Help Your Child Earn Better Grades in Middle School Math
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Led by a Licensed Special Education and Middle School Math Teacher
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Maximum of 6 Students per Group
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20+ Years of Classroom Experience
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Diagnostic Placement and Progress Monitoring
Lasker Academy helps middle-school students rebuild foundational math skills, develop confidence, and become more independent learners through live, expert-led small-group instruction.
Designed primarily for students in Grades 6–8 who need more structure, patience, repetition, and individualized support than ordinary tutoring often provides.
Older students currently taking Algebra 1 and qualified younger students may also be admitted based on placement.
IS THIS YOUR CHILD?
Is Math Becoming a Source of Frustration?
Many capable students begin losing confidence in math long before they lose the ability to succeed.
Your child may benefit from Lasker Academy if they:
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Have ADHD, executive-function challenges, an IEP, a 504 plan, math anxiety, or another learning difference
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Struggle or become frustrated during math homework
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Feel overwhelmed by Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1
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Have gaps in fractions, integers, ratios, equations, or problem-solving
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Understand a concept one day but forget it soon afterward
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Give up quickly when a problem feels difficult
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Need more support than a crowded classroom can provide
Closing statement
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.
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.
Imagine your Child...
Student Transformation
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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
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
Best for students who:
Have foundational gaps, lack confidence, struggle with multi-step work, or need more structure before Algebra.
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
Best for students who:
Understand basic Pre-Algebra concepts but need structured support, guided practice, and stronger Algebra 1 confidence.
Algebra 1 groups open when an appropriately matched group of qualified students is available.
Placement note
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.
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
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)
WHY PARENTS LOVE LASKER ACADEMY
Supporting Your Child in Ways a Regular Tutor Cannot
Personalized Small Groups With just six students per class, your child gets the focus they deserve. They can ask questions freely and share ideas in a safe, interactive space.
Trust in Expert Teaching
Our founder, Joseph Calapati, M.Ed., brings 20 years of public school expertise in Special Education. He knows how to connect with middle schoolers and make math manageable.
Algebra Readiness
We use visual tools, repetitive practice, and clear steps to support students with ADHD or learning gaps. Every lesson is designed to be gentle and effective.
Better Learning Habits
We look past tonight’s homework to fix the root of the struggle. We give your child the tools they need to feel capable and confident for years to come.
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
"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
"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
"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
FOCUS AREAS OF GROWTH
Stronger Foundations
Greater Confidence
Better Learning Habits
Algebra Readiness
FOCUS AREAS OF GROWTH
What We Work Toward
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.
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 this tutoring?
Lasker Academy provides structured small-group instruction focused on long-term skill development, not just homework help.
How many students are in each class?
A maximum of 6 students.
Are classes recorded?
Yes.
Who teaches the classes?
Classes are taught by qualified instructors who follow the Lasker Academy instructional model under the leadership of Joseph Calapati, M.Ed.
How do I know if my child is a good fit?
Every family begins with a placement assessment so we can recommend the most appropriate program.
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
Veteran-Led Instruction • Thousands of Students Supported • Proven Experience in Math, Chess, and Academic Development