Top Homeschool Math Curriculum & Programs (2023 and Beyond)
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So, you’ve made the big step and are choosing to homeschool your child. Congratulations! 🎉
You’re probably familiar with the many benefits of homeschooling — including customized learning, a targeted homeschool curriculum and maybe even higher test scores.
But how can you best help your child achieve these benefits, especially with a hard subject like math?
One solution for homeschooling parents is to use math programs. Not only do math programs take the pressure off you as a homeschool educator, but they also keep your child engaged and eager to learn!
Find out more about the best homeschool math programs and how to choose the right one for your child below!
How do homeschool math programs work?
Math programs are resources and plans you can use to deliver your child’s math curriculum. They set up your child’s math lessons, including learning goals, activities and assessments.
Math programs are a great alternative to traditional math textbooks because they offer a more complete package to teach your child math at home. Many include extra resources like DVDs and manipulatives to use in your lessons.
Another perk of math programs is that they’re designed for a wide range of grades, abilities and even learning styles. Math programs have features like:
- Video lessons – Ideal for visual and auditory learners!
- Math games – Perfect for engaging all types of learners!
- Manipulatives – Great for kinesthetic learners who learn by doing!
When choosing a math program, pair it with another enrichment tool to diversify your child's learning. Prodigy Math Game is a great standalone program or enrichment tool for any homeschool math program.
The 10 best homeschool math curriculum programs
Here are 10 leading math curriculum programs suitable for homeschooling:
1. Math-U-See
Grades: K-12 (equivalent in levels)
Benefits:
- Aligned with Common Core standards.
- Offers instructional DVDs, video lessons and placement tests.
- Blocks and manipulatives are great for visual and kinesthetic learners.
- Skills-based approach helps you customize your child’s math learning.
Good for: A child who learns by doing and enjoys conquering challenges to the full.
Price range: Expect to spend $140-$180 for each level.
Math-U-See takes a multisensory approach to learning math with manipulatives called Blocks. Educators use these blocks to help students visualize a math problem. They then ask them to manipulate the blocks to find the solution.
Math-U-See also organizes learning math by level rather than by grade. Students start at Primer level and make their way to Zeta before going on to advanced levels that include algebra and calculus.
Unlike traditional schooling, Math-U-See uses a mastery approach to learning math. This means the teacher attempts to maximize a student’s understanding of a topic before moving onto a different one.
2. Saxon Math
Grades: K-12
Benefits:
- Manipulatives for elementary levels.
- Aligned with Common Core standards.
- Placement tests are available for new homeschoolers.
- Instructional DVDs and video lessons to help students.
Good for: A child who may need extra math support and responds well to drills.
Price range: Expect to spend around $100 per grade level.
Saxon Math is another all-inclusive math program for homeschoolers. The curriculum uses drills to teach math skills and concepts, which may help students who learn through repetition.
The first three grade levels are delivered through workbooks and manipulatives, before introducing teaching textbooks and CDs at level four. These grade levels are blended, meaning Level 5/4 is geared to 4th graders as well as 5th graders who need extra support.
Like many other math programs, Saxon Math uses the spiral method. This method introduces the student to a math topic, teaching them an aspect of it, and revisits it over time while bringing in new knowledge.
Grades: K-12
Benefits:
- Short yet productive lesson format.
- Spiral approach for a balanced curriculum coverage.
- Colorful workbooks suited to visual and independent learners.
- Fast-paced curriculum ideal for students who want to be challenged.
Good for: A child who can comfortably work on their own and thrives from a challenge.
Price range: Expect to spend around $90 per math set.
Horizons Math uses colorful workbooks to help teach children math. Each lesson is short and designed to keep a student focused without boring them.
The math program is part of a self-described Christian homeschool curriculum, useful if you’re choosing to homeschool for religious reasons.
Horizons Math is not aligned with Common Core Math Standards and often goes above the expected level for the child’s grade. This math program also uses the spiral method – ideal for homeschool educators wanting to gradually introduce their child to a topic.
Although a Teacher’s Guide is included, Horizons Math has no script. So if you’re confident in teaching math and want to lead the lesson independently, you may prefer a scriptless math program like this.
