What Reviewers Say

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise UnLock Math for its ability to reduce 'math anxiety' and foster student independence. Central to the program's success is the lead teacher, Alesia Blackwood, whose high-energy and clear video explanations are frequently cited as the highlight by sources like Cathy Duffy and The Homeschool Mom. The curriculum is noted for its 'bite-sized' approach, which breaks complex concepts into manageable 5-10 minute videos, followed by interactive practice and automated grading. This structure is highly effective for reluctant learners or students who struggle with traditional textbook-heavy methods. However, some feedback from forums like Well-Trained Mind suggests that while the program is solid and aligns well with standards, it may not provide the extreme depth or 'rigor' sought by families aiming for competitive math levels (e.g., Art of Problem Solving). The primary trade-off is the cost, which is higher than some competitors, but users generally feel the time saved on grading and the quality of instruction justify the price.

How It Works

Students begin each session by logging into an online portal to watch a 5-10 minute video lesson by teacher Alesia Blackwood, who explains a single concept with high-energy visuals. After the video, the child completes interactive practice problems that provide immediate feedback and automated grading, which means the parent never has to grade a paper or look up an answer key. A typical daily session takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes a warm-up, a practice set, and a 'Stay Sharp' review section to keep previous skills fresh. Parents primarily act as facilitators, checking a digital dashboard to monitor progress while the software handles the heavy lifting of instruction and record-keeping.

Switching to This?

UnLock Math provides free placement tests on their website, and it is highly recommended to use them because the curriculum's 'bite-sized' approach may allow a student to progress faster than in a traditional setting. Most families find they can start at their child's current grade level, but if a student has significant gaps, the publisher suggests starting one level back to build confidence. Because the program is subscription-based and digital, families can easily start mid-year without the logistical headache of ordering physical books. If you are switching from a textbook-heavy program like Saxon, expect your child to feel a sense of relief at the shorter lessons, but be prepared for a shift in focus from repetitive drills to conceptual understanding.

Curriculum Details

Price

$29 - $299

Monthly subscription is $29.95; Annual subscription is $299. Family plans for multiple students are available at $499/year.

Grades

6 - 12

Available As

Digital Video

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Math

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Pacing

Self-paced

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, UnLock Math features a real teacher on camera rather than animated characters, which many parents find more professional and engaging for the high school years. Against Mr. D Math, UnLock is a fully self-paced digital platform, whereas Mr. D focuses more on live class sessions and a conversational teaching style. Compared to Saxon Math, UnLock is significantly less 'text-heavy,' making it a superior choice for students who are easily overwhelmed by large blocks of print or long problem sets. Parents choosing between UnLock and Math-U-See will find that UnLock follows a standard grade-level sequence rather than the mastery-based 'one topic per year' approach used by Math-U-See. Finally, while programs like Art of Problem Solving are designed for students seeking extreme mathematical rigor and competition prep, UnLock is specifically designed to eliminate 'math anxiety' and build solid foundations for the average to struggling learner.

Getting Started