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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| Saxon Math | Abeka Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | K–12 | PreK–12 |
| Approach | Spiral / incremental | Spiral, traditional |
| Who teaches | Scripted for the parent | Scripted for the parent |
| Parent prep | Low (scripted) | Low (scripted lesson plans) |
| Screen time | Mostly offline | Mostly offline |
| Video lessons | Available: official video lessons sold separately (Saxon Teacher) | Available: video lessons sold separately (Abeka Academy) |
| Faith | No religious content | Christian content |
| Cost | About $152 for a homeschool kit (Saxon 5/4); textbook is reusable | First year costs more: about $235 the first year (parent kit $192 + child kit $43); about $43 for each additional child |
| Placement | Free placement tests | No placement test: use the Scope & Sequence |
| Parents love |
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| Common complaints |
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Parents like that it's clear, well organized, and tells you exactly what to do each day, and the built-in review keeps skills from fading. The most common complaints are that it's dry, with no color or fun, and that the repetition wears on kids who pick things up quickly. Several parents say the younger levels take more of their time than expected.
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. Saxon Math is the stronger fit for struggles or feels anxious; no religious content. Abeka Math is the stronger fit for races ahead, loves puzzles; christian worldview.
Saxon Math is spiral / incremental.
Abeka Math is spiral, traditional.
Saxon Math: About $152 for a homeschool kit (Saxon 5/4); textbook is reusable. 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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