Popular Homeschool Math Curricula & How They Work

Math with Confidence

  • Overview: Designed by Kate Snow, this is a mastery-oriented, concept-rich curriculum for K–5 (with 6th coming). The lessons are scripted, open-and-go for parents.
  • Format / Delivery Mode: Primarily worksheet-based (student workbooks + guided instruction). There are no required videos (the parent is the teacher). 
  • Notes: Lessons are relatively short, use manipulatives and games, and aim to build conceptual understanding alongside fluency.

CTC Math

  • Overview: A fully online curriculum spanning K–12. It offers video tutorials, worked examples, and interactive questions. 
  • Format / Delivery Mode: Video + interactive worksheets/quizzes. Each concept is introduced via a video tutorial, then practiced via online problems. 
  • Notes: Homeschool families often subscribe at a “family rate” so all children can use it. 

Beast Academy

  • Overview: Created by Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), Beast Academy is aimed at upper elementary students who are ready for challenge and problem-solving. 
  • Format / Delivery Mode: It has both a print version (guidebooks + workbooks) and an online platform (videos, puzzles, practice). The printed guidebooks are graphic novel style, making it very engaging.
  • Notes: The print and online versions are similar in scope but have different problems. The online version includes built-in feedback and locking until mastery in each unit. 

The Good and the Beautiful Math

  • Overview: A spiral (or cyclic review) math program offered by The Good and the Beautiful, often used in Christian homeschool settings. 
  • Format / Delivery Mode: Primarily worksheet-based with optional video lessons from 4th grade upward. 
  • Notes: From about level 4 onward, video lessons become more integral (though still optional). This is religious so charter schools often do not allow you to purchase with funds or accept work samples.

Math-U-See

  • Overview: A mastery/block-style program using manipulatives and incremental progression (levels Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.).
  • Format / Delivery Mode: Mostly worksheet / hands-on manipulation with video instruction (DVD, streaming) used for teaching new concepts.
  • Notes: Many homeschoolers like it because the videos “teach” while parents supervise practice. (I did not find a fully up-to-date official source with detailed mode, but it's very commonly described this way in homeschool reviews.)

Singapore Math / Primary Mathematics

  • Overview: Based on the “Singapore method,” emphasizing deep conceptual understanding (concrete → pictorial → abstract, or CPA), strong mental math, and problem solving.
  • Format / Delivery Mode: Traditionally print / textbook + workbook based. Recently, some home-learning versions include video tutorials (like Singapore Math At Home). 
  • Notes: Because of its strong conceptual base, some parents may need to adapt explanations or get used to how the problems are structured differently than typical U.S. textbooks.

Mr. D Math

  • Overview: Online, instructor-led (or self-paced) math classes targeted at grades 5–12, including Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, etc.
  • Format / Delivery Mode: Video + online lessons & worksheets/quizzes. Students attend live or watch recorded video lessons, then complete assignments online. 
  • Notes: It’s more hands-off for parents, as students can often work independently. 

Saxon Math

  • Overview: A traditional, incremental, spiral/mastery hybrid program with strong emphasis on cumulative review. 
  • Format / Delivery Mode: Mostly workbook/textbook-based, though newer versions may include digital/online support. 
  • Notes: Well known in both homeschool and private school circles; its steady review approach is strong for retention, though some criticize it for being heavy on rote. 


Which One Fits Best?

Here are a few guiding considerations:

  1. How independent is your child? If you prefer the child to “just log in and go,” something like CTC Math or Mr. D Math might suit better.

  2. Your comfort teaching math: If you prefer a curriculum that walks you through scripting, Math with Confidence is very parent-friendly.

  3. How much conceptual vs procedural balance you want: Singapore Math and Beast Academy lean strong on conceptual thinking; Saxon and Math-U-See lean more procedural (with conceptual support).

  4. Screen time vs paper time: Some families prefer mostly paper with optional video (Math-U-See, Singapore), and others don’t mind full online (CTC, Mr. D).

  5. Challenge level: Beast Academy is more rigorous and puzzle-based, which is great for math-inclined or gifted students.

  6. Cost and family licensing: Some programs allow multiple children under one subscription (e.g. CTC), which can be economical.

 

Have you tried any of these math programs? What have you liked or not liked? Share in the comments below.

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