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| Singapore Math | Beast Academy | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | PreK–8 | ~Grades 1–5 |
| Approach | Mastery, conceptual | Problem solving |
| Who teaches | Parent teaches | The program teaches |
| Parent prep | Moderate–high | Low |
| Screen time | Mostly offline | Mix of screen and paper |
| Video lessons | Available: lesson videos available | Available: videos come with Beast Academy Online |
| Faith | No religious content | No religious content |
| Cost | About $103 per grade for textbooks, workbooks and home guides (A and B) | $100 a year online, or about $120 for a level of books ($160 for both) |
| Placement | Free placement tests | Free placement tests |
| Parents love |
|
|
| Common complaints |
|
|
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.
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. Singapore Math is the stronger fit for hands-on objects; mostly offline; plenty. Beast Academy is the stronger fit for stories and fun; minimal; rusty.
Singapore Math is mastery, conceptual.
Beast Academy is problem solving.
Singapore Math: About $103 per grade for textbooks, workbooks and home guides (A and B). Beast Academy: $100 a year online, or about $120 for a level of books ($160 for both).
Summaries are in our own words.