Best Homeschool Math Curriculum for Elementary

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There are many math curriculum options for homeschooled elementary students, and it can be difficult to figure out which is the best one for your child. We have extensively researched the options available and have chosen our four top picks (listed below). For more information on each one, keep reading! 

Our picks for the best homeschool math curriculum for elementary:

Best Traditional

Saxon Math

Saxon Math has long been the most popular homeschool math curriculum, and for good reason. The program is approachable for students and their parents, and it teaches math in a way that helps students feel successful rather than frustrated. This curriculum introduces students to math concepts incrementally and uses a spiral approach wherein concepts are continually reintroduced and reviewed. This is an excellent program for most types of learners. 

Saxon Math K

Saxon Math 1

Saxon Math 2

At the K-3 level, much of the instruction is scripted and requires parent involvement; starting at the 5/4 level, students using the program will work much more independently. The traditional homeschool edition is available at each grade level; for grades 3-5, Saxon also offers an alternative series called “Saxon Intermediate” which is a homeschool adaptation of its public school curriculum. Many homeschoolers will choose to stick with the traditional homeschool edition in grades 3-5, but the Intermediate Series is a good option if you want a colorful hardcover text rather than a scripted teacher’s manual. The Intermediate Series also aligns with Common Core standards. 

Saxon Math 3

Saxon Math 5/4

Saxon Math 6/5

The materials for each course include 2-4 books; manipulatives are also required and can be purchased as a kit. The materials for each course are listed below.

All the manipulatives for the grade K-3 homeschool courses are also available as a kit.

Best for Visual and Kinesthetic Learners

Math-U-See

Unlike the spiral approach of Saxon Math and many other math programs, Math-U-See offers an incremental, mastery-based curriculum wherein the student masters particular concepts during each school year. The program is best used for at least a few years, therefore. The name “Math-U-See” derives from the program’s heavily reliance on its integer block manipulative kit, which only needs to be purchased once and can be used among multiple children. This set will be used throughout the program to give students a visual and tactile experience with learning math concepts, allowing them to truly “see” how math is working. 

Students who struggle with traditional, textbook-style learning will benefit not only from the visual and kinesthetic approach to math embodied by this program. There is also an instructional DVD for each level that features regular, weekly lessons and instructions. This multimedia approach is useful for students who learn better by seeing visual models of a math concept; parents will also appreciate it, as much of the instructional work is done for them.

Each level of the elementary program is available as a universal set that includes the integer block kit and all the other materials necessary for a complete course of instruction. You may also purchase the curriculum package without the integer block kit if you already have that. If you are teaching more than one student of the same level, additional student workbooks can also be purchased. Math-U-See does not assign specific grade levels to the different levels, and a simple assessment test is available here if you aren’t sure at which level your student should begin. In general the grade range for each elementary level is as follows: Primer (PK-K), Alpha (K-1), Beta (2-3), Gamma (3-4), Delta (4-5), and Epsilon (5-6).

Best for Gifted Students

Singapore Math – Primary Math, U.S. Edition

In 1995, achievement tests were given to students from different countries around the world as part of the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS); students from Singapore were among the highest achievers in the subject of math.1 Ever since, educators have been interested in the methods used in that country to teach math so effectively. The Singapore Math series derives from the actual curriculum used in Singapore in the 1980s and 1990s. The Primary Math U.S. Edition is widely used by homeschoolers. It offers students a straightforward and approachable math curriculum that is nevertheless challenging. For this reason we think this is an especially excellent program if your student already excels in math. 

Level 1 Kit

Primary Math follows the unique Concrete > Pictorial > Abstract approach to teaching math. Concepts are introduced through pictorial and concrete examples, then extended into more abstract ideas. The process encourages critical thinking at a young age. 

Each level of the program is divided into two parts (A and B – you can think of them like semesters). Each part requires a teacher’s guide, textbook, and workbook. The teacher’s guide is especially valuable when read by the parent before each lesson. Various manipulatives will also be used throughout the program and should be gathered ahead of time. The required materials for each level, not including manipulatives, are listed here:

Grade 1: 

Grade 2: 

Grade 3:

Grade 4:

Grade 5:

Best Charlotte Mason Style

Math Lessons for a Living Education, Angela O’Dell

If you are a Charlotte Mason-style homeschooler and want to teach math concepts to your child through a story-based, living-education approach, we recommend the Math Lessons for a Living Education series by Angela O’Dell. The levels are structured by grade, and each includes a different story that introduces students to various math concepts.

Level 1

Level 3

Level 5

Math is not separated from “real life” in this program, but rather intertwines with it naturally. The program is based on a 5 days/week, 36-week schedule. The levels of the program are listed below.

Conclusion

With so many different options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on the best math curriculum for your homeschooled elementary student. Ultimately, you’ll need to consider your student’s learning style and your own homeschool philosophy as you choose the program that will best help your child thrive. If you have any questions or would like more information on homeschool math curriculums for elementary students, please email us!  

1 See: https://www.rainbowresource.com/category.jhtm?cid=2128