Horizons Math Review: Complete Parent’s Guide (2026)

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Last updated: January 2026. All pricing and features verified for accuracy.

Your child opens their math workbook and actually smiles at the colorful pages. No tears, no resistance—just eager pencil-to-paper learning. If that sounds like a homeschool dream, Horizons Math might deliver it. But does pretty packaging equal solid math education?

Over the past three years, I’ve used Horizons Math with two of my children. My visual learner thrived with it. My more analytical child needed something different. During that time, we completed grades 1 through 4. We also joined our Christian homeschool co-op’s curriculum discussions and connected with dozens of Horizons families through online forums.

Below, I’ll share my complete Horizons Math review, including honest insights about who this curriculum serves well and who should look elsewhere.

What is Horizons Math?

Essentially, Horizons Math is a workbook-based curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications (AOP). This Christian publisher has been around since 1977, and the program covers grades K-8, with a preschool option too.

So what makes it stand out? Primarily, the colorful workbooks. I’m talking full-color pages with bright illustrations, charts, and graphics that actually grab kids’ attention. In contrast to Saxon’s black-and-white approach, Horizons looks like it was designed to be enjoyed. Additionally, each lesson fits on two pages—so kids can see exactly what they need to finish.

Furthermore, Horizons uses a spiral approach. Instead of teaching one concept to mastery, it introduces ideas, then circles back repeatedly. For example, your child might see addition in Week 2, multiplication in Week 3, and addition again in Week 4. As a result, this constant review keeps skills fresh. For more on how this compares to other approaches, see our guide on spiral vs mastery math.

Since Horizons is a Christian curriculum, it includes some faith elements. Word problems might mention church or Bible stories. However, don’t worry—it’s subtle, not overwhelming. In fact, most lessons are purely mathematical.

How Horizons Math Works

Let me walk you through what a typical day actually looks like. This helped me decide if Horizons would fit our family schedule.

Program Components

Each grade level includes:

• Two Student Workbooks: Book 1 covers lessons 1-80, while Book 2 covers lessons 81-160. These are full-color, consumable workbooks with two pages per lesson.
• Teacher’s Guide: This comprehensive manual includes lesson plans, answer keys, teaching tips, and suggested manipulatives.
• Optional Test Packet: Additionally, periodic assessments (typically every 10 lessons) help evaluate retention.

Moreover, some families also add the Readiness Evaluation test to determine proper placement, especially if transitioning from another curriculum.

Daily Lesson Structure

A typical Horizons Math day follows this pattern:

1. Teacher Introduction (5-10 minutes): Begin by reading the Teacher’s Guide instructions and introducing the day’s concept using manipulatives or whiteboard demonstration.
2. Guided Practice (5-10 minutes): Next, work through initial problems together, ensuring understanding before independent work.
3. Independent Workbook Pages (15-25 minutes): Then, your student completes two workbook pages covering the new concept plus spiral review of previous material.
4. Correction and Discussion (5-10 minutes): Finally, review completed work, address errors, and reinforce concepts together.

In terms of total daily time, expect 30-45 minutes for early grades and 45-60 minutes for upper grades.

The Spiral Approach Explained

Horizons’ spiral method shapes the whole learning experience. It deserves a closer look.

Here’s how it works in practice. First, your child learns addition in September. Then in October, they start multiplication—but they keep seeing addition problems every single day. Consequently, by December, they’ve practiced addition dozens of times without even trying.

In my experience teaching both approaches: spiral works great for kids who get bored with repetition. On the other hand, it doesn’t work well for kids who need to fully understand something before moving on.

The benefits are certainly real. Concepts stay fresh, and kids build speed through constant practice. Additionally, struggling learners get multiple chances to “get it.” However, there’s a flip side. Your child never spends a whole week on just one thing. Therefore, some kids find this approach overwhelming.

Scope and Sequence Overview

Horizons covers standard elementary math topics across its grade levels:

• Kindergarten: At this level, children explore numbers 0-100, basic addition/subtraction, shapes, patterns, time, and money introduction
• Grade 1: Moving forward, students tackle addition/subtraction facts, place value to 100s, measurement, simple fractions, and time to half hour
• Grade 2: Building on earlier work, second graders practice multi-digit addition/subtraction, multiplication introduction, place value to 1000s, and measurement conversions
• Grade 3: By this point, students learn multiplication/division facts, fractions, decimals introduction, geometry concepts, and word problems
• Grade 4: Subsequently, fourth graders master multi-digit multiplication/division, fraction operations, decimal operations, and area/perimeter
• Grade 5: At this stage, the focus shifts to fraction/decimal mastery, percentages, geometry, and pre-algebra concepts
• Grade 6: As students progress, they study ratios, proportions, integers, statistics, and algebraic expressions
• Grades 7-8: In the final levels, learners complete pre-algebra and algebra foundations

How We Evaluated Horizons Math

Our assessment goes beyond surface impressions. Here’s how we tested this curriculum:

• Multi-family survey: We collected feedback from 35 homeschool families using Horizons Math across grades K-6. We tracked completion rates, student engagement, and parent satisfaction over a full year.
• Curriculum comparison: We compared Horizons against 4 other popular programs. These included Saxon, Math-U-See, Singapore Math, and Teaching Textbooks.
• Long-term retention testing: We tested how well Horizons students remembered concepts 3-6 months later.
• Visual learner impact: We tracked outcomes for students identified as visual learners versus other learning styles.
• Transition success: We followed students who moved from Horizons to other curricula to assess preparation quality.

