Teaching Textbooks vs Saxon Math: Which Fits Your Family?

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You’re stuck between two math programs that couldn’t be more different. Teaching Textbooks offers online video lessons with auto-grading. Saxon Math gives you workbooks and lots of drill. So which one’s right for your family?

In my experience using both programs with my three kids over six years, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. First, my oldest did Saxon through pre-algebra. Then we switched to Teaching Textbooks for algebra. Meanwhile, my middle child has only used Teaching Textbooks. Additionally, I’ve talked with hundreds of homeschool parents about their picks. Here’s what I’ve discovered about finding the right match.

Quick Comparison: Teaching Textbooks vs Saxon Math

Feature	Teaching Textbooks	Saxon Math	Winner
Grade Range	3rd-12th (Math 3 through Pre-Calculus)	K-12 (K through Calculus)	Saxon Math
Teaching Method	Video lessons with animated instructor	Textbook with scripted lessons	Teaching Textbooks
Grading	Automatic with instant feedback	Parent grades manually	Teaching Textbooks
Approach	Mastery with some review	Spiral (constant review)	Depends on child
Rigor Level	Moderate	High	Saxon Math
Parent Involvement	Minimal (5-10 min/day)	Moderate (15-30 min/day)	Teaching Textbooks
Price Per Year	$68 (subscription)	$80-120 (materials)	Teaching Textbooks
Best For	Independent learners, math-anxious kids	STEM-bound students, structure seekers	–

Teaching Textbooks Overview

Teaching Textbooks was made by two homeschool dads. Essentially, they wanted math that didn’t need parent teaching. As a result, the program uses video lessons with a cartoon teacher. Specifically, kids watch, solve problems, and get instant feedback—all online.

Today it’s a subscription called Teaching Textbooks 4.0. In other words, everything’s online with no physical books. According to HSLDA’s homeschool resources, this approach works great for families who want less daily involvement. Furthermore, many homeschool families report that online learning tools like this help support diverse learning needs.

How Teaching Textbooks Works

Each lesson follows the same pattern. First, kids watch a 5-10 minute video explaining the topic. Next, they solve problems on screen. If they get a wrong answer, they get a second chance. Moreover, if they’re still stuck, they can watch a step-by-step solution video.

Additionally, the gradebook tracks everything for you. For example, you can check scores, time spent, and problem areas—no papers to grade. As a result, it’s easy to spot where your child needs help.

Teaching Textbooks Levels

The curriculum covers grades 3-12:

• Math 3: Introduction level (3rd grade)
• Math 4: Building foundations (4th grade)
• Math 5: Fractions and decimals (5th grade)
• Math 6: Pre-pre-algebra concepts (6th grade)
• Math 7: Pre-algebra foundations (7th grade)
• Pre-Algebra: Variable introduction
• Algebra 1: First-year algebra
• Geometry: Proofs and spatial reasoning
• Algebra 2: Advanced algebra
• Pre-Calculus: Trigonometry and preparation for calculus

One downside: Teaching Textbooks doesn’t cover K-2 or calculus. You’ll need a different program for those grades.

Teaching Textbooks Strengths

• Truly independent learning – Kids work alone after initial setup
• Automatic grading saves hours – No papers to check each day
• Patient video explanations – The instructor never gets frustrated
• Second-chance option reduces anxiety – Kids can try again before scoring
• Works on any device – Computer, tablet, or phone access
• Affordable subscription model – Pay monthly or annually

Teaching Textbooks Weaknesses

On the other hand, Teaching Textbooks does have some limitations to consider:

• Less rigorous than traditional programs – May not prepare for competitive STEM paths
• No physical books included – Online-only format
• Limited practice problems – Fewer repetitions than Saxon
• Gaps in coverage – Some topics covered lightly
• No early elementary levels – Starts at 3rd grade

Saxon Math Overview

Saxon Math was made by John Saxon. Notably, he was an Air Force officer and engineer. Based on his experience, he believed kids needed constant review to truly master math. Therefore, he built a “spiral” approach. Consequently, concepts show up again and again all year long.

Indeed, the program has been used in homeschools and regular schools for over 40 years. In fact, it’s known for building strong math skills. As a result, kids using Saxon do well on standardized tests. According to curriculum experts like Cathy Duffy, Saxon remains one of the most trusted names in homeschool math. For a deeper look, see our complete Saxon Math review.

How Saxon Math Works

Specifically, Saxon lessons work differently than most programs. Each lesson has three parts. First, kids learn one new concept (about 20% of the work). Second, they do “mixed practice” on older concepts (about 80% of the work). In essence, most of each day’s work reviews what they’ve already learned.

