. Python is an Object- Oriented programming language renowned for its simplicity and ease of use. Using Python, students develop competency in software development, troubleshooting, and team building. Projects include creating calculators, unit converters, word games and databases. We cover topics such as primitives, loops, recursion, classes, objects, methods and control statements. This course is a strong introduction to the field of computing science, with an emphasis on Object-Oriented programming.
Honors Computer Science 2
HONORS COMPUTER SCIENCE 2
Year • Honors Computer Science 1 or Geometry Plus Required
This course is an introduction to the basic tenets of mobile app development. Emphasis is placed on gaining hands-on experience in programming for mobile iOS platforms. In the first semester, students will focus on using the Swift Programming Language to create useful text-based programs. Semester 2 will bring more compelling challenges for students, such as creating stand-alone mobile apps for iPad and iPhone, as well as web-connected applications harnessing the power of Apple’s built-in API’s. At the end of the course, students will create a repository of their Apps, and build a portfolio that showcases their programming skills when applying to Colleges and Universities.
Honors Seminar Game Development in C#
NEW CLASS: HONORS SEMINAR GAME DEVELOPMENT IN C#
Year • Grade 11/12 Only • Honors Computer Science 2 or Algebra 2 Plus Required
Students will learn how to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer games using the Unity Game-Development engine. Students will develop skills such as game design, level design, visual design, storytelling, play testing, physics simulation, troubleshooting and programming in C#. This is a full-year course, and is recommended for students who demonstrate proficiency in programming or artistic design.
Honors Seminar A.I. Computational Modeling
HONORS SEMINAR A.I. & COMPUTATIONAL MODELING
Year • One Semester of Calculus Required
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.
Extending the first semester experience, this course 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 2024-2025 Course Catalog for information on course availability and enrollment requirements.