SCH Middle Schoolers Bridge Art and Algebra at the Barnes

This past Sunday, 37 SCH Middle Schoolers took over the Barnes for the 2026 Art of Math Challenge. The challenge was open to students in grades 1–12 and was judged on creative math strategy and artistic design.

Led by teacher Ryan Curry alongside Judy Callas and Zana Bass, the students transformed 2D masterpieces into 3D models using complex geometric strategies. Supported by an SCH Innovation Grant since December, the project represents a unique three-way collaboration among the Math and Arts Departments and showcases SCH’s innovative spirit.

The months of student "practice" culminated in a full-day exhibition at the Barnes’s PECO Free First Sunday. SCHers submitted written statements describing the math strategies used to make the model. Though no formal awards were won, the scale of SCH participation and the quality of the finished models served as a powerful showcase of the school's creative and analytical talent.

“This was a fantastic bridge between two seemingly different worlds,” said Curry. “Having 37 students commit to this level of interdisciplinary work is an incredible achievement in its own right.”