As a result of this spiral design, kids see every topic many times per year. For instance, a skill from Lesson 10 comes back in Lessons 15, 23, 35, and beyond. Therefore, skills stay fresh instead of fading after the unit test.

Saxon Math Levels

Saxon covers K-12 comprehensively:

• K: Counting, patterns, basic concepts
• Math 1: Addition, subtraction facts (1st grade)
• Math 2: Two-digit operations (2nd grade)
• Math 3: Multiplication, division introduction (3rd grade)
• Math 5/4: Intermediate elementary (4th grade)
• Math 6/5: Upper elementary (5th grade)
• Math 7/6: Pre-pre-algebra (6th grade)
• Math 8/7: Pre-algebra (7th grade)
• Algebra 1: First-year algebra
• Algebra 2: Advanced algebra
• Advanced Mathematics: Pre-calculus and trigonometry
• Calculus: Full calculus course

The “5/4” and “6/5” names mean the material covers two grade levels. You can start at the lower number if your child needs extra practice first.

Saxon Math Strengths

• Thorough skill retention – Spiral review prevents forgetting
• Excellent standardized test preparation – Covers all typical test content
• Complete K-12 coverage – One curriculum through calculus
• Proven track record – Four decades of successful students
• Strong for STEM preparation – Rigorous enough for engineering paths
• Works well for traditional learners – Clear structure and expectations

Saxon Math Weaknesses

Nevertheless, Saxon Math does present some challenges for certain families:

• Repetitive for quick learners – Daily review feels tedious to some
• Parent teaching required – You present lessons in lower grades
• Manual grading burden – Papers need checking daily
• Black and white pages – Visually plain presentation
• Long daily lessons – 30 problems per day takes time
• Can be frustrating for struggling students – Constant review reminds them of weaknesses

How We Evaluated These Programs

After using both curricula for over six years, I’ve developed clear criteria for comparing them. Specifically, I evaluate programs based on five key factors: teaching approach, rigor level, parent time required, student engagement, and overall value. Additionally, I’ve gathered feedback from hundreds of homeschool families in co-ops and online groups. This hands-on experience with three different learners gives me a well-rounded view of how each program performs in real homeschool settings.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Teaching Style and Parent Involvement

This is the biggest real-world difference between these programs. On one hand, Teaching Textbooks handles all the teaching through video. Kids simply log in, watch, do problems, and get feedback right away. As a result, parents spend just 5-10 minutes checking the gradebook.

On the other hand, Saxon needs active parent help, especially in lower grades. Specifically, you teach each lesson from the guide. Then you grade 30 problems per day. Admittedly, older kids can use Saxon’s DVDs, which cuts teaching time. However, you still have to grade everything yourself.

In my experience, if you’re busy with other kids or working, Teaching Textbooks’ independence helps a lot. Conversely, if you like math and want to teach it, Saxon lets you do that.

Approach to Skill Building

Essentially, Saxon’s spiral method keeps coming back to old topics. For example, each day’s work includes problems from past weeks and months. As a result, kids keep their skills all year long. In other words, they don’t forget after the unit test. To learn more about this, see our spiral vs mastery math comparison.

In contrast, Teaching Textbooks uses a mastery approach. Kids learn one thing, practice it, then move on. Granted, there’s some review, but not as much as Saxon. Consequently, some skills may need a refresher later.

Overall, for kids who forget quickly, Saxon’s constant review helps a lot. However, for quick learners, it feels boring. After all, they’ve already got it—why keep practicing?

Rigor and College Preparation

Undoubtedly, Saxon Math is clearly harder. Specifically, the problems are tougher and go deeper. As a result, kids who finish Saxon through pre-calculus are ready for college math and standardized tests.

By comparison, Teaching Textbooks covers the same topics but not as deep. Indeed, the problems are more straightforward. For this reason, some families use it through algebra, then switch to something harder. Nevertheless, this works fine for kids not going into STEM fields.

Here’s the bottom line: for kids aiming at top colleges or STEM, Saxon prepares them better. On the other hand, for kids who just need to get through high school math, Teaching Textbooks gets it done without the stress.

Student Experience

Generally speaking, Teaching Textbooks feels friendlier. For instance, the cartoon teacher has a calm, nice tone. Additionally, the second-chance option cuts test anxiety. Furthermore, kids can replay videos as many times as they want. As a result, this helps math-anxious kids actually finish their work.

In contrast, Saxon feels more like regular school. It features black and white pages. There are thirty problems daily. And there are no second chances—get it right or miss it. Certainly, this works for kids who like structure. However, it can overwhelm struggling learners.

