8th Grade Math
8th grade math represents a pivotal stage in a student's mathematical journey. This year typically involves tackling complex 8th grade math problems, diving into 8th grade algebra, and preparing for high school level mathematics. Whether your child is gifted, struggles with math, or falls somewhere in between, finding the right 8th grade math curriculum is crucial for their academic success. A great math program can support both in-school learning and homeschooling, catering to diverse needs and learning preferences. Importantly, even if you don’t consider yourself capable of helping your child with math, the right resources can bridge that gap. As an experienced math teacher, I have rigorously vetted various programs so you don’t have to do the work.
About Your Guide
HI! I’m Manisha, the CEO of Modulo and a former K12 teacher and tutor with 20 years of experience. With the help of my team of math teachers, parents and tutors, I’ve spent the last seven years researching and testing math curricula to develop this guide. Jeremy Howard, a world-renowned data scientist, educator, and father, has also been instrumental in advising us through this process.
How We Vetted
Our team spent three years rigorously vetting various math programs. We consulted with over 100,000 homeschool parents, mathematicians, and math educators. We observed over 500 students and involved dozens of teachers in testing different math programs to ensure they meet our high standards.
What I Looked For
In choosing the best 8th grade math programs, we focused on several key criteria:
Mastery-Based Learning: Ensuring concepts are well-understood before moving on.
Conceptual Understanding: Focusing on deep understanding over rote memorization.
Engagement: Programs that make learning fun and engaging.
Scientific Accuracy: No factual errors and based on solid scientific understanding.
Ease of Use: Easy for parents and students to navigate.
Alignment with Standards: Aligned with US school standards, ensuring students are on track.
Finding the right 8th grade math curriculum is essential to support your child's educational journey, whether they are gifted, struggling, or somewhere in between. Each of these programs offers unique strengths to cater to different learning styles and needs. By choosing a program that aligns with your child's preferences and academic goals, you can help them build a strong foundation in math and foster a lifelong love of learning.
1. Beast Academy Online
Best for Gifted Kids and Children on the Autism Spectrum
Beast Academy Online offers a challenging and engaging curriculum designed for children ages 6-13. It includes over 20,000 problems, puzzles, and activities, and more than 1,000 lessons. This program is ideal for gifted students and those on the autism spectrum who enjoy a mix of video games, comics, and interactive problems. The cost is $15/month or $96/year.
2. Beast Academy Books
Best for Kids Who Love Comic Books and Graphic Novels
The physical edition of Beast Academy uses a comic book format to teach complex math concepts in an engaging way. It is suitable for children who prefer physical books and enjoy visual storytelling. This curriculum is ideal for students who thrive on reading and solving problems through a graphical and narrative approach. Prices vary depending on the books and levels chosen.
3. Right Start Math*
Best for Hands-on Learners and Children with Dyscalculia
Right Start Math uses hands-on learning tools like a two-sided abacus and visual aids to help students understand mathematical concepts deeply. This program is particularly beneficial for children with dyscalculia and those who excel with kinesthetic learning. It covers PreK-12th grades and is priced higher due to the physical materials, but used copies can be found at discounted rates.
4. Prodigy Game
Best for Kids Who Love Video Games and Most Aligned with School Standards
Prodigy Game is a free, game-based learning platform that covers K-8th grade math. It aligns well with school standards and is highly engaging for students who enjoy video games. Prodigy helps build math confidence through a fun, interactive environment where students can compete with friends and earn rewards. Premium memberships are available for additional features.
5. Singapore Math
Best for Gifted Kids Who Love Workbooks
Singapore Math offers a structured, workbook-based curriculum that emphasizes mastery of math concepts. This program is ideal for gifted students who enjoy a challenging, systematic approach to learning. It covers PreK-8th grades and uses a combination of textbooks, workbooks, and teacher’s guides. Prices range from $15-20 per book.
6. Math Antics
Top Pick for Kids Who Love Learning Through YouTube
Math Antics is a popular YouTube video series that makes learning math fun and accessible. While not a complete curriculum, it is a fantastic supplemental resource for clarifying specific math concepts and making learning enjoyable. It is suitable for students in grades 3-8 and is freely available online.
7. Thinkwell Homeschool*
Best for Older Kids and Children Starting High School Math Who Learn Well Through Online Courses
Thinkwell Homeschool provides a comprehensive online math curriculum for middle and high school students. It includes engaging video lessons, quizzes, and live tutoring components. This program is perfect for self-motivated students who learn well through online courses. Thinkwell covers grades 6-12 and costs vary based on the courses selected.
