What Reviewers Say

Teaching Textbooks consistently ranks among the most popular homeschool math curricula, praised for enabling truly independent learning with minimal parent involvement. Cathy Duffy characterizes it as 'college-prep curriculum' that moves at a 'gentler pace' than Saxon or Singapore Math. The app-based program features video instruction, automatic grading, and step-by-step solutions for every problem. Parents praise the consistency it brings. However, the community remains divided on rigor - some students do well on standardized tests while others struggle on college placement exams.

How It Works

A student logs into the Teaching Textbooks app on a computer or tablet to complete one lesson daily, starting with an interactive audiovisual lecture that explains new concepts. After the lecture, the child solves practice problems and a set of lesson questions, receiving immediate audio feedback and the option to view a step-by-step video solution for any missed item. The parent's primary responsibility is checking the automated gradebook, which can also send daily progress emails directly to their inbox. A typical session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, and since all instruction and grading are digital, no physical manuals or paper-and-pencil sets are necessary.

Switching to This?

Before starting, parents should use the free placement tests found on the publisher’s website, as many families find that their children place one grade level higher than they would in more traditional programs. Because the curriculum is subscription-based and entirely digital, it is very easy to start mid-year or pivot to a new level if the current one is too easy or hard. When switching from a high-rigor program like Saxon or Singapore, parents should expect a gentler pace that prioritizes student confidence and independent work over dense, complex problem sets. This transition usually results in a significant decrease in math-related stress for struggling students but may require parents to monitor for long-term retention if the student is college-bound.

Curriculum Details

Price

$43 - $216

Individual courses $43-67/year per student with 12 months access. Family plan caps at $216.95/year for 4-8 students. Free 15-lesson trial with no credit card.

Grades

3 - 12

Available As

Digital Print Internet required

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

0-15 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Secular

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

In the Saxon vs. Teaching Textbooks debate, the deciding factor is usually the parent's time; Saxon requires manual grading and teacher-led instruction, while Teaching Textbooks automates both. When compared to Math-U-See, Teaching Textbooks uses a spiral method that keeps various skills fresh through constant review, whereas Math-U-See focuses on mastering one specific concept, like multi-digit multiplication, before moving on. Against Beast Academy, Teaching Textbooks is designed for the average learner or those who need an approachable, clear path, while Beast is targeted at students who crave high-level logic puzzles and deep conceptual challenges. Parents comparing it to Khan Academy find that Teaching Textbooks offers a more structured, cohesive all-in-one curriculum compared to the more modular, supplement-style feel of free online videos. Ultimately, the choice often comes down to the student's need for independence; Teaching Textbooks is specifically built so a student can successfully complete a full math credit without any direct teaching from the parent.

Getting Started