What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Derek Owens as a highly regarded option for distance learning in high school math and physics. Physics Forums notes that the program combines a rigorous college-prep framework with a personal touch from the instructor. According to the Gifted Issues Discussion Forum, the concise video format is often more effective for acceleration than resources like Khan Academy because the lessons are clear and organized. The Simply Charlotte Mason Forum suggests this video-based approach serves as a successful alternative for students who find traditional textbooks difficult to navigate. While Well-Trained Mind Forums contributors praise the responsive grading service and the effective note-taking system, they also note that the coursework is challenging. Feedback from the same forum indicates that while the personalized feedback justifies the cost, the workload requires a disciplined student to manage the academic rigor.

How It Works

A student spends their week watching recorded video lectures while simultaneously filling in a printed 'skeletal syllabus,' a workbook that contains the problems and diagrams from the video but leaves space for the student to write in the solutions. After completing the notes, the child works through practice problems and eventually scans and uploads their completed assignments and tests to the Derek Owens website. Parents primarily act as project managers, checking the online gradebook to ensure assignments are submitted, while professional graders provide handwritten feedback and grades on the student's work. A typical daily session takes about 60 to 90 minutes, allowing students to move through the material at their own speed since the courses are entirely self-paced.

Switching to This?

Derek Owens does not offer a formal placement test, so families typically decide which course to take by reviewing the detailed syllabi and prerequisite lists available on the website. The community rule of thumb is to follow the standard math sequence, but parents should look closely at the 'Course Samples' to ensure the student is comfortable with the instructor's clear, academic tone. Because the program operates on a monthly subscription model, families can easily start mid-year or take breaks as needed without falling behind a fixed schedule. If you are switching from a program that uses automated multiple-choice grading, expect a transition period where the student learns to show their work clearly for a human grader who evaluates their logical process rather than just the final answer.

Curriculum Details

Price

$29 - $58

Pricing is per course per month. The standard graded service is $58/month, while a self-graded 'half-price' option is available for $29/month.

Grades

6 - 12

Available As

Digital Print Video Workbook

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math Science Computer Science

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

0-10 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Advanced

Worldview

Secular

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Mr. D Math, Derek Owens is generally considered more academically rigorous and formal, making it a better fit for students pursuing competitive STEM degrees rather than those who prefer a more lighthearted, conversational approach. When weighed against Saxon Math, Derek Owens follows a traditional mastery sequence rather than a 'spiral' method, focusing on one topic deeply before moving on rather than mixing many different concepts into every daily lesson. Unlike Thinkwell, which relies on computer-automated grading, Derek Owens offers a premium grading service where actual instructors review scanned work, providing personal feedback that helps students identify specific errors in their logic. For parents choosing between this and Denison Algebra, Derek Owens is significantly more challenging; Denison is designed for students who struggle with math anxiety, while Derek Owens is the 'gold standard' for honors-level preparation. Finally, compared to Teaching Textbooks, Derek Owens requires more active engagement through its notetaking system, whereas Teaching Textbooks is a more passive, fully digital experience that handles all instruction and grading automatically.

Getting Started