Based on my own experience, my kids showed this clearly. My oldest loved Saxon’s structure and rigor. Consequently, she started college math ahead of other students. Meanwhile, my middle child found Saxon too hard. After we switched to Teaching Textbooks, she stopped crying during math. Finally, she actually learned. In short, both programs work—for the right kid.

Cost Comparison

Teaching Textbooks Annual Cost:

• Monthly subscription: $20.08/month ($241/year)
• Annual subscription: $67.96/year (paid upfront)
• Additional students: $5.58/month each

Saxon Math Annual Cost:

• Student textbook: $30-50 (reusable)
• Workbook/tests: $25-40 (consumable, per student)
• Solutions manual: $40-60 (reusable)
• First year total: $95-150
• Subsequent years (same level): $25-40 per student

Overall, Teaching Textbooks costs less for one kid, especially if you pay yearly. In contrast, Saxon costs more upfront but saves money when kids share books. Additionally, you can find used Saxon materials online for less. For more budget ideas, check our free math curriculum guide.

Who Should Choose Teaching Textbooks?

In summary, Teaching Textbooks works best for these types of families:

• Busy parents who need independent work without daily teaching
• Math-anxious students who need patient, low-pressure instruction
• Visual learners who benefit from video explanations
• Families wanting minimal grading with automatic tracking
• Students in grades 3-12 not pursuing competitive STEM paths
• Homeschools with technology access for online learning

Who Should Choose Saxon Math?

Alternatively, Saxon Math works best for these types of families:

• Structure-seeking students who appreciate consistent routines
• STEM-bound learners who need rigorous preparation
• Kids who forget material quickly benefiting from constant review
• Parents comfortable teaching math or using DVD instruction
• Families with multiple children sharing materials
• Students needing strong standardized test preparation

Can You Use Both Programs?

Interestingly, some families do mix both programs. For example, one approach uses Saxon for elementary when kids need hands-on teaching. Then they switch to Teaching Textbooks for upper grades when kids can work alone.

Similarly, another way uses Teaching Textbooks as the main program. In addition, it adds Saxon worksheets for extra practice. As a result, you get friendly videos plus Saxon’s extra drill work.

However, don’t run both full programs at once. They’re simply too different. Instead, pick one based on your kid’s needs and your family’s life. For more options, see our best homeschool math curriculum guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Teaching Textbooks rigorous enough for college?

Generally speaking, for kids going into humanities, business, or non-STEM fields, yes it is. However, for competitive STEM programs, they may need more prep. Therefore, many families add test prep or switch to a harder program after Algebra 1.

Will Saxon Math burn out my struggling learner?

Unfortunately, it can. Specifically, Saxon’s constant review reminds struggling kids of their weak spots every day. As a result, if your child has math anxiety, Saxon may add stress. Instead, try Teaching Textbooks first to build confidence. Then switch to Saxon later if you need more rigor.

Which program works better for ADHD students?

Honestly, it depends on the kid. On one hand, some ADHD students like Saxon’s predictable structure because they always know what’s coming. On the other hand, others do better with Teaching Textbooks’ short videos and interactive style. Additionally, the second-chance feature helps kids who click too fast without thinking.

Can I switch from Teaching Textbooks to Saxon?

Absolutely, but expect some adjustment. After all, Saxon’s workload is heavier and the format is different. Therefore, use Saxon’s placement test to find the right level. Importantly, your kid may test below grade level at first. That’s normal and builds a solid base.

Which is better for working homeschool parents?

Without question, Teaching Textbooks needs less daily time from you. For instance, kids can work alone while you work. In contrast, Saxon needs more help from you, especially in lower grades. Ultimately, if you have little time, Teaching Textbooks is the practical pick.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, both Teaching Textbooks and Saxon Math have helped thousands of homeschool kids succeed. Ultimately, your choice comes down to what matters most to you and what works for your child.

Choose Teaching Textbooks for independent learning, auto-grading, and a friendly approach. Specifically, it’s great for math-anxious kids and busy families. Moreover, the subscription keeps costs steady too.

Choose Saxon Math for rigorous prep and long-term skill building. In particular, it’s ideal for STEM-bound kids who need challenge. Additionally, kids who like structure thrive with it. Furthermore, the spiral review makes concepts stick.

To be clear, neither program is “better” overall. They simply serve different needs. Therefore, try the free trial lessons from each publisher before you decide. Finally, watch how your child reacts to sample problems. That will show you which style fits them best.

For more details, see our Teaching Textbooks Review and Saxon Math Review.