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Two popular homeschool math programs, compared on what actually decides the fit: how your child learns, how much you'll teach, and how each one handles review.
Updated September 2026 · based on parent reviews and publisher information
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Compare for my child| Horizons Math | Abeka Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | K–6 | PreK–12 |
| Approach | Spiral, colorful workbooks | Spiral, traditional |
| Who teaches | Scripted for the parent | Scripted for the parent |
| Parent prep | Low | Low (scripted lesson plans) |
| Screen time | Mostly offline | Mostly offline |
| Video lessons | None: no video lessons | Available: video lessons sold separately (Abeka Academy) |
| Faith | Christian content | Christian content |
| Cost | About $108–$120 for a complete grade set | First year costs more: about $235 the first year (parent kit $192 + child kit $43); about $43 for each additional child |
| Placement | Free readiness evaluations | No placement test: use the Scope & Sequence |
| Parents love |
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| Common complaints |
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Parents like the bright, colorful workbooks and the steady review, and several note that kids end up ahead of their public-school peers. Common complaints are that lessons get long in later books, some kids tire of the constant review, and the teacher guides add cost when the early levels are easy to teach without them.
Parents value its clear, scripted lesson plans, steady review and track record of producing strong, well-drilled students, and many new homeschoolers find it easy to start. The most common complaints are that it feels like school at home: long lessons, lots of worksheets and a demanding pace that can overwhelm struggling or very active kids and wear parents out. Many families use Abeka for math while choosing gentler programs for other subjects.
Neither is better for every child. Horizons Math is the stronger fit for pictures and diagrams; stories and fun; minimal. Abeka Math is the stronger fit for video lessons a big plus; plenty.
Horizons Math is spiral, colorful workbooks.
Abeka Math is spiral, traditional.
Horizons Math: About $108–$120 for a complete grade set. Abeka Math: First year costs more: about $235 the first year (parent kit $192 + child kit $43); about $43 for each additional child.
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