A new math and physics makerspace for elementary students opens Saturday, Aug. 29, at 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Lafayette.
Get Ahead Math & Engineering, founded in 2025 by Lafayette parents Maria Williford and David Holl, will host a free family tour from 2 to 4 p.m. with hands-on building activities, frozen treats and a raffle for free trial classes, according to Lamorinda Life.
The Suite B-108 storefront sits across the street from the Lafayette Library and within walking distance of Lafayette Elementary School and the Lafayette BART station, according to the business's website.
Both founders teach every class.
Williford holds a master's degree in engineering and art from Saint-Petersburg State Marine University. Holl holds a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Both serve as science instructors and substitute teachers in the Lafayette School District, according to the company's about page.
The pair started by teaching Math Playtime and Physics Playground sessions at the Lafayette Library, then moved their weekly classes to the Lafayette Community Center before securing the Mt. Diablo Boulevard space.
In the makerspace, students experiment with balance, motion, structural strength, mechanical advantage and the properties of sound, light, electricity and magnetism. The founders describe their approach on the business's website as treating math as a mental game and problem-solving tool rather than a worksheet exercise.
The first fall session runs Aug. 30 through Oct. 3, with classes continuing in blocks through Dec. 19. Physics Playground Makerspace meets Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for grades 1 through 5, with standard five-lesson tuition of $250. Math Playtime meets Wednesdays for grades 3 through 6, with standard five-lesson tuition of $280. Some sessions are prorated around holidays. All classes are capped at 16 students and team-taught by both instructors.
The business also offers a new adult course, Math Tutor Training, on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to noon for parents and grandparents who want to help children with math homework.
Families interested in the Aug. 29 tour or fall enrollment can visit propermath.com or call 925-298-2030.
