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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
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Compare for my child| Teaching Textbooks | Saxon Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 3–12 (Math 3 to Pre-Calc) | K–12 |
| Approach | Screen-based, independent | Spiral / incremental |
| Who teaches | The program teaches | Scripted for the parent |
| Parent prep | Very low | Low (scripted) |
| Screen time | Online | Mostly offline |
| Video lessons | Included: animated video lesson for every lesson | Available: official video lessons sold separately (Saxon Teacher) |
| Faith | No religious content | No religious content |
| Cost | $48.95 per student for a 12-month enrollment (Math 3); other levels priced separately | About $152 for a homeschool kit (Saxon 5/4); textbook is reusable |
| Placement | Free placement tests | Free placement tests |
| 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 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.
Neither is better for every child. Teaching Textbooks is the stronger fit for pictures and diagrams; stories and fun; online. Saxon Math is the stronger fit for mostly offline; plenty.
Teaching Textbooks is screen-based, independent.
Saxon Math is spiral / incremental.
Teaching Textbooks: $48.95 per student for a 12-month enrollment (Math 3); other levels priced separately. Saxon Math: About $152 for a homeschool kit (Saxon 5/4); textbook is reusable.
Summaries are in our own words.