What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Harold Jacobs Mathematics for its 'human' approach to math, using humor, comic strips (like Peanuts and B.C.), and real-world scenarios to introduce complex concepts. Cathy Duffy and users on The Homeschool Mom highlight it as an excellent choice for students who find traditional, dry textbooks intimidating. The curriculum is noted for its visual and discovery-based methodology, which helps students understand the 'why' behind the math rather than just memorizing formulas. However, some trade-offs are noted: the discovery approach can be frustrating for students who prefer direct, step-by-step instruction, and parents often mention that the curriculum requires a higher level of involvement or the purchase of supplemental video lessons to ensure concepts are fully grasped. Despite these concerns, it remains a 'gold standard' for families seeking a rigorous yet engaging high school math sequence.

How It Works

A typical daily session begins with the student reading a short, conversational lesson that opens with a comic strip or real-world puzzle to introduce a mathematical concept. The child then works through 'Set I' to review old material before moving to 'Set II,' which guides them through the new concept using a discovery method rather than just providing a formula to memorize. A session usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, with the parent spending about 15 minutes facilitating the introductory discussion and checking work using the Teacher Guide. Most families use the physical textbook alongside the Master Books video instruction or the AskDrCallahan DVD series to provide additional support for the more complex high school lessons.

Switching to This?

Since Master Books does not offer a specific placement test for the Jacobs series, the general community rule is to begin the sequence with Elementary Algebra after the successful completion of any standard Pre-Algebra program. Families should avoid starting mid-year because the discovery-based methodology builds logic sequentially from the first chapter, making it difficult to jump into the middle of a book. If switching from a procedural program like Saxon, parents should expect an adjustment period as the student learns to explain the 'why' behind their answers instead of just performing calculations. For students who have struggled with traditional textbooks, starting at the beginning of the Jacobs sequence often helps rebuild their confidence through its unique, non-intimidating 'human' tone.

Curriculum Details

Price

$75 - $150

Pricing reflects individual textbooks or complete sets (text, teacher guide, and solutions). Video instruction is available separately through Master Books Academy.

Grades

8 - 12

Available As

Print Video Digital

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math

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Pacing

Some flexibility

Parent Time

20-45 min/day

Parent Involvement

Moderate

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

When compared to Saxon Math, Jacobs uses a mastery approach that focuses deeply on one topic at a time, whereas Saxon uses a spiral method that constantly mixes different types of problems in every lesson. Parents choosing between Jacobs and Teaching Textbooks often find that Jacobs offers a higher level of academic rigor and conceptual depth, but Teaching Textbooks is more convenient because it is a digital program that handles all the grading automatically. Compared to Math-U-See, which relies heavily on physical manipulatives like blocks, Jacobs uses visual logic and storytelling to help students visualize abstract concepts. For families considering Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), Jacobs is often the preferred choice for students who want a conceptual 'discovery' approach without the extreme frustration or competition-level difficulty found in AoPS. Finally, unlike standard public school textbooks that can feel dry and encyclopedic, Jacobs is written specifically to be read by the student, making it much more accessible for independent learners who enjoy a conversational teaching style.

Getting Started