What Reviewers Say

Saxon Math is one of the most polarizing homeschool curricula, consistently described as either loved or hated. Cathy Duffy awards it Top Pick status for its effectiveness with independent learners and minimal parent prep time. The incremental approach introduces concepts in small pieces with daily mixed review, which proponents say builds lasting retention and confidence. Critics argue this spiral approach prevents deep conceptual understanding - students learn procedures without grasping the underlying mathematics. The curriculum is frequently described as 'dry,' 'boring,' and 'time-intensive,' with full lesson completion requiring 1.5-2 hours daily. However, many experienced homeschoolers (including a 16-year veteran and multiple multi-year users) praise Saxon for producing strong test scores and college-ready students. The K-3 program differs substantially from upper levels, using manipulatives and scripted lessons rather than the textbook-based approach of grades 4+. Common adaptations include using only odd-numbered problems and pairing with video instruction (Nicole the Math Lady or DIVE) to reduce parent involvement.

How It Works

For younger children in grades K-3, a parent reads from a scripted teacher's manual and uses physical objects like play money, clocks, and counting blocks to teach a 45-minute daily lesson. Starting in 4th grade, the program shifts to a textbook where the student reads a short explanation and completes a "problem set" of 30 mixed questions independently. A typical session for older students takes 60 to 90 minutes, with the parent primarily acting as a grader and providing help only when a child hits a roadblock. The weekly routine usually consists of four daily lessons followed by a cumulative test on the fifth day to ensure the child remembers everything learned in previous weeks.

Switching to This?

Saxon uses a unique naming system: "Saxon 5/4" covers roughly 4th-grade material, "Saxon 8/7" is roughly 7th grade, and "Algebra 1/2" is pre-algebra. The number before the slash is the target, and the one after is the review level. Because this numbering does not match standard grade levels, parents should always use the free placement tests before purchasing. It is a common community rule of thumb to place the student based on test results even if the book title seems "behind," as the curriculum builds strictly on its own specific sequence. Families can start mid-year, but they should begin at the start of the book rather than trying to jump into the middle, as the introductory lessons establish the necessary routine. If you are switching from a program that focuses on one topic at a time, expect a period of adjustment while your child learns to manage the 20 to 30 different types of math problems found in every single Saxon assignment.

Curriculum Details

Price

$94 - $178

Homeschool kits purchased per level. K: $94.95, Grades 1-3: $142-$162, Middle grades (5/4-8/7): $117-$144, Algebra 1/2: $103-$111, Algebra 1-2 4th Ed: $160-$178, Advanced Math: $104-$110. Manipulatives for K-3 sold separately (~$35-50). Optional video instruction available from third parties (Nicole the Math Lady, DIVE, Teaching Tape Technology) at additional cost. Many families purchase used editions at significant discount.

Grades

K - 12

Available As

Print Digital

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math

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Pacing

Some flexibility

Parent Time

15-120 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Secular

Parent Role:

Parent teaches new concepts, then student works independently on practice problems.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Singapore Math, which spends weeks mastering one specific topic like fractions, Saxon uses a "spiral" method that mixes many different topics into every lesson to keep skills fresh through constant review. When weighed against Math-U-See, Saxon is much more traditional and text-heavy, making it a better fit for students who learn through drill and practice rather than those who need physical blocks to visualize concepts. Parents choosing between Saxon and Teaching Textbooks often find that Saxon offers a more rigorous academic challenge, but it requires the parent to do the grading, whereas Teaching Textbooks is a digital program that handles the instruction and grading automatically.

Getting Started