The best math programs for parents
Choosing a math program is a highly personal choice for each family. A child’s learning style and special needs, natural talent or aversion to math, as well as a parent’s own preference for instructing their child or pursuing a more student-directed route play greatly into the choice of curriculum.
After reviewing hundreds of comments from a group of 36k parents taking the reigns on teaching their children math, consulting with teachers and mathematicians and reviewing each curriculum for accuracy and performance, we concluded Singapore math, which draws on a combination of workbooks and manipulatives is the best option for the widest range of families seeking a rigorous, but engaging mastery-based curriculum that will provide a solid math foundation and accelerate their child’s learning, whether they’re a budding mathematician on track to their first Field’s Medal or struggling in math due to confidence, aversion or special needs such as dyscalculia.
The best math program for most learners
For an engaging, but rigorous mastery-based math curriculum that accommodates a wide range learning styles we recommend the US edition of Singapore Math, accompanied by the teacher’s guide.
The US edition of Singapore for PK-5th grade math is a truly mastery-based curriculum using intentional sequencing of concepts to support students of all learning styles in progressive, in-depth learning. Based on the highly effective method for teaching math developed by the Singapore school system (whose students have repeatedly ranked #1 in the world for math and science) Singapore Math draws on hands-on exercises, workbooks and drawings to ensure students gain an in-depth understanding of each concept before moving on to the next.
While some families consider Singapore Math to be a bit dry and get discouraged by the student-paced method (since children can’t move ahead to a new concept until they’ve mastered the one before it), most parents found it highly approachable and engaging. Each unit offers a textbook, workbook and optional teacher’s guide for $15-20 per book. We strongly encourage parents to purchase the Home Instructor’s Edition to accompany Singapore Math. If the program proves challenging, users recommend slowing down instead of switching programs.
Singapore Math Live support also provides top-notch on-demand training and assistance to home educators.
Best alternative for child-directed learning
Similar in style to Singapore, but more student-led, the mastery-based Math Mammoth for grades PK-7th draws on workbooks and videos to help students teach themselves math.
For a robust, mastery-based curriculum that’s more student-led, we recommend Math Mammoth. Math Mammoth is similar to Singapore, but allows for more self-directed learning, includes more videos and extra practice, which is helpful to students who benefit from a spiral review. Their all-inclusive bundle is $197.
Right Start
Most fun, engaging and best choice for mental math.
For the most different style to Singapore Math,, but equally rigorous curriculum, Right Start stands out for its appealing approach that centers around a two-sided Abacus that children use for kinesthetic and visual learning.
For a highly visual, and hands-on math curriculum, Right Start Math is a favorite mastery-based choice for families that dislike worksheets. Right Start was developed by mathematician Dr. Cotter and tested with phenomenal success among a group of Finnish Kindergarteners. Drawing mostly on puzzles, challenges and manipulatives, Right Start offers the rigor of Singapore math with less drilling and memorization. Parents with a strong aversion to Singapore Math tend to love this program. Right Start does require parents to sit with children through each lesson, so this is not the best option for parents who want their children to learn math independently. “Right Start for homeschool” bundles cost $90.75 per level.
Best spiral alternative to mastery learning
With its incremental learning approach, drawing on repetition and regular review of concepts Saxon is a solid math alternative to students who aren’t doing well with a mastery-based approach.
While we typically recommend mastery-based programs for math, sometimes this progressive approach simply does not work for every student. Saxon is a solid choice for students who need regular review of materials due to attention or memory retention issues - or if their confidence is being negatively impacted by the slow pace of mastery-based learning approach (which requires students to wait to master one concept move ahead to the next). Educators disagree as to whether Saxon provides a solid enough foundation - or trains students effectively in mental math, but unless a student is considering pursuing a career in mathematics, we think Saxon adequately covers the bases. A strong choice for children with dyscalculia. The Saxon Math Home Study Kits including workbooks and manipulatives cost between $65-100 year.
Beast Academy
Most fun supplement
For families looking for an extra boost, Beast Academy is a delightful supplement that draws on comic books and games to reinforce math concepts, sparking joy in learning and making practicing math fun.
While we wouldn’t recommend it as the primary math curriculum, Beast Academy is a popular supplement to help gifted students think more deeply about math concepts they’re covering and engage all learners with its fun characters and illustrations. Note: Beast sometimes falls short for students with dyslexia or working memory issues, but has been used effectively for children with dyscalculia. A subscription costs $15/month or $150 for a bundle for the full year.
