What does it take to succeed in challenging math courses? For students in Ms. Cheryl Moore’s Precalculus and Statistics class at Shelbyville Central High School, it came down to consistent practice, a willingness to work through difficult problems and a teacher dedicated to helping them succeed. During the 2025–2026 school year, the Precalculus and Statistics classes achieved the highest success rate in Tennessee, an accomplishment that reflects both the students’ persistence and the learning environment Ms. Moore worked to create.
When reflecting on what contributed most to their success, many pointed to the structure of their lessons and the opportunity to build their understanding one step at a time. Consistent routines, organized notes, guided examples and regular practice helped make challenging concepts more manageable.
“Mrs. Moore breaks down the foundation first and makes sure we master one piece at a time. With everything building on one another, we arrive at a hard concept that could not have been taught alone,” one student, Maggie Simon, explained.
Practice and repetition also played an important role. By working through problems, reviewing material and continuing to practice, students strengthened their understanding and prepared for increasingly difficult coursework.
Kamilah Serrano highlighted how Ms. Moore’s approach helped make complex material easier to understand. “She really breaks down what she is teaching into smaller parts so we can understand it and then piece everything together.”
Beyond her teaching methods, Ms. Moore’s patience and encouragement helped create a classroom where students felt comfortable asking questions and learning from mistakes. Rather than feeling embarrassed when they did not immediately understand a concept, they were encouraged to keep trying and seek help when needed.
“It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to not immediately understand,” one student, Annalise Holland, shared.
That supportive atmosphere made a lasting impression. Another student, Pablo Mendoza Garcia, reflected on the impact of Ms. Moore’s approach, saying, “Mrs. Moore's can-do attitude, positive thinking and bright smile has made me excited to come to math class.”
The lessons students gained extended beyond solving equations and mastering mathematical concepts. They also developed study habits, learned to take more organized notes and gained confidence in their ability to tackle unfamiliar challenges.
Cami Williams described how the experience changed her perspective when facing difficult problems. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that struggling with something doesn’t mean I’m incapable of doing it. Sometimes I just need to approach it differently and give myself time to understand it. Even if I don't get it the first try, I don't need to give up. Instead, I keep working until I understand.”
Those skills will continue to serve students as they move into college, careers and other new experiences. Through consistent effort, problem-solving and the confidence to persevere, the class learned that success is not always about knowing the answer right away. Sometimes, it is about having the tools and determination to keep working until the answer comes.
Congratulations to these mathematicians for achieving top scores in the state!