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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
These two are close: the differences are small, so price, grade range and what parents say below may decide it.
Still torn? Answer a few questions and see how both rank for your child, side by side.
Compare for my child| Teaching Textbooks | CTCMath | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 3–12 (Math 3 to Pre-Calc) | K–12 |
| Approach | Screen-based, independent | Online video, mastery |
| Who teaches | The program teaches | The program teaches |
| Parent prep | Very low | Very low |
| Screen time | Online | Online |
| Video lessons | Included: animated video lesson for every lesson | Included: short video lesson for every topic |
| Faith | No religious content | No religious content |
| Cost | $48.95 per student for a 12-month enrollment (Math 3); other levels priced separately | $257 a year for one student ($39.90 a month); $397 a year for a family membership |
| Placement | Free placement tests | Diagnostic tests in the free trial |
| Parents love |
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| Common complaints |
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Parents consistently name it the easiest math to run: kids log in, learn and get graded without parent help, and many enjoy the format. The main concerns are that levels run about a grade behind other programs, that real-world math can get less practice, and that some explanations differ from how parents learned.
Parents like the short, clear video lessons, the ability to move between grade levels freely, and the detailed progress reports. Criticisms are fairly minor: diagnostic results could be more detailed, earlier versions had too little review, and families wanting a gentle, literature-based feel find it too screen-driven.
Neither is better for every child. Teaching Textbooks is the stronger fit for stories and fun; lots of mixed review. CTCMath is the stronger fit for races ahead, loves puzzles; pictures and diagrams; master one topic, then move on.
Teaching Textbooks is screen-based, independent.
CTCMath is online video, mastery.
Teaching Textbooks: $48.95 per student for a 12-month enrollment (Math 3); other levels priced separately. CTCMath: $257 a year for one student ($39.90 a month); $397 a year for a family membership.
Summaries are in our own words.