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Avenues Institute for Advanced Mathematics (IAM)

A rigorous path for students driven to explore the beauty, power, and creativity of mathematics.

The Avenues Institute for Advanced Mathematics (IAM) offers a highly selective, self-paced course of study for students who are naturally curious about how patterns emerge in the world, from music to nature, and who feel driven to go beyond any math class currently taught at Avenues. Candidates are expected to possess tenacity, resilience, and a genuine love of mathematics.

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A different way to learn mathematics

For students in grades 7–12, IAM offers a self-paced learning experience, letting each future mathematician chart their own path. Students work through a combination of independent research, meticulously curated problem-solving, regular discussion with peers across grade levels, and hands-on opportunities to build original mathematical models. The scope and sequence of the work are determined by the student's pace, progress, and passion, not by a fixed calendar.

The strength of IAM is that it believes mathematics is more than a solitary practice; it can form the basis of a community in which students collaborate to produce scholarly work, develop deep content knowledge, host and run competitions, research their mathematical interests, and make amazing friends across grade levels.

Patrick Galarza

Director, Avenues Institute of Advanced Mathematics

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From ancient number systems to multivariable calculus

The curriculum

IAM courses follow the broad arc of mathematical progress, so students encounter each idea the way it was actually discovered. Students move through the sequence at their own pace.

Over the course of the program, students move from the number systems and puzzles of ancient mathematics through Euclidean geometry and the origins of number theory, into the early ideas that gave rise to trigonometry and calculus. From there, they explore how mathematicians across cultures tackled polynomial equations, work through the foundations of infinite series and estimation, and complete a full study of differential and integral calculus — culminating, for those ready to go further, in a college-level course in multivariable calculus.

Beyond the classroom

Community, competition, and real, published research

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Competitions

IAM students compete in the American Mathematics Competition circuit, the NYC Interscholastic Math League, and the Downtown Mathematics Invitational.

Each spring, the Institute also runs its own in-house competition for the greater Avenues community: the Highline Mathematics Competition, now in its second year, spanning grades 5 through 12 across Individual, Team, and Live/Speed rounds, sponsored by Wolfram, Jane Street, and Art of Problem Solving.

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Research

IAM's curriculum gives students regular opportunities to do genuine mathematics research. Exceptional papers, usually by veteran students in their junior or senior year, may be shopped to journals for potential publication.

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Community Days

Four times a year, the whole Institute gathers for food, fun, and mathematical excellence. A recent Community Day paired IAM students, faculty, and families with the Brooklyn dance team Dancify That to explore cross-cultural geometric connections, complete with dance battles and dance-alongs. The Institute has also hosted author Milo Beckman, whose book Math Without Numbers the whole Institute read together before a live afternoon of student questions.

Hear from our IAM students

What makes the IAM truly special is that it's not just about mastering advanced concepts, it's about thinking like a mathematician. I've learned to approach problems with creativity, embrace challenges, and appreciate the beauty of mathematics in ways I never imagined.

Emma Z.

Class of 2028

IAM has been a wonderful opportunity to pursue mathematics at my own pace, with constant support from my instructor and peers. My mathematical passion, ability, and understanding have skyrocketed through the Institute.

Harrison G.

Class of 2029

I love the collaborative environment in the IAM, where students from different grade levels can discuss problems and ideas together.

Amaira C.

Class of 2027

The IAM is a curriculum without limits. It allows you to always be learning just beyond your current skill level.

Cooper Y.

Class of 2027

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