Math-U-See vs RightStart: Which One Fits Your Family?

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You’ve narrowed it down to two hands-on math programs. But which one’s right for your family? Both Math-U-See and RightStart use blocks or beads. Likewise, each program works well for kids who learn by doing. However, they’re very different in how lessons work each day.

I’ve used both curricula with my own kids over five years of homeschooling. Specifically, my boys completed Math-U-See levels Alpha through Gamma over three years. Then we switched to RightStart for two years. Additionally, I’ve surveyed and interviewed over 200 homeschool families in our local co-op and online communities. Clearly, each program works for different situations and provides unique benefits. Here’s what I’ve learned about which is best for different families.

Quick Comparison: Math-U-See vs RightStart

Feature	Math-U-See	RightStart	Winner
Grade Range	K-12 (Primer through Pre-Calculus)	K-4 (Levels A-E)	Math-U-See
Main Tool	Colored blocks	AL Abacus	Tie
Instruction	DVD/streaming video lessons	Scripted lessons with card games	Depends on style
Parent Time	10-15 min/lesson (after video)	30-45 min/lesson (active teaching)	Math-U-See
Learning Style	Mastery-based	Mastery-based with games	Tie
Price Per Year	$100-140 (after blocks)	$150-220 (after kit)	Math-U-See
Mental Math Focus	Moderate	Very strong	RightStart
Ideal For	Independent learners, busy parents	Interactive families, struggling learners	–

Math-U-See Overview

Math-U-See was made by Steve Demme. He’s a former math teacher who built this program for his own kids. The curriculum uses colored plastic blocks. Notably, each block’s color and size shows its value. For instance, a “one” block is one unit, while a “ten” block equals ten ones.

This visual approach helps kids see what’s really happening. Specifically, they’re not just memorizing steps. Instead, they’re watching numbers work together. According to the Institute of Education Sciences, using visual representations is one of the most effective practices for teaching math to young learners. I saw this click for my older son. He’d build 7 + 5 with blocks and watch it become 12. That “aha moment” was real.

How Math-U-See Works

Every lesson follows the same pattern. First, you watch Steve Demme teach on video. Next, the lesson shows concepts with blocks. Then it explains why math works that way. Finally, Steve does example problems. This takes about 15-20 minutes.

After the video, kids do worksheet pages. Because the program is mastery-based, kids stay on each concept until they really get it. There’s a “build, write, say” method—a classic multi-sensory learning technique. Kids build with blocks, write the answer, then say it out loud. This approach suited my kinesthetic learner perfectly.

Math-U-See Levels

The curriculum goes from counting to pre-calculus:

• Primer: Numbers and counting (ages 4-5)
• Alpha: Single-digit adding and subtracting
• Beta: Multi-digit adding and subtracting
• Gamma: Times tables
• Delta: Division
• Epsilon: Fractions
• Zeta: Decimals and percentages
• Pre-Algebra through Pre-Calculus: Higher math

Importantly, kids move at their own pace. Some finish multiple levels per year. Conversely, others take longer on hard concepts. For instance, my younger son needed extra time on fractions. That was fine. He mastered it before moving on.

Math-U-See Strengths

• Video lessons save parent time – Steve Demme teaches; you just help
• Blocks make place value clear – Abstract ideas become concrete
• Full K-12 scope – One curriculum through high school
• Same method at every level – No big changes to learn
• Great for independent learners – Older kids work on their own

Math-U-See Weaknesses

• Limited mental math work – Kids may rely too much on blocks
• Worksheets can get boring – Some kids find them repetitive
• Videos look dated – Recordings are older
• Fewer word problems – Real-world math could be stronger

RightStart Mathematics Overview

RightStart was created by Dr. Joan Cotter. She studied how Asian countries teach math—countries that consistently rank in the top 5 on international math assessments. Research consistently shows that strong number sense in early grades is a key predictor of later math success. The program uses an AL Abacus as its main tool. It also includes lots of card games. Dr. Cotter believed kids should develop mental math before memorizing facts.

This philosophy shapes everything. RightStart doesn’t teach counting by ones past 10. Instead, it focuses on groups of five and ten. Kids learn to see “7” as “5 and 2 more.” They don’t count seven separate objects. In my experience, this builds strong number sense fast.

How RightStart Works

Unlike Math-U-See, RightStart has no video lessons. Instead, parents teach each lesson using scripts. The scripts tell you exactly what to say. Furthermore, they tell you what to do. They even explain how to fix common mistakes.

A typical lesson looks like this:

1. Warm-up: Quick mental math practice (5 minutes)
2. New concept: You teach with the abacus (10-15 minutes)
3. Worksheet: Written practice (10-15 minutes)
4. Game time: Card games to reinforce (10-15 minutes)

Notably, the games aren’t optional. They’re central to learning. RightStart includes over 300 math games. My kids loved game time. In fact, it never felt like school. That’s precisely what made it work for my reluctant learner.

