About Us
About Math Plus
Connecting curious kids through learning.
Where confidence grows, curiosity thrives, and children discover
what they’re capable of.
Our Story
Math Plus began with a simple belief:
Math is a gateway — to opportunity, confidence, and possibility.
Founded by Dr. Raj Shah in 2007 Math Plus was created to help kids see math not as something to endure, but something to explore and enjoy.
Math Plus Academy is led by Craig and Danielle Maas, who share a belief that great learning happens when academic challenge and emotional support go hand in hand. Craig’s lifelong love of math started tutoring calculus in college and led to a career in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Danielle brings more than ten years of experience as a mental health therapist, with a deep appreciation for the social and emotional growth that happens in a positive classroom setting. Together, they strive to create an environment where students feel confident, capable, and excited to learn.
Today, Math Plus Academy serves hundreds of students through small classes, hands-on enrichment, and a warm, supportive community.
It’s math — plus confidence, community, creativity, and fun.
Watch founder Dr. Raj Shah’s TED Talk on the Math Plus teaching philosophy.
Danielle Maas
Craig Maas
Our Mission
To help kids build confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning math by offering hands-on challenges, creative lessons, and supportive coaching, so kids can’t wait to return each week.
Our Vision
We imagine a future where every student feels capable, curious, and confident. Math skills matter, and believing in themselves matters even more.
The ‘Why’ Behind the Math “Plus” Approach
Many kids stop believing they’re “math kids” long before they need to. They quit not because they can’t learn math, but because they don’t feel safe trying.
We understand that math is emotional as much as it is logical.
Meet children where they are
Encourage questions and creative thinking
Make it safe to fail — and try again
Celebrate hard work and progress, not perfection
When kids feel supported and encouraged, they don’t close off — they thrive. They want to return, to explore, and to keep growing.
Our goal is simple: help children feel strong, capable, and proud of what they can do.
Core Values
Our Values
How we bring our mission and vision to life
Curiosity First
We spark exploration and creative thinking — focusing on understanding, not memorization.
Confidence Through Challenge
We push students thoughtfully, helping them learn to embrace productive struggle and grow.
Safe to Try, Safe to Fail
We believe mistakes are fuel for learning. We celebrate effort, problem-solving, and the process — not just the answer.
Whole-Child Mindset
We honor each child’s pace, personality, and emotions — because learning is human.
Welcoming Community
We tailor our classes to feel like clubs — collaborative, energetic, and fun, where every student belongs.
About
Math “Plus” = More Than Math
Math “Plus” offers rich opportunities to explore interests, build friendships, and discover new passions:
Math is the foundation. Confidence, creativity, community, and fun are the PLUS.
Chess
Learn strategic thinking
Lego Robotics
Learn hands-on building and engineering skills
Math Competition
Learn Confidence and teamwork
3D Printing
Learn design, creativity and real-world application.
Teachers
Meet our Math + Experts
Licensed, passionate, and experienced — our instructors guide students personally, celebrate growth, and foster lasting relationships. Many stay with the same class year after year, providing consistency and trust.
Brittany Valint
Licensed Math Teacher
Joseph Lizardi
Licensed Math Teacher
Mike Stone
Licensed Math Teacher