ICA Team

Director Of The Math Program

ZOYA KOZA

Math education in the 21st century has visibly evolved. For over 20 years, as a math teacher in the New York City Public School System, I was very active in the implementation of new math standards. I attended many math workshops offered by the New York City (NYC) Department of Education (DOE), all of which were affiliated with New York City Colleges and Universities. Now, as a retired, “veteran” of the NYC DOE, I am very proud of my years there and all of my accomplishments.

The methodology I employ has dual positive effects in the mental development of our students. On the one hand, I employ Singapore math books (the common core edition) as my main curriculum guide in order to stretch students' minds. On the other hand, I incorporate techniques and programs like the Art of Problem-Solving to challenge kids and teach them how to develop thinking skills appropriate to each grade level.

Our curriculum prepares children to become better academic math language readers and teaches them how to think mathematically about everyday life events. Academic math language proficiency is measured in milestones. Basically, at ICA, we help students develop a specific tool box of independent mathematical thinking skills for each grade level.

Most of our students score at the highest levels in state-wide proficiency math tests. Our training helps students who've participated in Math Olympiad competitions to achieve top level scores. We encourage all students to actively participate in national and international competitions, and are always excited by the results.

Students come to us from a variety of educational backgrounds: private, public, home school programs, and numerous of them have even attended popular commercial math programs like Kumon and Mathnasium. The one thing we notice, with these students is usually that they are not prepared for abstract mathematical thinking.

According to a number of child psychologists, abstract thinking only starts to develop between the ages of 7 to 11. During this crucial stage of mental development children need to be guided by teachers who are certified not only in content but also in special education, as I am.

I have an excellent team of instructors who help children enhance their mathematical skills and widen their perspective on math as a subject by inspiring them to think creatively and improve on their grasp of concepts and strategies.

Meet my Team for 2022, a team of very talented instructors:

What parents have said:

"Zoya is an excellent teacher and kids love taking her class. She encourages critical thinking and makes learning Math fun."