Why is the Founding Scholar price ending, and why is the School Pass $97?

The $9.97 Founding Scholar price is ending because it was always meant as a thank-you to the first families, not as the long-term price. It closes to new families on Saturday, Oct 17 at 11:59 PM MT. After that, the School Pass is $97 once for 10 years, which works out to $9.70 a year for every child in the house. Here are the plain numbers.

What did $9.97 actually pay for?

Honestly, not much. After standard card processing fees, about $9.38 of each $9.97 pass reaches us. That doesn't cover the time it takes to build an activity, never mind hosting, testing, and answering email. That's fine. A founding price isn't supposed to pay the bills. It's a way of saying thank you to the families willing to try something new and small, and it gives them a reason to come in early.

Why not keep $9.97 forever?

Because I want to keep building. Classical Math Games started late last year as flash cards for my son, who had final tests coming and was in tears over facts that weren't automatic yet. Since then it's grown into number bonds, bar models, place value, fraction sense, Extra Practice, math facts with Strategy Mode and timed drills, geometry and pattern, classical games, and kindergarten companions for Dimensions Math KA.

Building more of that takes time. A price that covers the work is what keeps the work going, for new families and for Founding Scholars, who get new activities added to the library at no extra cost.

Why $97, and why 10 years?

I wanted the new price to work the way families actually live:

• One payment. No monthly charge to track, and nothing that renews.
• The whole household. One login covers every child in the house, with no per-child fees. In my house that means three kids, ages 10, 8, and 5.
• A long runway. 10 years carries a child in early elementary a long way. $97 over 10 years is $9.70 a year.

I think that's a fair price for what's inside, and I'm glad to offer it. The founding price was simply better, and it came with a deadline from the start.

Is there an annual option?

The School Pass is the main way in after Oct 17. If an annual option is offered, it will be listed on the pricing page with its renewal terms stated plainly.

Why a hard deadline?

Because a deadline only means something if it's real. In the fire service I learned that people trust you when you do exactly what you said you'd do, on the clock you said you'd do it. So here's what I'm saying: at 11:59 PM MT on Saturday, Oct 17, the $9.97 option comes off the site for new families. There won't be an extension, and $9.97 won't come back later.

What happens to families who already bought it?

Nothing changes. Founding Scholars keep lifetime access for as long as we operate the site, new activities included. You won't be moved to a new plan, and you won't be asked to pay again. You don't need to do anything.

What if you buy it and it isn't right?

The 30-day Sitting Guarantee covers the Founding Scholar pass and the School Pass. Use it for 30 days. If it isn't a fit, email feedback@classicalmath.games and you'll get a full refund. There's no form and there are no hoops.

So which should a family choose?

If you're reading this before Saturday night and the Arena fits your family, the Founding Scholar pass is the better deal. If you find us after Oct 17, the School Pass is a good one, and the same guarantee applies.

Either way, start with the free part. Flash Cards, with Strategy Mode, are free for every family and don't need an account.

Where should we start?

Try Flash Cards for free with your child this week. If it fits, the $9.97 Founding Scholar pass is open until Saturday, Oct 17 at 11:59 PM MT.

https://classicalmath.games

— Ryan