8. Khan Academy
Budget Pick Aligned with School Standards
Khan Academy offers a free, comprehensive online math curriculum that covers PreK-12th grades. It includes video lessons, practice exercises, and quizzes aligned with common core standards. Khan Academy is an excellent budget-friendly option that ensures students stay on track with school standards.
9. DragonBox Apps
Innovative Games for Learning Various Math Concepts
Dragon Box Algebra offers a fun, game-based approach to learning algebraic concepts. It includes versions for ages 5-8 (Dragon Box Algebra 5+) and ages 9 and up (Dragon Box Algebra 12+). This app makes mastering algebra engaging and accessible, using interactive games to build a deep understanding of algebra. Prices vary depending on the app version.
8th Grade Developmental Math Milestones
By the time children reach eighth grade, they typically possess certain cognitive and academic skills that prepare them for more advanced math concepts. Here are some key developmental math milestones for 8th graders:
Abstract Thinking: Ability to understand abstract concepts and think critically about problems.
Problem-Solving: Improved problem-solving skills, capable of tackling multi-step problems.
Logical Reasoning: Enhanced logical reasoning skills, crucial for algebra and geometry.
Spatial Awareness: Better spatial awareness and ability to visualize geometric shapes and relationships.
Symbolic Understanding: Comfort with using symbols and variables in mathematical expressions and equations.
8th Grade Academic Readiness : Is your child ready for 8th grade math?
Before starting 8th grade math, students typically need to have mastered certain foundational concepts. Here’s a robust list of what your child should know to be ready for eighth grade math:
Basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Understanding and working with fractions, decimals, and percentages
Basic concepts of geometry (shapes, area, perimeter, volume)
Simple equations and inequalities
Ratios and proportional relationships
Basic data analysis (mean, median, mode)
Understanding of positive and negative numbers
Simple probability concepts
Familiarity with mathematical properties (associative, commutative, distributive)
Common Core 8th Grade Math Standards: What your child will learn in 8th grade
The Common Core Standards for eighth grade math provide a detailed framework of what students should learn. Here is a robust list of these standards:
Expressions and Equations:
Work with radicals and integer exponents
Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations
Analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations
Functions:
Define, evaluate, and compare functions
Use functions to model relationships between quantities
Geometry:
Understand congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres
Statistics and Probability:
Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data
How to help your 8th grader with math if you’re “Not a Math Person”
Helping your child with math, especially eighth grade math, can be daunting if you don’t consider yourself "a math person." However, with the right resources, you can effectively support your child. We have two video episodes featuring Manisha Snoyer and Rachel Thomas that provide strategies and tips for parents. These episodes cover:
How to foster a growth mindset in your child
Practical strategies for helping with homework and test preparation
Understanding key eighth grade math concepts
Affiliate Disclaimer
Some of the curricula we recommend have affiliate links. This means when you follow the link and purchase their curriculum, Modulo receives a small referral commission. (You do not pay any extra.) Affiliate links do not impact our recommendations or choice of curriculum here. We chose all these programs before we requested to develop a partnership with them. All curricula we have active affiliate relationships with are marked with a star (*) in their title. Think of it as a way to keep the lights on while we continue to bring you the best math programs for your kiddos!
These varied options cater to different learning styles and needs, ensuring that every 6th grader can find a math curriculum that helps them thrive.
Need a Math Tutor?
The Modulo team of learning experts will personally design a unique math class and choose the ideal tutor to meet your child’s needs, empowering them to love and excel in math, no matter where they are starting from. Each family is matched with a learning specialist to support their child, family and tutor in reaching the ideal educational outcomes. Our tutors have experience working with a wide variety of learning and social-emotional considerations including children diagnosed as profoundly gifted, gifted, with dyscalculia, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, multiple learning considerations and 2e kids.
Learn more about our process and pricing here or contact us with additional questions.
We also offer free math tutoring to underserved families via our non-profit masteryhour.org.
Explore More 8th Grade Progarms We Recommend
Right Start Math review: For a highly visual, and hands-on math curriculum, Right Start Math is a favorite mastery-based choice for families that dislike worksheets. A phenomenal option for kids who thrive with hands-on-learning, gifted kids, and also children with dyscalculia.