Patrick Galarza

A distinguished mathematician and educator with three Columbia University degrees including a PhD, Patrick brings extraordinary depth of knowledge and pedagogical expertise to his work with students. As the current leader of the Institute for Advanced Mathematics at Avenues: New York and a former department head, he combines advanced theoretical understanding with practical teaching experience spanning from foundational concepts through college-level mathematics.

What distinguishes Patrick as an educator is his unwavering belief that mathematics is for everyone. This philosophy guides his approach to instruction, where he excels at making abstract concepts personally relevant, culturally engaging, and intellectually stimulating for each learner. His warm, supportive demeanor creates an environment where students feel comfortable exploring challenging material, while his emphasis on metacognitive strategies helps them develop not just mathematical skills, but sophisticated approaches to learning itself.

Patrick’s multidisciplinary perspective connects mathematical thinking with clear communication, helping students both solve complex problems and articulate their reasoning through compelling analytical writing. This integration of quantitative and verbal skills gives students a significant advantage across academic domains, from competitive mathematics to advanced coursework requiring research and analysis.

Parents consistently note Patrick’s ability to transform students’ relationship with mathematics—building confidence in those who previously struggled while providing appropriate challenge for advanced learners preparing for competitions like AMC and MATHCOUNTS. His approach emphasizes not just procedural knowledge, but conceptual understanding that makes mathematics a powerful tool for engaging with the world.

Beyond his professional expertise, Patrick pursues beauty in both natural and human-made forms as an avid hiker and sculpture photographer with a passion for magical realism literature. This appreciation for creativity enriches his teaching, allowing him to connect mathematical concepts to students’ diverse interests in meaningful ways.