Michika Tayama, A fifth grader at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, has recently been named the top fifth grade student in Texas and the top 1st-8th grade student in Texas for the nationally recognized “First in Math” Program. Michika ranks 20th nationally.

The “First in Math” program is an online tool available to students, teachers and classrooms that ranges from addition to multi-step Algebra. It is organized in skill sets where a student works through various levels and activities to earn points. A pre-test/post-test records the student’s proficiency level and mastery.

The First in Math Program, which is used at public and independent schools throughout the country, from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin and everywhere in between, was initiated at St. Andrew’s this year with our fourth and fifth grade students and will soon expand to the first, second and third grades.

When asked about math and the First in Math program, Michika said “Math is always fun, but the First in Math Program makes it even more fun. My goal is to keep playing and trying to move up in the national rankings.” Other high performing fifth graders include Marley Phillips, Joanna Assadourian, Maddie Jensen and Matthew Gabel. Ginger Smith is the fourth and fifth grade math instructor.