Best Algebra 2 Homeschool Curriculum

This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our top picks for the best algebra 2 homeschool curriculum:

If you are looking for an algebra 2 homeschool curriculum, you’ll find there are several excellent options from which to choose. These programs use a variety of different methods, so you’ll want to think about your student’s specific learning needs as you choose one. If you aren’t sure whether your student is ready for algebra 2, it may be helpful to know what the typical sequence for high school math is. Normally, algebra is taken in grade 9, geometry in grade 10, algebra 2 in grade 11, and trigonometry in grade 12. Some students begin this sequence a year earlier and are thus able to take calculus during their senior year. Other students may start later or take longer to complete the sequence. 

In this article, we’ll discuss four of our favorite algebra 2 homeschool curriculums. If you are looking for an introductory algebra (algebra 1) homeschool curriculum, see our article Best Algebra Curriculum for Homeschooling. And if your high school student struggles with math, check out Best Homeschool High School Math for Struggling Students. 

Best All-Around

Saxon Algebra 2

Saxon Math has long been one of the most popular math programs for homeschoolers because of its clearly structured, approachable format and incremental approach, which helps students build confidence in their skills rather than becoming overwhelmed. Students work independently at their own pace, and the program is good for most types of learners.

This course is comprehensive, covering all major components of a typical second-year algebra course, including quadratic equations, advanced factoring, and logarithms. A substantial geometry section is also included, but this should not take the place of the complete geometry course which most students will have taken in the year preceding this course. 

Algebra 2 Homeschool Kit

You’ll need to purchase the Algebra 2 Homeschool Kit, which includes the student textbook, tests and answer key, and solutions manual. For the most effective experience, consider also purchasing the supplementary DIVE CD-Rom, which provides corresponding 10-15 minute lessons using a digital whiteboard format. You can also purchase the corresponding teaching tape DVD, which features video instruction by a certified teacher and is designed especially for homeschool use. 

Best for Struggling Learners

Life of Fred Advanced Algebra, Stanley F. Schmidt

Life of Fred is one of the most unconventional and – dare we say – fun homeschool math curriculums available. The series, which goes from elementary through college math, is written like a funny novel that follows the life of Fred Gauss, a six-year-old math professor who encounters the need for math on his daily adventures. Although this premise may seem a bit silly, the program itself is surprisingly comprehensive and effective, teaching core math concepts through brief, incremental lessons that won’t tire your student out. The program also does a good job of showing students how math relates to “real life”.

Life of Fred Advanced Algebra

Life of Fred Advanced Algebra is intended for students who have completed Life of Fred Beginning Algebra. The series teaches algebra concepts in a different order than most homeschool curriculums, so it is recommended that students take Beginning Algebra first, even if they have already taken an introductory algebra course. They may, however, be able to work through the material more quickly since some of it will already be familiar to them. 

Life of Fred Advanced Algebra requires one textbook. A Zillions of Practice Problems supplement is also available. 

Best Online Program

Calvert Homeschool Advanced Algebra

If you are looking for a solid homeschool algebra 2 curriculum that your student can take online, consider Calvert Homeschool’s Advanced Algebra course. Calvert has been a leading publisher of top-notch homeschool curriculums for many years, and now all of its grade 3-12 courses have gone completely online. With the online courses, your child will still have all the flexibility and independence of a normal homeschool course (no virtual classes or Zoom meetings to attend), except that everything is done through the program’s media-rich online platform.

Parents and students alike both seem to really love Calvert’s online courses. Students appreciate the dynamic, engaging lessons and the program’s inherent flexibility: they can complete their work at their own pace, anytime of day. Parents love that the online platform keeps track of schedules and assignments and does most grading automatically. At the high school level especially, students can work independently, and parents can always log into the Teacher’s Dashboard feature to check on their kids’ progress.

Calvert Advanced Algebra includes the following units: Inferences and Conclusions from Data, Polynomial Functions, Rational and Radical Relationships, Exponents and Logarithms, Trigonometric Functions, and Mathematical Modeling. 

This course can be purchased on its own or accessed via a Calvert Homeschool subscription. A subscription is a great option if your student will be taking more than one course through Calvert or if you have multiple students using the program.

Best for Visual and Kinesthetic Learners

Math-U-See Algebra 2, Demme Learning

If your student learns best through visual, hands-on, sensory methods, consider the Math-U-See Algebra 2 course by Demme Learning. Math-U-See is among the most popular homeschool math curriculums because of its unique, concept-based approach that emphasizes hands-on, kinesthetic instruction to help students really “see” how math works. Lessons are taught using several different tools, including video instruction, workbook assignments, and manipulatives.

Whereas many math curriculums use a spiral approach wherein concepts are introduced, taught, and frequently reviewed, Math-U-See emphasizes concept mastery. Particular concepts are taught and mastered at each level of the program. For algebra 2, these include all the essential concepts of a typical advanced algebra course. 

All of the Math-U-See programs use a unique manipulative kit called the Integer Block Kit. This kit only needs to be purchased once and can be shared by multiple students, even if they are taking different Math-U-See courses. For all the Algebra 2 materials, including the Integer Block Kit, you’ll want to purchase the Math-U-See Algebra 2 Universal Set. If you already own the Integer Block Kit, you can instead purchase the Math-U-See Algebra 2 Level Up Set.

Conclusions

There are several excellent homeschool curriculum options for algebra 2. If you are looking for beginning algebra (algebra 1) curriculums, see our article Best Algebra Curriculum for Homeschooling. And if your student struggles with math, check out Best Homeschool High School Math for Struggling Students. If you have questions or would like more information on this topic, please email us!