4. Life of Fred
Grades: 1-12
Benefits:
- Affordable approach for students and educators.
- Suitable for independent learners who can read alone.
- Entertaining story format, ideal for creative and visual learners.
- Teaches conceptual understanding rather than memorization of math skills.
Good for: A child who prefers learning through stories and enjoys independent reading of word problems.
Price range: Expect to spend $20 per book.
Life of Fred is a very unique math program. Written by Dr. Stanley Schmidt, a retired math teacher, this program presents math lessons through a story format. Rather than focusing on set lessons, learners make their way through math topics as they read through the hardcover books.
The stories follow the title character Fred and his adventures, with each story blended into a math problem.
The story format means there’s no guide or script needed for homeschool educators. It also means the curriculum isn’t dedicated to a spiral or mastery method, nor is it Common Core. Students should aim to complete two books per year in pre-algebra, decreasing to one book as they learn algebra.
Grades: PreK-8
Benefits:
- Affordable textbooks and workbooks.
- Develops critical thinking skills in math.
- Teaches the meaning of math rather than memorizing techniques.
- Aims to take the student to ability levels above the national average.
Good for: A child who grasps concepts quickly and a homeschool educator who is able to deliver learning without manuals or guides.
Price range: Expect to spend $50 for each math set.
Singapore Math provides the Primary Mathematics curriculum used in Singapore. Singapore is renowned for its top scores in global math tests and this course aims to replicate that.
This program is different from the traditional US math program because it focuses on encouraging students to think like a mathematician. So instead of memorizing concepts, the student learns how to understand them.
Singapore Math has different versions of its program, including one to align with Common Core standards. Early levels include a teacher’s manual, but homeschooling parents have said they still need to plan ahead with Singapore Math’s curriculum.
Grades: K-12
Benefits:
- Aligned with Common Core standards.
- Interactive, hands-on learning with plenty of manipulatives.
- Inductive approach to learning that encourages critical thinking.
- Aims to take the student to ability levels above the national average.
Good for: A child who is a visual learner and inquisitive, as well as an educator who likes to be actively involved in homeschool lessons.
Price range: Expect to spend $110-$120 for each math set.
Influenced by the Montessori method, this math program emphasizes a hands-on approach. It encourages students to discover solutions to math problems through experiments — creating plenty of "eureka!" moments! This is known as inductive learning.
One of Rightstart Math’s key features is the AL Abacus, a simplified abacus used to simulate math problems. The Rightstart Math program is well suited for visual and kinesthetic learners who prefer interactive sessions over workbooks and drills.
This non-traditional approach means homeschool educators should expect to be heavily involved in each lesson. This is where math games and other activities may help balance your teaching time effectively, especially if you have to teach another child too.
7. Khan Academy
Grades: K-12 (inc. pre-college)
Benefits:
- Wide math topic coverage across all grades.
- Delivered online with no manipulatives or workbooks needed.
- Free video lessons and exercises delivered in a tutorial format.
- Video instruction that walks students through each math concept.
Good for: A child who responds well to video lessons and is able to sit and learn on their own for long periods of time.
Price range: Lessons are currently free.
Khan Academy is a free online math program that teaches math to a wide audience, including adults!
Lessons on Khan Academy work like online math tutoring, where the student sits through an instructional video and is then given exercises to complete. The platform aims to encourage more learning through badges and experience points.
Khan Academy delivers math lessons without the need for teacher instruction. This could be useful to parents who need to homeschool more than one child at the same time.
Grades: 8-12
Benefits:
- Multimedia format may suit visual and auditory learners.
- Mastery method useful for intensive, dedicated learning.
- Focused on teaching algebra and critical thinking of math.
- Less parental instruction needed than other math programs.
Good for: A child enjoys watching while learning and is able to learn on their own for longer periods of time.
Price range: Expect to spend $175-$450 for online access.
VideoText Math takes a holistic approach to teaching math. The program encourages students to develop math problem-solving skills instead of memorizing solutions. Math lessons are shown through videos, available online or with workbooks and sheets. Telephone instructors are available through a helpline for extra support.
Most students begin this math program at an 8th grade level. Those who perform above their grade level or have taken a mastery approach may be ready for certain parts of the program earlier.
