Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
High school math shapes college readiness. The right curriculum helps your teen do well on tests. It also prepares them for college. After fifteen years of helping families, I know what works.
Success depends on matching the curriculum to your teen’s goals and learning style. Furthermore, understanding the different approaches helps you make a confident decision. Below, I’ll share what actually works for different types of students.
Quick Answer: Saxon Advanced Math series provides thorough traditional preparation. Teaching Textbooks offers complete independence. Art of Problem Solving challenges gifted students.
High School Course Sequence
The National Center for Education Statistics shows typical course paths below. Notably, the U.S. Department of Education says advanced courses help with college success.
Standard Track:
- Algebra 1 (9th grade)
- Geometry (10th grade)
- Algebra 2 (11th grade)
- Pre-Calculus or Statistics (12th grade)
Advanced Track:
- Algebra 1 (8th grade)
- Geometry (9th grade)
- Algebra 2 (10th grade)
- Pre-Calculus (11th grade)
- Calculus or Statistics (12th grade)
Top High School Programs
1. Saxon Advanced Mathematics Series – Best for Traditional Preparation
Saxon’s high school series uses incremental learning with constant review. In my experience using Saxon with three of my own kids, I can say the daily review really works. As a result, students retain what they learn instead of forgetting it after the test.
According to Cathy Duffy Reviews, Saxon remains a top choice for college-prep courses. The Home School Legal Defense Association notes that Saxon produces strong standardized test scores.
Advantages: Covers all topics well, constant review, proven college preparation, scripted lessons
Disadvantages: Long lessons, can feel repetitive, less engaging format
Cost: About $100-130 per course | Daily time: 60-75 minutes
2. Teaching Textbooks High School Series – Best for Independence
Teaching Textbooks offers video lessons with auto-grading. It covers Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus. Consequently, busy parents can focus on other things.
One mom told me her son finished Algebra 2 with zero help from her. That’s the power of good video instruction. Nevertheless, some advanced students may need supplemental challenge.
Advantages: Full independence, automatic grading, engaging instruction, affordable
Disadvantages: May not prepare for advanced STEM programs, limited to Pre-Calculus
Cost: About $67 per course yearly | Daily time: 50-60 minutes independent
3. Art of Problem Solving Series – Best for Advanced Students
AoPS books push gifted students with hard problems. Moreover, they prepare students for contests and top STEM programs.
Advantages: Genuinely challenging, prepares for competition, develops deep understanding
Disadvantages: Too difficult for average students, requires strong foundation
Cost: About $50-70 per course | Daily time: 60-75 minutes
4. VideoText Algebra and Geometry – Best for Video Instruction
VideoText has pro video lessons that kids work through on their own. Moreover, the clear talks help visual learners who don’t like textbooks.
Advantages: Professional instruction, self-paced, thorough explanations
Disadvantages: Higher cost, requires screen time, limited course offerings
Cost: About $300-400 per module | Daily time: 50-60 minutes
5. Math-U-See High School Series – Best for Visual Learners
Math-U-See’s high school courses (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus) use Steve Demme’s visual teaching approach. As a result, students who struggled with abstract concepts often find success here.
Advantages: Visual instruction, DVD teaching, complete sequence through Calculus
Disadvantages: Less rigorous than some options, higher cost per level
Cost: About $175 per level | Daily time: 45-60 minutes
6. Jacob’s Mathematics Series – Best for Conceptual Understanding
Harold Jacobs’ books teach concepts through fun problems. Additionally, the casual writing style makes the courses easy to read.
Advantages: Excellent conceptual development, engaging word problems, affordable
Disadvantages: Requires supplemental teaching, older format
Cost: About $40-60 per course | Daily time: 55-65 minutes with support
Program Comparison
| Program | Courses Available | Independence | Best For | Cost Per Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxon | Algebra through Calc | Medium | Traditional prep | $100-130 |
| Teaching Textbooks | Algebra through Pre-Calc | High | Independent learners | $67 |
| AoPS | Algebra through Calc | Medium | Advanced students | $50-70 |
| VideoText | Algebra + Geometry | High | Video learners | $300-400 |
| Math-U-See | Algebra through Calc | Medium | Visual learners | $175 |
| Jacob’s | Algebra + Geometry | Low | Conceptual approach | $40-60 |
Choosing Your Program
Consider College Goals
STEM majors need tough preparation. For example, AoPS or Saxon fits well for future engineers. In contrast, humanities students may prefer Teaching Textbooks.
Evaluate Learning Style
Independent learners thrive with Teaching Textbooks or VideoText. Meanwhile, visual learners do well with Math-U-See. Similarly, challenge seekers benefit from AoPS. On the other hand, kinesthetic learners may prefer programs with manipulatives at younger levels.
If your teen needs additional support, check our guide for struggling students. Likewise, you might explore our 8th grade guide if your student needs to strengthen foundations first.
Match Your Availability
If you’re balancing work and homeschooling, independent programs provide essential flexibility. See our complete curriculum guide for more options across all grade levels.
College and Career Readiness
Keep these important points in mind for high school planning:
- SAT/ACT prep: Good programs cover test content well. However, you may still want extra test prep closer to testing dates.
- Keep good records: Save course names, grades, and dates for transcripts. The Institute of Education Sciences emphasizes documentation for college applications.
- College credit: Some programs align with CLEP or dual enrollment opportunities. AP courses may be worth considering.
- AP Calculus: Worth considering for STEM-bound students. It demonstrates college readiness and may earn college credit.
The Home School Legal Defense Association has great resources on creating transcripts that colleges accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which curriculum best prepares for the SAT/ACT?
Saxon and AoPS provide thorough preparation because they cover content comprehensively. Nevertheless, targeted test prep supplements help regardless of primary curriculum. Therefore, consider adding practice tests closer to test dates.
Can my teen work independently in high school?
Many can with Teaching Textbooks or VideoText. However, check understanding regularly. Indeed, correct answers don’t always indicate true comprehension. Some students need more support than others even with independent programs.
Should I require Calculus for graduation?
It depends on college goals. STEM-bound students benefit greatly from Calculus because it demonstrates readiness for college-level work. Alternatively, others may focus on Statistics or practical applications instead.
How do I document high school courses for transcripts?
Record course name, curriculum used, dates completed, and final grade. Furthermore, keep samples of work for portfolio if needed. Also note any standardized test scores related to the subject.
Is it okay to change programs mid-high school?
Yes, but expect adjustment time. Use placement tests to find appropriate starting points in new curricula. Additionally, allow extra time for your student to adapt to different teaching styles.
How important is Pre-Calculus?
Very important for students planning Calculus. Indeed, it bridges algebra and calculus concepts effectively. On the other hand, students not taking Calculus might choose Statistics instead as a senior course.
Our Recommendation
For most families, Saxon Advanced Mathematics provides thorough traditional preparation with comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, for independent learners, Teaching Textbooks handles everything affordably. Finally, for advanced students, Art of Problem Solving develops exceptional abilities and prepares for competitive programs.
Ultimately, consistency matters through high school. Daily work with any solid program produces better results than sporadic use of something “perfect.” Trust the process and adjust as needed. For more guidance, see our best homeschool curriculum guide and our how to start homeschooling guide.
Leave a Reply