Home › Math › Comparisons
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
Still torn? Answer a few questions and see how both rank for your child, side by side.
Compare for my child| Math-U-See | Abeka Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | K–12 | PreK–12 |
| Approach | Mastery, hands-on | Spiral, traditional |
| Who teaches | The program teaches | Scripted for the parent |
| Parent prep | Low | Low (scripted lesson plans) |
| Screen time | Mix of screen and paper | Mostly offline |
| Video lessons | Included: video lesson for every lesson | Available: video lessons sold separately (Abeka Academy) |
| Faith | No religious content | Christian content |
| Cost | First year costs more: about $220 the first year (includes the $82 block kit); less in later years | First year costs more: about $235 the first year (parent kit $192 + child kit $43); about $43 for each additional child |
| Placement | Free placement tool | No placement test: use the Scope & Sequence |
| Parents love |
|
|
| Common complaints |
|
|
Parents of struggling learners, including some kids with dyscalculia, often describe the blocks as a breakthrough. The flip side is pace: families with quick or math-loving kids find it repetitive and light on problem solving. Some also report a bumpy switch when moving to another program in middle school.
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. Math-U-See is the stronger fit for struggles or feels anxious; hands-on objects; video lessons a big plus. Abeka Math is the stronger fit for races ahead, loves puzzles; mostly offline; plenty.
Math-U-See is mastery, hands-on.
Abeka Math is spiral, traditional.
Math-U-See: First year costs more: about $220 the first year (includes the $82 block kit); less in later years. Abeka Math: First year costs more: about $235 the first year (parent kit $192 + child kit $43); about $43 for each additional child.
Summaries are in our own words.