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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| Singapore Math | The Good and the Beautiful | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | PreK–8 | PreK–middle school |
| Approach | Mastery, conceptual | Gentle, integrated |
| Who teaches | Parent teaches | Scripted for the parent |
| Parent prep | Moderate–high | Very low |
| Screen time | Mostly offline | Mostly offline |
| Video lessons | Available: lesson videos available | Available: free lesson videos for some levels |
| Faith | No religious content | Christian content |
| Cost | About $103 per grade for textbooks, workbooks and home guides (A and B) | About $59 per grade (course book $30 + math box $29) |
| Placement | Free placement tests | Free placement test |
| Parents love |
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| Common complaints |
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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.
Parents love how beautiful and easy it is: open the book and follow the steps, with almost no prep. Cost is a big draw. Common concerns are that some kids need extra practice, and that the content is conservative and faith-based throughout. Families should know the author's religious affiliation before buying. Consumable books can't be reused for siblings.
Neither is better for every child. Singapore Math is the stronger fit for races ahead, loves puzzles; plenty; deep problem solving. The Good and the Beautiful is the stronger fit for stories and fun; minimal; some.
Singapore Math is mastery, conceptual.
The Good and the Beautiful is gentle, integrated.
Singapore Math: About $103 per grade for textbooks, workbooks and home guides (A and B). The Good and the Beautiful: About $59 per grade (course book $30 + math box $29).
Summaries are in our own words.