VideoText Math splits math into two separate topics: Algebra and Geometry. The VideoText Math Algebra course covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Once completed, students are then ready to start the Geometry course, which includes trigonometry and pre-calculus.
Grades: 2-5
Benefits:
- Affordable math supplement program.
- Colorful workbooks ideal for visual learners.
- Can be completed without constant parental instruction.
- Focused on building mathematical skills rather than memorizing rules.
Good for: A creative child who enjoys fantasy worlds or stories and best learns through reading.
Price range: Expect to spend $10 per enrichment booklet.
Math Adventures puts a fantastic spin on learning math, just like Prodigy Math Game!
The math program consists of one booklet per grade, each themed to an adventure, including titles like Spy School and Fairy Tale Land. Each book includes paper manipulatives like flashcards that can be used to supplement teaching.
The program’s colorful design appeals to visual learners, as well as kids who love stories and fantasy worlds.
Math Adventures is not aligned with Common Core standards and parents may want to combine this with other math programs or even an online math tutor. Like many newer math programs, Math Adventures also focuses on helping students learn the building blocks of math rather than memorizing rules.
10. Math Mammoth
Grades: 2-5
Benefits:
- Affordable math program.
- Aligned with Common Core standards.
- Focuses on teaching students how to understand math.
- Students can complete sections of lessons on their own.
Good for: A child who learns best through independent learning and homeschool educators who need to multitask teaching two or more children.
Price range: Expect to spend $40 per grade level.
Math Mammoth puts the “why” above the “how” when teaching math. Expect your child to learn the building blocks of math rather than just memorizing rules or formulas.
This math program uses worktexts that combine lessons with plenty of exercises and activities for your child to complete. There are no manipulatives needed for Math Mammoth, making it better suited to visual learners.
Math Mammoth is aligned with Common Core and often goes above the expected level. For example, complex topics like algebra are gently introduced earlier than usual. This approach could be useful at reducing math anxiety as students are gradually exposed to complex topics early on.
Do children benefit from homeschool math or the traditional classroom?
An academic review of home education analyzed two decades worth of studies to see if homeschooling children performed better than schoolchildren.
The review found that homeschooled children performed better in all subjects — except for math.
Reasons why homeschooled children may fall behind public school peers in math include:
- Lack of resources — Schools and teachers invest in math resources and programs that suit varied learning styles, such as math games. Homeschool parents may rely on getting the student to read through a textbook.
- Limited educator knowledge — Math is a complex topic, especially at the high school math level when trigonometry and algebra are introduced. Homeschool educators might feel anxious or unprepared to confidently teach math.
- Deprioritizing math — It’s generally easier for homeschool parents to teach verbal and creative subjects. This creates a cycle where students prefer studying these subjects over math because they find it too hard or boring.
How to keep students inspired with homeschool math
While you might not have all the resources of a traditional school teacher, you can make homeschooling math a success for you and your child.
It all starts with a math program that inspires and engages your child.
This means choosing a math tool that adapts to your child’s needs, rather than the other way around.
A great homeschool math program:
- Captures your child’s attention
- Rewards your child for their progress
- Challenges your child without intimidating them
- Adapts to your child’s learning every step of the way
And a great math program should empower you as a parent with the support and resources you need. This could include printable worksheets, video lessons or even an online math tutor to help you.
Staying ahead with Prodigy
Prodigy Math Game is an engaging online math game that introduces your child to the vibrant fantasy world of Prodigy Island.
Packed with quests and collectible virtual pets, your child takes part in exciting wizard battles where they’ll answer math questions to cast spells (with in-game math tips available!).
Unlike other math programs, Prodigy Math Game uses algorithm-led learning. It adapts each math question to support your child so that they can be comfortably challenged at their own pace — all while making learning math fun!
Prodigy Math Game includes many benefits for homeschooling kids and parents, such as:
- Free educational content made by teachers
- Wide curriculum coverage (including Common Core)
- Parent accounts that let you set Goals, give Rewards and understand your child’s learning
- An exciting world regularly updated with new quests and characters to captivate and engage students
- Premium Memberships that level up your child’s learning experience and give you extra resources for homeschooling!
See just why homeschool parents AND kids love it below! 👇