Liam drags his feet into the door after a math exam, muttering, “But it doesn’t make any sense." That feeling of math being just a set of rules to memorize is all too familiar.
In traditional schooling, the 'why' often gets a bit lost in the 'how'. But learning at home? Kids get to explore the why at their own pace, making math less about rules and more about wonder.
Now, if you're considering the adventure of homeschooling, how do you choose the right math curriculum for your kiddo? How do you make sure you're covering the right ground for their grade level? And where do you even begin your search?
Well, here’s a shortcut to popular homeschool math curricula and how to choose the best fit for your kid.
Is teaching your homeschooler math really doable?
It is possible with a good curriculum and an approach that clicks with your kid. It also helps if you have experience teaching or explaining the conceptual side of math.
Homeschooling has become a big movement. As of 2024, around 3.7 million children in the US are being homeschooled. That’s a 61% increase over the last decade.
Why are more kids learning from home? Well, sometimes the traditional approach to subjects like math can feel a bit…stuck in the past. Too often, there's a heavy focus on rote memorization, endless repetition, and a one-size-fits-all approach to learning.
But the world is changing at lightning speed, and kids need to be ready for a future that demands more than just memorized facts. Learning math at home your way opens up a whole new universe of opportunities. Now there are incredible resources online. Platforms like Prodigy make learning math feel like a game to help kids learn, practice and improve alongside other children.
And let's not forget the rise of online schools, like bina, which offer a structured yet personal at-home learning experience guided by experienced teachers.
With the right approach and support, you can give your kiddo a math education that builds a solid foundation for future studies and that inspires them to keep exploring a subject that’s as vast as, well, infinity.
Must-knows before choosing a homeschool math curriculum
Homeschooling math gives you the power to choose what’s right for your kid, but that doesn’t mean the choice will always be right.
Here’s what you need to consider before choosing a math curriculum for your child:
Your kiddo’s learning style
Every learner soaks up math information differently. It’s important to understand how your kiddo learns best.
We have our visual learners, who benefit from seeing numbers and equations in action. Curriculum options that include diagrams, pictures, videos, or even colorful manipulatives can help them turn abstract concepts into something concrete.
For auditory learners who grasp concepts better through listening, try a curriculum that incorporates stories or songs about math or involves discussions.
Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. So, getting their bodies involved often helps their brains connect with the numbers. Look for curricula that have hands-on activities or model building.
Your kiddo could also have a mix of learning styles — many do! A good curriculum will often use different approaches to cater to a variety of learners.
If you’re not sure what your child's dominant style is, experiment with different methods and resources to see what resonates with them.
Your kiddo’s long-term goals
Choosing a math curriculum for now is important, but don’t forget about the future. Math is a foundation for all sorts of things in our world, including a lot of exciting careers, like engineering, physics, and architecture.
Beyond equations and calculations, kids learn transferable skills, such as logical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills, in math lessons.
So, what are your aspirations for your child's education? And what are theirs?
The job market our kids will enter will likely be vastly different and only more competitive. With AI and automation taking over low-level tasks, the real value will be placed on high-level thinking.
Picking a math curriculum that emphasizes future-ready skills will help them prepare for whatever comes next!
Parent/teacher involvement
Realistically, how much time can you dedicate to teaching mathematics?
Some programs are designed for you to be the main teacher, guiding your child through lessons, explaining concepts, and marking work.
Other more independent curricula may require you to act as a facilitator as your child works through online lessons themselves. Sometimes, fully self-paced learning for younger children can lead to lower engagement, so you may need to find supplementary activities to keep them interested.
And how confident are you with math? Even if you’re an adult who has a good understanding of math concepts, it can still be very difficult to actually explain the ‘why’ to kids.
There are many programs that offer support and clear instructions, and resources designed to teach you alongside your child. But for some parents, having educators from an online school like bina offers the reassurance of expert-led teaching.
Curriculum approach and philosophy
Every math curriculum has a slightly different way of doing things:
Conceptual math vs. procedural math
Conceptual math is all about understanding why the math works. For example, your kid will learn why adding fractions works the way it does, not just the steps to follow.
If your child tends to ask ‘why’ a lot, then a conceptual approach may be a good fit. It can feed their natural curiosity and help them build a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.
Procedural math emphasizes the steps and rules needed to solve math problems. It focuses on teaching kids how to carry out calculations accurately and efficiently, such as memorizing times tables and following algorithms for long division.
If your kiddo likes clear steps and rules and finds comfort in a structured approach, a procedural approach might be a good starting point.
Ideally, a good math education balances both. A strong conceptual understanding makes the procedures make more sense and easier to remember, while procedural fluency allows for quicker problem-solving.
Mastery vs. spiral approach to math
A mastery approach focuses on building a solid understanding of each concept before moving on to the next. So, your kiddo may spend several weeks understanding everything about fractions before jumping into decimals.
It helps children develop a thorough understanding of math topics without feeling rushed. But challenging topics may take a long time to conquer before moving on.
With a spiral approach, your kid might learn a little about fractions, then move on to geometry, and then come back to fractions later.
This approach keeps things varied and provides regular reviews of topics to aid long-term memory, which can work great for children who learn best through repetition of concepts.
Cost
The price of homeschool math programs varies. It helps to have a budget in mind right from the start. Think about what you're comfortable spending annually, and factor in that math is a core subject, so investing wisely can pay off in the long run.
Some programs might seem cheaper at first but require extra resources you'll need to buy separately. Others, like textbook-based curricula, might have a higher upfront cost but can be reused in a multi-child household.
Remember to account for any extra costs, from basic math manipulatives to supplementary practice books or a tablet. There are also free or low-cost resources available, like websites with printable worksheets or books from your local library.
