Help Your Child Earn Better Grades in Middle School Math
Lasker Academy helps middle-school students rebuild foundational math skills, develop confidence, and become more independent learners through live, expert-led small-group instruction.
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Led by a Licensed Special Education and Math Teacher
20+ Years of Classroom Experience
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Maximum of 6 Students per Group
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Diagnostic Placement & Progress Monitoring
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IS THIS YOUR CHILD?
Is Math Becoming a Source of Frustration?
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Have ADHD, executive-function challenges, an IEP, a 504 plan, math anxiety, or another learning difference
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Feel overwhelmed by Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1
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Understand a concept one day but forget it soon afterward
Your child does not need to have a diagnosis or formal educational plan to enroll. They simply need to benefit from structured, patient, and explicit instruction.
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Struggle or become frustrated during math homework
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Have gaps in fractions, integers, ratios, equations, or problem-solving
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Give up quickly when a problem feels difficult
Why So Many Students Struggle in Middle School Math
Middle school is where math becomes more abstract. Variables, equations, ratios, proportions, integers, and algebraic thinking often overwhelm students who have gaps in foundational skills. Many students lose confidence long before they lose ability.
At Lasker Academy, we help students rebuild confidence while mastering the skills needed for long-term success.
How We Help: A Clear Path From Frustration to Progress
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Understand Your Child's Needs
Every student begins with a readiness and placement review. We look at current skills, learning needs, challenges, and academic goals.
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Join the Right Small Group
Students are placed in a carefully matched group of no more than six learners with similar instructional needs.
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Build Skills and Confidence
Through explicit instruction, guided practice, discussion, feedback, and consistent routines, students strengthen understanding and become more willing to tackle challenging work.
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Monitor Meaningful Progress
Families receive updates about skills taught, areas of growth, and recommended next steps.
Student Transformation
Imagine your Child...
Completing math assignments with confidence
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Participating more actively in class
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Understanding concepts instead of memorizing procedures
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Earning stronger grades in math
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Approaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 with confidence
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Being prepared for future math success
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Transformation Statement:
Our goal is not simply to help students finish assignments.
Our goal is to help them become confident, persistent, and increasingly independent mathematical thinkers.
PROGRAMS
One Academy. Two Carefully Designed Programs.
Every student begins with a placement review so families do not have to guess which program is appropriate.
Pre-Algebra Foundations & Confidence
Our flagship middle-school math intervention program
Designed primarily for students in Grades 6–8 who need stronger foundations before or during Pre-Algebra.
Students strengthen skills in:
- Fractions and rational numbers
- Positive and negative integers
- Ratios and proportions
- Expressions and equations
- Multi-step problem-solving
- Mathematical reasoning
- Algebra readiness
Algebra 1 Mastery & Support
A placement-based continuation program
Designed for students currently taking or preparing for Algebra 1 who have the foundational readiness to benefit from higher-level instruction.
Students strengthen skills in:
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Graphing and functions
- Systems of equations
- Algebraic reasoning
- Polynomials
- Real-world problem-solving
Algebra 1 groups open when an appropriately matched group of qualified students is available.
Placement note
PRE-ALGEBRA - Online
Recommended for Grades 6–8. Placement available for qualified students outside the recommended grade range.
Tuition: $300 Total
10 Weekly Live Classes
Students learn:
• Integers and rational numbers
• Expressions and equations
• Ratios and proportions
• Problem-solving strategies
• Mathematical reasoning
Ideal for students who want stronger foundations before Algebra.
- Fall Classes: Every Monday
- Sept 14–Nov 16, 2026
- 7:00-8:30 pm EST
After-School Programs
Small-group instruction designed to build confidence, strengthen mathematical thinking, and prepare students for success in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and beyond.
ALGEBRA 1 - Online
Recommended for Grades 7-8. Placement available for qualified students outside the recommended grade range.
Tuition: $300 Total
10 Weekly Live Classes
Students learn:
• Linear equations and inequalities
• Functions and graphing
• Systems of equations
• Polynomials
• Real-world problem solving
Ideal for students taking or preparing for Algebra 1.
- Fall Classes: Every Tuesday
- Sept 15–Nov 17, 2026
- 7:00-8:30 pm EST
PRE-ALGEBRA - In Person (Ashburn)
Recommended for Grades 6–8. Placement available for qualified students outside the recommended grade range.
