UnLock Math
by UnLock Math (website )
An engaging online video-based math curriculum for grades 6-12 featuring automated grading and bite-sized instruction.
Best Fit For
Students who struggle with math anxiety, families seeking a fully independent and self-grading math solution, and visual learners who benefit from short, engaging video lessons.
Not Recommended For
Families on a strict budget who prefer physical textbooks, or advanced students seeking highly challenging, competition-level mathematics rigor.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers consistently highlight UnLock Math for its clear digital instruction and structured approach to mathematics. Cathy Duffy Reviews notes the professional quality of the video lessons and the comprehensive nature of the materials, which include practice problems and full solutions. Only Passionate Curiosity values the use of a real teacher on screen and the automated grading system, finding that the high volume of practice work provides strong preparation for quizzes. According to Little Learner and Mom, the Foundations course is particularly effective at filling skill gaps before students begin Pre-Algebra. A Heart 4 Homeschool describes the program as a helpful solution for parents looking to outsource advanced math instruction while keeping track of student progress. Regarding cost, Cathy Duffy Reviews observes that the program is more expensive than many competitors, though A Heart 4 Homeschool considers the courses to be affordably priced.
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
- Grades
- 6 - 12
- Available As
- Digital Video
- Coverage
- Single subject
- Subjects
- Math
- Pacing
- Self-paced
- Parent Time
- 0-10 min/day
- Student Independence
- Fully independent
- Academic Level
- Grade level
- Worldview
- Neutral
- Engaging for Reluctant Learners
- Yes
Monthly subscription is $29.95; Annual subscription is $299. Family plans for multiple students are available at $499/year.
Videos
Ann Looks at an Unlock Math Lesson
by It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Reviews We Consulted
Highlights the program as an ideal solution for parents who want to outsource the instruction of advanced math while maintaining clear oversight of student progress.
"UnLock Math is an award-winning online, self-paced math program that offers upper middle school and high school level math classes at an affordable price... We want to monitor their progress for accountability without having to do the heavy lifting of teaching high school math courses."
High marks for the professional digital instruction and comprehensive curriculum structure, though the reviewer notes it is more expensive than many competitors.
"Alesia’s use of the large digital screen to teach is much nicer than the whiteboard approach used by many courses. The lessons are very clearly laid out and easy to follow, and they include everything you need—plenty of practice problems, cumulative review, the ability to review any lesson, tests, and complete solutions along with the answers."
Praises the presence of a "real teacher" on screen and the robust automated grading, noting that the high volume of practice problems effectively prepares students for quizzes.
"I like that there is a real teacher on the video and I can see her talking. She seems really nice, and it’s better than a computer teaching me. They also give you warm-ups and practices so there is a lot to work on before the quiz."
Describes the "Foundations" course as an excellent tool for identifying and filling core math gaps through a multi-sensory style to ensure students are ready for Pre-Algebra.
"The Unlock Foundations is perfect for us at this time because it is preparing him for pre-algebra and finding gaps and making sure he has a solid foundation of fundamentals skills he needs in order to be successful in Pre-Algebra."
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
See What It Looks Like
Details the daily workflow including video lessons, interactive practice, and automated grading.
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