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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
Still torn? Answer a few questions and see how both rank for your child, side by side.
Compare for my child| Math-U-See | Singapore Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | K–12 | PreK–8 |
| Approach | Mastery, hands-on | Mastery, conceptual |
| Who teaches | The program teaches | Parent teaches |
| Parent prep | Low | Moderate–high |
| Screen time | Mix of screen and paper | Mostly offline |
| Video lessons | Included: video lesson for every lesson | Available: lesson videos available |
| 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 | About $103 per grade for textbooks, workbooks and home guides (A and B) |
| 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.
Parents consistently credit Singapore with building real number sense: kids learn why a method works, not only how. The newer Dimensions edition adds videos and activities, which helps, but many say the lessons got longer and need more parent prep than the older Primary Mathematics books.
Neither is better for every child. Math-U-See is the stronger fit for struggles or feels anxious; video lessons a big plus; minimal. Singapore Math is the stronger fit for races ahead, loves puzzles; mostly offline; plenty.
Math-U-See is mastery, hands-on.
Singapore Math is mastery, conceptual.
Math-U-See: First year costs more: about $220 the first year (includes the $82 block kit); less in later years. Singapore Math: About $103 per grade for textbooks, workbooks and home guides (A and B).
Summaries are in our own words.