Tuition: $400 Total
10 Weekly Live Classes
Students learn:
• Integers and rational numbers
• Expressions and equations
• Ratios and proportions
• Problem-solving strategies
• Mathematical reasoning
Ideal for students who want stronger foundations before Algebra.
- Fall Classes: Every Thursday
- Sept 17–Nov 19, 2026
- 5:00–6:30 PM (EST)
Your Child Is Seen and Supported
With no more than six students in each group, every learner has meaningful opportunities to answer questions, explain thinking, and receive feedback.
Instruction Led by Experience
Lasker Academy is led by Joseph Calapati, M.Ed., a licensed Special Education teacher with more than 20 years of public-school experience teaching and supporting middle-school learners.
Designed for Different Learning Needs
Instruction includes clear modeling, manageable learning steps, repetition, visual support, guided practice, and immediate feedback.
Foundations Before Shortcuts
We do not simply help students complete tonight’s homework. We identify and address the underlying skills that affect long-term progress.
Progress Parents Can Understand
Families receive clear communication about what students are learning, where they are improving, and what they should work on next.
Safe, Interactive Learning
Students learn in real time with an instructor who encourages questions, participation, productive mistakes, and mathematical discussion.
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
"My child's outlook on learning math has shifted entirely. There is a newfound excitement and self-assurance when they tackle homework or join school discussions."
— Sarah M., 7th Grade Parent
"Small group learning has been the key. Our daughter replaced her old homework struggles with a focused, disciplined approach to complex algebraic equations."
— David L., 8th Grade Parent
"The noticeable leap in grades was fantastic, but seeing those foundational gaps finally close thanks to supportive, expert instruction was truly invaluable."
— Jennifer K., 6th Grade Parent
"What used to be a stressful evening ritual is now a calm routine. The clear structure provided here is exactly what middle schoolers need for math success."
— Robert T., 8th Grade Parent
Stronger Foundations
Students develop a clearer understanding of essential middle-school math concepts.
Improved Problem-Solving
Students learn to organize information, choose strategies, and explain their reasoning.
FOCUS AREAS OF GROWTH
What We Work Toward
Greater Confidence
Students become more willing to participate, ask questions, and attempt challenging work.
Better Learning Habits
Students practice persistence, attention, organization, and productive responses to mistakes.
Increased Independence
Students rely less on constant adult prompting and begin applying strategies on their own.
Algebra Readiness
Students build the knowledge and habits needed for success in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and future mathematics.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Lasker Academy a tutoring service?
Lasker Academy provides structured small-group math instruction focused on foundational skill development, confidence, independence, and long-term growth. Although students may receive help with concepts connected to schoolwork, the program is not primarily a homework-completion service.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is designed primarily for students in Grades 6–8 who struggle with foundational math skills, math anxiety, attention, executive functioning, confidence, or the transition into Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1.
Qualified younger students and older Algebra 1 students may be admitted based on placement.
Does my child need an IEP, 504 plan, or diagnosis?
No. Students do not need a diagnosis or formal educational plan to participate. We welcome students who simply need more structure, repetition, patience, and personalized support than they are currently receiving.
How many students are in each group?
Each group has a maximum of six students. Groups may begin with fewer students while enrollment is being completed.
How will you determine the appropriate program?
Every student begins with a readiness and placement review. We consider the student’s current course, foundational skills, learning profile, challenges, and academic goals before recommending a program.
Is this only for students who are failing math?
No. Students do not need to be failing. Some students enroll because they have significant gaps, while others need confidence, stronger foundations, Algebra preparation, or more challenge and support than their current classroom provides.
Will you complete my child’s homework with them?
Our main goal is to teach students the concepts and strategies they need to work more independently. School assignments may help us understand current needs, but class time is not designed solely for homework completion.
Are classes recorded?
Because classes involve minors and may include student participation, recordings are handled according to Lasker Academy’s privacy and consent policies.
Can you guarantee better grades?
No educational program can ethically guarantee a particular grade. We provide high-quality instruction, progress monitoring, and targeted support designed to strengthen the skills and habits that contribute to academic success.
Simple Enrollment Process
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Submit Inquiry
Tell us about your child's math background and specific goals.
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Placement Review
We review your child's skills and determine the best program fit.
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Confirm Enrollment
Secure your child's spot and prepare for the first day of class.
Registration Form
Licensed Special Education Teacher • 20+ Years Classroom Experience • Small Group Instruction • Evidence-Based Math Intervention • ADHD & Executive Function Support • Diagnostic Placement Reviews