What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Mr. D Math for its engaging, conversational teaching style that significantly reduces math anxiety. Sources like Cathy Duffy and The Homeschool Mom emphasize the program's ability to foster student independence through clear video instruction and a user-friendly interface. A standout feature noted across forums like Well-Trained Mind and Reddit is the live 'extra help' sessions, which provide real-time support from teachers. While highly effective for most, some advanced users suggest the curriculum may be less rigorous than intensive programs like Art of Problem Solving, making it better suited for students seeking a solid college-prep foundation rather than extreme competitive challenge. Overall, it is celebrated for transforming math for reluctant learners and busy parents.

How It Works

A typical week involves the student logging into the online portal to watch a 15-20 minute conversational video lesson led by Mr. D or another instructor. After the video, the student prints out a provided PDF worksheet to practice the concepts and then enters their answers back into the system for immediate automated grading. Parents primarily act as facilitators, checking the online gradebook to monitor progress rather than teaching the lessons themselves. Most students spend about 45 to 60 minutes per session, four to five days a week, with the option to attend live 'extra help' Zoom sessions twice a week if they hit a roadblock.

Switching to This?

Mr. D Math provides free online readiness tests for Pre-Algebra through Pre-Calculus to help parents determine the correct level before purchasing. While the curriculum aligns well with standard grade-level expectations, the community rule of thumb is to trust the readiness test results, as the conversational style may allow students to move faster than they did in traditional programs. Families using the self-paced version can start mid-year without issue, whereas those wanting live classes should aim for a late August or January start. If you are switching from a high-rigor program like Art of Problem Solving, expect a significant decrease in daily workload and a shift in focus toward clear, repeatable steps rather than complex puzzle-solving.

Curriculum Details

Price

$197 - $495

Self-paced courses are typically a one-time fee around $197. Live online classes generally cost around $495 for a full year or can be paid in monthly installments (approx. $29/mo with an enrollment fee).

Grades

K - 12

Available As

Digital Video Workbook

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math Computer Science Foreign Language Music Economics Logic & Critical Thinking

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

0-10 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

When compared to Teaching Textbooks, Mr. D Math offers a more personalized feel through its live weekly help sessions and a curriculum that feels more like a modern high school classroom than a gamified app. Against Saxon Math, Mr. D is far less repetitive and doesn't require the same volume of daily 'drill' problems, making it a better fit for students who get frustrated by excessive busywork. While Math-U-See relies heavily on physical blocks to explain concepts, Mr. D focuses on relational and conceptual shortcuts that help students 'see' the logic of math through video instruction. Parents looking at Art of Problem Solving often choose Mr. D Math instead when they want a solid college-prep foundation that reduces math anxiety rather than an extremely difficult program designed for competitive mathletes. Finally, compared to Thinkwell’s formal university-style lectures, Mr. D’s conversational and encouraging tone makes the material feel more accessible to students who have previously felt 'bad at math.'