What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Thinkwell for its high-caliber instruction, particularly the charismatic video lectures of Dr. Edward Burger in the math courses. It is widely considered a 'college-prep' curriculum, with Cathy Duffy and Common Sense Education highlighting its academic rigor and clarity. However, a recurring critique across the Well-Trained Mind forums and Reddit is that the program may move too quickly for students who need more repetition or drill. While the automated grading and digital format offer high independence, some parents find the lack of a comprehensive physical textbook challenging and suggest supplementing with the optional printed workbooks. Overall, it is highly valued for its ability to teach complex subjects with minimal parental involvement.

How It Works

A student typically begins their day by logging into the online portal to watch a 10-to-20-minute video lecture featuring charismatic instructors who explain concepts using a digital whiteboard. After the video, the child works through a set of online practice exercises that provide immediate feedback and step-by-step solutions for any incorrect answers. A typical session takes about 45 to 60 minutes, with the parent's role primarily limited to monitoring the automated gradebook to ensure the student is staying on track. While the program is entirely digital, many families choose to use the optional printed workbooks so students can practice handwriting their math steps or scientific formulas away from the screen.

Switching to This?

Thinkwell provides free placement tests on their website, which are essential because the curriculum is designed for a 'college-prep' track and can be more difficult than standard grade-level work. Most families find it best to place the student exactly where the test suggests, as the program moves quickly and assumes a strong grasp of prerequisite skills. Because the subscription-based courses are entirely self-paced, families can easily start mid-year or even during the summer for remediation. If you are switching from a program with lots of repetitive daily review, expect a transition period where the student may need to watch videos multiple times to catch every detail of the fast-moving instruction.

Curriculum Details

Price

$125 - $160

Prices are per course per student for 12 months of access. Courses generally range from $125 to $155.

Grades

6 - 12

Available As

Digital Video Workbook

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math Science History/Social Studies

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

5-15 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Secular

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

When compared to Teaching Textbooks, Thinkwell is significantly more rigorous and fast-paced, making it a better fit for honors-track students while Teaching Textbooks is often preferred for those who need a gentler approach. Unlike Saxon Math’s heavy reliance on printed textbooks and 'spiral' review of old topics, Thinkwell uses a digital mastery approach where students focus on one specific concept at a time before moving forward. Parents often weigh Thinkwell against Mr. D Math, noting that while both are video-based, Mr. D offers more personal teacher support and live options, whereas Thinkwell is a purely independent, automated experience. Compared to the free videos on Khan Academy, Thinkwell offers a more structured and cohesive syllabus that mimics a formal classroom environment with higher production values. Finally, when compared to Derek Owens, Thinkwell is often seen as more 'plug-and-play' for the parent because the grading is fully automated, whereas Derek Owens typically involves submitting work to be graded by a human.

Getting Started