In recognition of Math and Statistics Awareness Month, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is highlighting an innovative math pathway through its data science course, which extends beyond traditional STEM options and emphasizes real‑world applications of mathematics, statistics, and data‑driven problem solving. 

In the course, students learn to collect, analyze, and communicate data‑based insights, uncovering patterns and connections that are not always immediately apparent. By bridging fields such as biology and environmental science with social sciences like psychology and political science, students see how data reveals trends in both scientific processes and human behavior. Throughout the course, students develop practical skills in coding and data analytics while gaining a deeper understanding of how data informs decision‑making. Students begin by strengthening their data visualization creation abilities and progress to coding, where they learn to process large datasets using Python, a widely used programming language. Through hands-on use of technology tools, students explore real-world problems with databases and complex statistics, drawing evidence-based conclusions, and developing advanced quantitative reasoning skills. 

Elizabeth Bussian, a data science teacher at Patriot High School, has spent 22 years with PWCS and collaborated with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to help develop the state’s data science curriculum. She currently teaches data science to more than a dozen students and actively encourages others to enroll in the course. 

“This course is very unique and crosses a variety of disciplines in the cross-curricular realm here at school. Students interested in research, STEM, statistics, or even business—where data needs to be collected and presented—are encouraged to enroll. Nearly every organization today has data analysts on their team,” said Bussian. 

Data science is offered at Charles J. Colgan Sr., Forest Park, Gainesville, Gar-Field, Patriot, Potomac, and Woodbridge High Schools. For more information on data science, visit this link.