Nicole the Math Lady

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Nicole the Math Lady as an effective tool for simplifying and automating the Saxon Math curriculum. According to Cathy Duffy Reviews, Nicole uses a casual and encouraging style filled with memory aids and songs to make lessons lively. Maestra Mom notes that the combination of video instruction and automatic grading allows for total student independence. Eggs in the Air finds the service vital for students who feel overwhelmed by the density of standard textbooks. While A Healthy Slice of Life praises how the program removes the dryness from traditional math, the reviewer observes that the instruction relies heavily on Nicole’s specific high-energy personality to maintain engagement. This suggests the style might not suit every student. Overall, the program is valued for turning a rigorous curriculum into a more accessible and autonomous experience.

How It Works

A student begins their daily session by watching a short, high-energy video, usually under ten minutes, in which Nicole explains the day's Saxon Math concept on a whiteboard. After the video, the child completes the corresponding practice problems in their physical Saxon textbook and then enters their answers into the 'Smiley Face Grading' online portal for instant feedback. The parent's role shifts from primary instructor to facilitator, focusing on reviewing the digital gradebook and helping with specific 'trouble spots' identified by the system. A typical daily session takes between 45 and 75 minutes, requiring the online subscription, a physical Saxon textbook, and a notebook for working out problems.

Switching to This?

Because this program follows the Saxon curriculum, parents should utilize the free Saxon placement tests provided on Nicole's website to ensure the student starts at the correct level. A common community rule of thumb is to trust the placement test results even if they seem 'behind' the child's current grade level, as Saxon's incremental style depends on a solid foundation. Families can seamlessly start mid-year by simply picking up at the lesson number they have reached in their Saxon text. If switching from a mastery-based program, parents should prepare their children for the 'spiral' format, where they will practice many different types of math problems in every single assignment rather than focusing on just one topic.

Curriculum Details

Price

$79/year

A Math Pass costs $79 per student per year and includes 365-day access to video lessons, online grading, Drill Team and Learning Lab for every supported curriculum. When passes for students in the same household are bought at the same time, the second student costs $59 and each additional student $29. Passes bought through a school purchase order or ESA are $79 per student per year with no household discount. Classroom and school licenses are quoted. Textbooks are purchased separately. A 7-day free trial needs no credit card, and purchases are non-refundable.

Grades

1 - 12

Available As

Digital Video Online Grading Internet required

Coverage

Supplement

Subjects

Math

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

5-15 min/day

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: June 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Teaching Textbooks, Nicole the Math Lady requires the separate purchase of physical Saxon textbooks, whereas Teaching Textbooks is a fully self-contained digital curriculum. For families looking at BJU Press Distance Learning, Nicole's videos are significantly shorter and more 'to the point,' which is often better for students who get overwhelmed by long lectures. Against CTCMath, which allows students to jump between grade levels and topics freely, Nicole provides a much stricter, pre-defined sequence that ensures no concepts are missed. Shormann Math is a common alternative for high schoolers, but while Shormann is more academically rigorous and focused on STEM careers, Nicole maintains a 'bubbly' and approachable tone designed to reduce math anxiety. Finally, compared to using the standard Saxon Math teacher’s manual, Nicole replaces the parent's need to lecture and grade, making it a better fit for busy families or parents who do not feel confident teaching higher-level mathematics.

Frequently Asked Questions