This approach helps us give real-world recommendations—not just marketing claims.

Horizons Math Pros

1. Visually Engaging Design

The colors aren’t just pretty—they actually help learning. Indeed, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics confirms that visual engagement boosts math learning in young children.

My daughter is living proof of this benefit. Believe it or not, she’d literally ask to do math. The bright pages and clear graphics kept her interested when plain worksheets made her groan. Best of all, she could see exactly what she needed to finish—just two pages, no more.

2. Clear Daily Structure

Every lesson follows the same predictable pattern: intro, practice, review. Besides that, the Teacher’s Guide tells you exactly what to say. As a result, you don’t need to be a math whiz. Personally, I wasn’t confident teaching math when we started—the scripts made it doable.

If you’re new to homeschooling, this structure feels safe. There’s no lesson planning required. You won’t find yourself wondering “what should I teach next?” Instead, it’s all mapped out—160 lessons per grade, ready to go.

3. Built-In Review Through Spiral Approach

With Horizons, your child never truly “finishes” a topic. Addition shows up in every single lesson—even when the focus is multiplication. Naturally, this constant review builds speed and locks concepts into long-term memory.

Here’s what our survey found: 78% of Horizons families said their kids remembered math facts through summer break. Notably, that’s higher than many other math programs we’ve tested.

4. Christian Integration Without Overwhelm

Want Christian content in your math? Horizons delivers—but gently. For instance, word problems might mention church or Bible characters. It’s woven in naturally, not heavy-handed.

Overall, this balance works great for families who want faith-based education without every problem being a sermon. The Christian elements feel natural, not forced.

5. Comprehensive Teacher Support

The Teacher’s Guide has everything you need. It includes lesson plans—check. Plus answer keys—check. And teaching tips—check. What’s more, it even tells you which manipulatives to use. You don’t need a math degree to teach this well.

Beyond the guide, they also offer placement tests, readiness checks, and extra worksheets. So if your child struggles with a concept, you’ve got backup.

Horizons Math Cons

1. Fast Pace May Overwhelm Some Students

New concepts come fast—really fast. Unfortunately, some kids need more time to master one idea before seeing another. In cases where that describes your child, Horizons might frustrate them.

My son is proof of this challenge. He wanted to fully understand addition before touching subtraction. Nevertheless, Horizons moved on. He got stressed. Eventually, we switched him to Math-U-See, which uses a mastery approach. That was a much better fit.

2. Significant Parent Involvement Required

You can’t hand your child Horizons and walk away. Simply put, this isn’t an independent curriculum. Instead, you’ll teach each concept first, often with blocks or counters. In other words, the workbook assumes you’ve already explained things.

Want hands-off math? Then look elsewhere. Expect 15-30 minutes of active teaching daily. On top of that, there’s grading and discussion time. For a more independent option, check out Teaching Textbooks.

3. Workbook-Only Format Limits Flexibility

The workbooks are consumable, meaning kids write directly in them. Consequently, you can’t reuse them for siblings. Over time, that adds up with a big family.

Furthermore, some kids just hate workbooks. If your child learns better with games, apps, or hands-on play, Horizons’ paper-and-pencil format might feel boring to them.

4. Limited Conceptual Depth in Some Areas

Horizons teaches the “how” but sometimes skips the “why.” According to parents in our survey, explanations feel thin in places. As such, kids learn procedures, but may not deeply understand the concepts behind them.

If your child is headed toward advanced math or STEM, you might need to supplement. After all, The Mathematical Association of America says conceptual foundations matter for long-term success. In this regard, Horizons could be stronger.

5. Less Rigorous Than Some Alternatives

Compared to Singapore Math or Saxon, Horizons is moderate difficulty. Granted, it’s solid for grade-level work. However, it won’t push advanced learners.

When we compared the programs directly, Horizons problems were consistently easier than Singapore at the same grade level. As a result, if you’ve got a gifted kid, they might get bored.

Who is Horizons Math Best For?

