Only three class sections will be offered for the January–May 2025 session.
Straffon Math Academy: MAP-Aligned Math Support for International School Students
Small-group online math classes for Grades 6–8, designed around MAP Growth RIT bands to build confidence, deepen reasoning, and support better placement decisions.
Led by Daniel Straffon, middle school math teacher with 15 years in international schools in Croatia, Argentina, China and Peru.
Is Straffon Math Academy Right for Your Child?
Straffon Math Academy is designed for international school students who want more focused, small-group math support or challenge than they typically receive in a mixed-ability classroom.
- Your child takes the MAP test and you want more targeted support or challenge than they receive in regular class.
- Your child feels capable but underperforms on MAP due to gaps in reasoning, confidence, or test strategy.
- Your child enjoys math and would benefit from deeper, more challenging problem solving.
- You’re in an international or bilingual school and want a teacher who understands MAP Growth, RIT bands, and data-informed placement decisions.
- You’d like your child in a small group where everyone is working at a similar readiness level.
How Straffon Math Academy Works
MAP scores are helpful but not required to join.
Register Interest
Parents complete a short form with basic details about their child (grade, school, and goals).
Placement & Fit
Daniel reviews MAP scores (when available) and intake information, then recommends a level and suggests a class time.
Join a Small Group
Students attend a weekly 50-minute live class in a group of up to 5 students. They also receive video lessons and practice.
Track Growth
Students work consistently in their RIT band, build reasoning skills, and gain confidence for testing and placement.
Program Structure
Designed for students in Grades 6–8 in international and bilingual schools.
Program Dates
January 12 – May 23
(2-week break from March 23 – April 3)
Class Size
Maximum of 5 students per group.
Weekly Rhythm
- 1 × 50-minute live small-group class
- 1 to 2 short instructional video lessons
- MAP-style practice sets
- Weekly feedback and monthly parent progress reports
Levels Built Around Readiness, Not Just Age
Placement is based on MAP data when available, combined with intake information and teacher judgment.
For students who need to strengthen core skills, build confidence, and fill foundational gaps in reasoning and problem solving.
For students working near grade-level expectations who want to consolidate skills, close specific gaps, and build strategies to move into higher RIT bands.
For students who are ready for more challenge and depth, with a focus on advanced problem solving, pattern recognition, and preparation for higher-level or extended math pathways.
What Students Gain from Straffon Math Academy
Beyond test scores, Straffon Math Academy is designed to help students feel more confident, capable, and prepared in math. Each group works steadily within its RIT band, focusing on reasoning, problem solving, and the skills that matter in both MAP and classroom learning.
Classes are offered in afternoon and early evening time blocks that work well for families in South America.
Example time slots:
- 4:30 – 5:20 PM
- 5:30 – 6:20 PM
- 6:30 – 7:20 PM
Additional sections may open based on demand to match students by readiness level and time zone.
$720 USD
for the full 18-week program
OR
4 payments of $200 USD
Includes:
- ✓ All live 50-minute small-group classes
- ✓ Weekly instructional videos
- ✓ MAP-style practice sets
- ✓ Monthly progress reports
International-friendly payment options available (Wise, cards). Details provided upon enrollment.
If a family you refer enrolls and completes their first tuition payment, you receive a $50 refund.
Families can earn up to $150 refund by referring up to 3 students.
About Daniel Straffon
Daniel Straffon is a middle school mathematics teacher with over 15 years of experience in international schools, having taught in Croatia, Argentina, China and Peru. He has helped hundreds of students grow in their math confidence, understanding, and joy for learning.
Daniel has extensive experience with MAP Growth, RIT bands, and data-informed placement in international school contexts. He was trained as a math specialist under Erma Anderson and has worked closely with counselors and principals to support a wide range of learners, from students needing additional support to those seeking greater challenge.
Confidential professional references are available through Search Associates and GRC, and he can provide direct contact details for his most recent counselor and principal at Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Lima, Peru.
"Straffon Math Academy is built to offer the kind of focused, small-group support Daniel always wished he had more time for during the regular school day."
How to Enroll
Register Interest
Complete a short form with your child’s details.
Receive Recommendation
Daniel reviews your information and recommends the most suitable level and time block.
Confirm Enrollment
You complete the full intake form and tuition payment.
Begin in January
Receive your schedule, Zoom link, and overview before classes start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to See if Straffon Math Academy Is a Good Fit?
Start by registering your interest. I'll review your child's information, recommend the best level and schedule, and follow up with next steps.