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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| Math-U-See | Beast Academy | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | K–12 | ~Grades 1–5 |
| Approach | Mastery, hands-on | Problem solving |
| Who teaches | The program teaches | The program teaches |
| Parent prep | Low | Low |
| Screen time | Mix of screen and paper | Mix of screen and paper |
| Video lessons | Included: video lesson for every lesson | Available: videos come with Beast Academy Online |
| Faith | No religious content | No religious content |
| Cost | First year costs more: about $220 the first year (includes the $82 block kit); less in later years | $100 a year online, or about $120 for a level of books ($160 for both) |
| Placement | Free placement tool | Free placement tests |
| Parents love |
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| Common complaints |
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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.
Math-loving kids tend to adore it, and parents describe real growth in persistence and reasoning. Nearly every review warns that it's hard on purpose. Kids who need drill, or who get discouraged easily, often struggle, and some families don't finish a full level in a year.
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. Beast Academy is the stronger fit for races ahead, loves puzzles; stories and fun; deep problem solving.
Math-U-See is mastery, hands-on.
Beast Academy is problem solving.
Math-U-See: First year costs more: about $220 the first year (includes the $82 block kit); less in later years. Beast Academy: $100 a year online, or about $120 for a level of books ($160 for both).
Summaries are in our own words.