Accessibility
How is the curriculum delivered — physical books, online resources, downloadable files, or a combination? Think about what best suits your family's setup and limitations.
If your child has specific learning needs, check for accessibility features. For instance, dyslexia-friendly fonts or text-to-speech can aid visual processing, while fill-in-the-blank options or voice-to-text can support learners with dysgraphia.
Is there easy access to help if your child (or you) get stuck? A community forum or email support can make all the difference when you need help.
Assessment and progress tracking
Knowing how your kiddo is doing is an important part of homeschooling. Assessment helps you identify areas where your child needs extra support and celebrate their wins.
Some programs rely heavily on worksheets and quizzes that you mark to gauge comprehension. Others have informal assessments, such as discussing concepts with your child. Many online curricula also feature built-in assessment tools that automatically track their progress.
Alignment with national standards
While homeschooling offers the freedom to explore learning in new ways, some families find comfort in choosing a curriculum that aligns with national or state/provincial standards.
Alignment can provide a benchmark to ensure your child is covering key mathematical concepts and skills for their age. This is particularly important if your kid will potentially re-enter the local school system.
Five homeschool math curriculum choices
The search for the perfect math curriculum can get overwhelming. We've rounded up five options to help you decide:
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1. Singapore Math
Singapore Math is a conceptual curriculum that helps children develop a strong understanding of mathematical concepts through Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA).
Your kiddo will start with hands-on learning, move on to visual representations, and then finally to abstract symbols and equations. This method helps children’s brains connect the dots and practice problem-solving from the ground up.
Pros:
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• Strong conceptual understanding
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• Excellent for problem-solving skill practice
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• Logical, sequential progression
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• Engaging with manipulatives
Cons:
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• Teacher/parent-intensive (early years)
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• Potentially too fast-paced
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• Separate resources may be needed
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2. Math-U-See
Math-U-See offers a mastery-based approach, focusing on making sure your kiddo understands each idea before moving on.
Concepts are revisited in later levels as they build upon previous understanding. Each level focuses on a specific set of skills, such as addition/subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.
It also incorporates a multi-sensory experience to encourage kids to learn by seeing, saying, and physically building with manipulatives like shapes and blocks.
Pros:
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• Great for visual and hands-on learners
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• Kids understand each step before moving on
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• Easy for parents with video instructions
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• Kids learn at their own pace
Cons:
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• Blocks can be more pricey
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• Repetitive use of manipulatives
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• Less thorough concept reviews
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3. Saxon Math
If you're looking for a procedural math curriculum that revisits concepts regularly, Saxon Math could be one to consider. It introduces new ideas in small chunks and then weaves them back into future lessons to make sure everything sticks.
Each day usually involves learning a new little bit of math, followed by practice questions that include both the new stuff and things they've learned before. It also has regular check-ins to see how things are going.
Pros:
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• Consistent review helps with long-term retention
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• Incremental approach
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• Thorough and comprehensive coverage
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• Clear solutions manuals for parents
Cons:
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• May be more dry or repetitive
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• Encourages more rote memorization
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• Regular cumulative assessments could be stressful, especially for younger learners
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4. Teaching Textbooks
Teaching Textbooks delivers math through engaging computer-based lessons and interactive video lessons. It combines procedural instructions with a spiral approach that circles back to earlier ideas. Kids get practice questions with instant feedback, and the grading is automated — a big time saver for parents.
Pros:
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• Kids can practice independent learning (could be a con for some)
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• Works well for different types of learners, including those with dyslexia or ADHD
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• Immediate feedback and automated grading
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• The curriculum is easy to follow
Cons:
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• Less rigorous than other math curricula
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• May not ensure mastery of concepts
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• More expensive subscription model
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5. Beast Academy
Beast Academy could be a great option for kids who enjoy a good mathematical challenge. It dives into why math works, with a big emphasis on problem-solving and logical thinking.
It presents math concepts through engaging graphic novels and challenging problem sets that are suitable for kids from ages seven to 11.
While it has a mastery approach within each topic, kids are encouraged to explore different concepts and ways of solving problems.
Pros:
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• Highly engaging and motivating
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• Builds strong problem-solving skills
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• More depth than a standard curriculum
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• Develop creativity within math
Cons:
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• Can be challenging and dense
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• Less routine practice on the basics
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• Doesn’t follow a traditional grade-level scope
Math education for tomorrow's world at bina
At bina, math isn't just a subject — it’s a tool for understanding and interacting with the world around us.
Immersive biomes and PBL
We believe that math shouldn’t be just numbers on paper. Our kids explore math with confidence through immersive biomes, based on real environments like rainforests and deserts.
By seeing math concepts presented in a real-world context, they can truly understand the relevance and application of what they're learning.
That’s also why math isn’t treated as a singular subject at bina. Instead, it’s naturally woven into science, technology, engineering, arts, and social studies within biomes.
And at the end of each biome, our students create interactive projects. Just imagine how fun calculation would be if it meant figuring out the materials needed to build a sustainable shelter in the tundra.
Our approach makes math more tangible, relevant, and engaging so kids develop a love for the subject. It also helps build critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills for the future.
Experienced teachers
Give your kids the best math education, even if the subject isn’t your strong suit. As an internationally accredited online elementary school, bina ensures your child is in expert hands — our educators are truly at the heart of what we do.
They are committed to providing precision education, which adapts to individual learning needs. We keep our classrooms small and tightly-knit so that every child gets the attention they need to succeed in class, whether it's extra support or a harder challenge.
While our educators are the ones who lead live classes, parents are always welcome to be a part of their child's learning journey and see how they're doing.
Find out what your kiddo will learn at bina
Get a glimpse into our math curriculum and see how bina fits into your kiddos' learning adventure!
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