Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, Paly will offer Multivariable Calculus, the college-level math course that succeeds AP Calculus BC, on campus during school hours. However, the course will be offered through Foothill Community College, not Paly. In recent years, students and parents have heavily demanded that MVC be taught on Paly campus. Previously, students had to take either online or after school classes through local community colleges.  

The course will be taught by Paly math teacher Daniel Nguyen.

According to Principal Brent Kline, the school is now able to offer MVC during the school day in a way that can benefit students that seek the course without hurting other students.

“The main criteria is having a teacher that has a master’s in mathematics and because we do have that, it just makes sense,” Kline said. “It’s not going to go away in terms of student demand, so it would be foolish to think that maintaining just Calculus BC is going to be enough, especially since the district elementary and middle school math programs have changed, which will affect our programs as well.”

Nguyen will teach one section of MVC at Paly and one at Gunn. Kline said he expects about 30 students will take the course at Paly. 

Junior Jennifer Yang, who is currently taking AP Calculus BC, said adding MVC as an on-campus option will support students who may need additional resources. 

“It definitely offers a way for people to take an in-person class where they can get more help if they need it,” Yang said.

Nguyen said the offering of MVC on campus will also make it more accessible. 

“A lot of the kids were having to think about having to give up some of their extracurricular activities or jobs in order to take the class,” Nguyen said. “Now, they can take it during the school day, which will be a lot more convenient for them and help them be able to focus on learning instead of having to overcome barriers.”

During a Dec. 16 school board meeting, parent Joan Plastiras said students should seek learning in other areas instead of math. 

“There’s always time to go on and do mathematics at the college and graduate level,” Plastiras said. “Frankly, the teaching of mathematics at the high school level really doesn’t represent advanced math.”

Plastiras said teaching MVC would put greater attention towards those already advanced in math.

“I would like to see you focus more on raising math literacy for students who really are struggling and can benefit from high school teachers,” Plastiras said. “Gifted students very much can learn themselves.”

Some have expressed concern that offering MVC as a Paly course would hurt students at lower levels of math because many colleges compare students within the context of the courses offered within their school. If a student does not take MVC, some worry that colleges will think they are not taking the highest level of math available.

However, Kline said this issue will be mitigated, as MVC will not be offered through Paly, but rather through Foothill College.

“This is a course taken through (Foothill College), and students can put up to 40 credits of outside coursework on their high school transcripts either way,” Kline said. “It’s more about the mathematical experience they want and continuing their growth as a mathematician.”

Ultimately, Nguyen said it is the school’s job to provide options for students to pursue their interests. 

“I don’t think it makes sense to hold students back by making it more difficult for them to take classes just because they have reached a higher level,” Nguyen said. “We want to give all students the chance to seek further education in areas they enjoy.”