Home › Math › Programs › Saxon Math

Saxon Math

Incremental lessons with daily mixed review, textbook style.

Updated September 2026 · 7 sources

GradesK–12
ApproachSpiral / incremental
Who teachesThe parent teaches from a scripted guide
Parent prepLow (scripted)
Screen timeMostly offline (books and paper)
Video lessonsAvailable: official video lessons sold separately (Saxon Teacher)
FaithNo religious content
CostAbout $152 for a homeschool kit (Saxon 5/4); textbook is reusable (source)
PlacementFree placement tests
Saxon's official tests, hosted by Sonlight. Place by skill, not grade.

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how Saxon Math ranks against 30 other programs.

See my match

What parents say

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 love

  • Clear, step-by-step plan
  • Constant review aids retention
  • Builds independent work habits

Common complaints

  • Dry, no-frills presentation
  • Repetitive for quick learners
  • Upper levels get noticeably harder

Who it fits

Best for

  • Steady, about on pace. Steady practice suits on-pace learners
  • Reading and working alone. Upper levels work well for independent readers
  • Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
  • Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
  • Some: 20–30 min daily. Scripted lessons: no guessing what to teach
  • Rusty. Scripted: tells you what to say
  • Lots of mixed review. Every lesson mixes in earlier material

Less suited for

  • Stories and fun. Plain black-and-white textbook

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

Similar programs

Comparisons

Questions parents ask

Is Saxon Math spiral or mastery?

Saxon Math is described as spiral / incremental. It's spiral: topics come back again and again with mixed review.

What grades does Saxon Math cover?

Saxon Math covers grades K–12.

How much does Saxon Math cost?

About $152 for a homeschool kit (Saxon 5/4); textbook is reusable. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.

Is Saxon Math Christian or secular?

Saxon Math is secular: it has no religious content.

Is Saxon Math online?

Mostly offline (books and paper). The parent teaches from a scripted guide.

Does Saxon Math have a placement test?

Yes. Free placement tests. Saxon's official tests, hosted by Sonlight. Place by skill, not grade.

Sources (7)

Summaries are in our own words.