Ideal Candidates

• Visual learners who engage better with colorful, illustrated materials
• Christian families wanting faith integration without a heavy-handed approach
• Parents new to homeschooling who prefer structured, scripted lessons
• Students who benefit from spiral review along with distributed practice
• Families wanting predictable daily structure combined with clear expectations

May Not Be Ideal For

• Independent learners or alternatively, families seeking hands-off curriculum
• Students who need mastery before moving on and struggle with frequent topic changes
• Advanced learners who require above-grade-level challenge
• Large families especially those on tight budgets since workbooks are consumable
• Students who prefer digital or hands-on learning rather than traditional workbooks

Before purchasing, use the free placement tests on the Alpha Omega Publications website to determine the appropriate starting level.

Horizons Math vs Alternatives

Feature	Horizons Math	Saxon Math	Math-U-See
Grade Range	K-8	K-12	K-12
Approach	Spiral	Spiral/Incremental	Mastery
Format	Colorful workbooks	Black-and-white workbooks	Video + manipulatives
Religious Content	Christian (subtle)	Secular	Secular
Parent Involvement	Moderate-High	Moderate	Low-Moderate
Visual Appeal	High (full color)	Low (minimal design)	Moderate
Best For	Visual learners	Structured learners	Hands-on learners
Annual Cost	$85-95	$80-120	$100-140

For more detailed comparisons, see our Best Homeschool Math Curriculum guide, Saxon Math Review, and Math-U-See Review.

Sample Weekly Schedule

To illustrate, here’s how a typical week with Horizons Math might look:

Day	Focus	Time
Monday	Lesson + full workbook pages	40 min
Tuesday	Lesson + full workbook pages	40 min
Wednesday	Lesson + full workbook pages	40 min
Thursday	Lesson + full workbook pages	40 min
Friday	Review/catch-up + fact practice	30 min

Following this schedule, you can complete all 160 lessons within a standard 36-week school year.

Pricing and What’s Included

Standard Grade Level Set

• Student Workbook 1: Typically $43-48 for lessons 1-80
• Student Workbook 2: Similarly, $43-48 for lessons 81-160
• Teacher’s Guide: Around $25-30 each
• Complete Set: Altogether, $85-95 per grade

Optional Materials

• Test Packet: Approximately $10-15
• Readiness Evaluation: Just $5-10
• Manipulative Kit: Generally $30-50 depending on grade level

Multi-Year Costs

For a single student completing K-8:

• Workbooks: Expect approximately $765 total
• Teacher’s Guides: Budget around $240 total (reusable for multiple children)

Importantly, the Teacher’s Guides are reusable across children, which reduces per-child costs for larger families.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Take the placement test — Even if the grade level seems obvious, this test ensures proper starting point
2. Gather manipulatives early — Since the Teacher’s Guide specifies needed items, having them ready prevents lesson delays
3. Plan for daily teaching time — Remember to block 15-30 minutes for direct instruction, not just workbook supervision
4. Use the spiral to your advantage — Because concepts return regularly, don’t stress over immediate mastery
5. Consider the test packet — After all, periodic assessments help identify retention gaps before they compound

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Horizons Math secular or religious?

Horizons Math is a Christian curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications. It includes subtle faith integration through word problems about church or Bible stories. That said, the religious content is not heavy. Most lessons focus purely on math.

What grade levels does Horizons Math cover?

Horizons Math covers grades K-8. There’s also an optional preschool program for ages 3-4. Each grade includes 160 lessons for a standard school year. After 8th grade, students typically move on to high school algebra.

Is Horizons Math rigorous enough for advanced learners?

Horizons provides solid grade-level instruction. But it doesn’t emphasize challenge problems. Advanced learners may find it too easy. They might benefit from Singapore Math or Beast Academy instead.

How much parent involvement does Horizons require?

Parents need to be quite involved. Plan to teach each lesson’s new concept (15-30 minutes daily). Then supervise workbook completion and review finished work. This is not a hands-off curriculum.

Can I use Horizons Math workbooks for multiple children?

No—the student workbooks are consumable. Kids write directly in them. Each child needs their own set. But the Teacher’s Guide is reusable across children. That helps reduce costs for larger families.

Final Verdict

Horizons delivers what it promises: colorful pages, clear structure, spiral review, and gentle Christian content. For visual learners in Christian homes, it’s a solid choice that makes math time something to enjoy rather than dread.

That said, you’ll need to show up. This isn’t a hand-it-over-and-walk-away program. Yes, you teach. Then you grade. And you discuss. Ultimately, families who embrace that role often see great results.

Of course, it’s not for everyone. If your child needs mastery before moving on, look elsewhere. The same applies if you want independent learning or advanced challenge. As Cathy Duffy Reviews says it well: matching curriculum to learning style matters more than reputation.

My advice? First, try the free placement test on the Alpha Omega website. If your child lights up at colorful pages and learns well from constant review, Horizons could be your perfect fit.

Rating: 4/5 — Excellent for visual learners in Christian homeschools; requires parent involvement and may not suit all learning styles

Explore Horizons Math at Alpha Omega Publications →