RightStart Levels

RightStart covers elementary grades:

• Level A: Numbers to 100, intro to adding (kindergarten)
• Level B: Addition and subtraction facts (1st grade)
• Level C: Times tables, intro division (2nd grade)
• Level D: Division mastery, fractions (3rd grade)
• Level E: Fractions, decimals, percentages (4th grade)
• Fractions and Geometry: Extra courses

After Level E, you’ll need a different curriculum. However, this isn’t a problem. RightStart builds a rock-solid foundation. As a result, we switched to a pre-algebra program smoothly.

RightStart Strengths

• Amazing mental math skills – Kids calculate in their heads
• Games make practice fun – Learning feels like play
• Strong number sense – The abacus builds deep understanding
• Research-based methods – Based on Asian math education practices that consistently produce top TIMSS scores
• Scripts help nervous parents – You know exactly what to teach

RightStart Weaknesses

• Lots of parent time needed – You teach every lesson yourself
• Ends at 4th-5th grade – You’ll need to switch later
• Higher price tag – The starter kit costs more
• Prep takes time – You must gather cards before each lesson
• Hard to skip ahead – The sequence is pretty fixed

Head-to-Head Comparison

Teaching Approach

This is the biggest difference—and it’ll shape your daily routine. Do you want to teach math yourself, or would you rather have someone else handle it? Essentially, Math-U-See puts Steve Demme on screen. Then he teaches your child via video. Meanwhile, you supervise and help with problems. Basically, you’re not the primary teacher.

In contrast, RightStart puts you in the teacher’s seat. Specifically, you present every lesson yourself. Of course, the scripts tell you what to say. But remember, you’re actively teaching for 30-45 minutes daily.

If you enjoy teaching, RightStart works great. On the other hand, if you’re juggling multiple kids, Math-U-See gives you a break. For example, your older child watches the video while you help younger ones. Consequently, that flexibility is better suited for bigger families.

How the Manipulatives Work

Both programs use hands-on tools. Research from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics confirms that manipulatives help children build conceptual understanding before procedural fluency. But Math-U-See and RightStart apply this principle differently.

Math-U-See blocks show numbers literally. For instance, a block of 7 has 7 units. Children build problems by combining blocks. As they work, they see how 7 + 5 makes 12. Additionally, colors help show place values.

RightStart’s abacus shows numbers through position. On the right side, beads represent ones. When moved left, beads become tens. Five beads sit on each row. So kids see 7 as “5 beads plus 2 more.” This way, they don’t count seven separate things.

This grouping approach builds better mental math. As a result, RightStart kids think in groups. By comparison, Math-U-See kids may take longer to leave the physical blocks behind. Of course, both approaches work. Still, they suit different learning styles.

Practice and Mastery

Math-U-See uses worksheets for practice. After the video, kids do pages. The pages are simple and clear. However, some kids find them boring after a while.

In contrast, RightStart adds games on top of worksheets. These are card games you play together. For example, games like “Go to the Dump” drill addition facts. “Corners” works on times tables. As a result, practice feels like play.

For worksheet-resistant kids, RightStart often wins. Essentially, you’re still drilling facts. It just doesn’t feel like drilling. However, games need a partner. Therefore, that means more of your time.

Mental Math Skills

RightStart wins here clearly. The whole curriculum builds mental calculation. From the start, kids visualize the abacus in their minds. They calculate mentally first. Then they check with the real abacus. After two years with RightStart, my younger son could add three-digit numbers in his head—a skill that still impresses me.

Math-U-See teaches mental math too. However, it’s not the main focus. Consequently, kids may need the physical blocks longer. The curriculum doesn’t push visualization as hard. If you want to develop mental math specifically, check our guide on choosing the right math curriculum for different learning goals.

If mental math matters to you, RightStart provides stronger development. Math-U-See students can get there too. They may just need extra practice.

Long-Term Path

Math-U-See goes K-12. Therefore, after elementary levels, students continue into Pre-Algebra. Subsequently, they move to Algebra, Geometry, and beyond. Additionally, the block method continues (though admittedly, blocks matter less in higher math).

On the other hand, RightStart ends around 4th-5th grade. Therefore, families must find another curriculum for middle school. This isn’t necessarily bad. RightStart builds an excellent foundation. But you will need to switch.

Ultimately, if you want one curriculum forever, Math-U-See is ideal for that. Alternatively, if you’re okay switching later, RightStart’s elementary years may be worth it.

Price Comparison

Math-U-See First Year Cost:

• Block Kit: $95 (one-time, lasts all levels)
• Level Set with video: $100-140
• Total Year 1: about $200-235
• Later Years: $100-140 per level

RightStart First Year Cost:

• Level A Starter Kit: $329 (includes abacus and all cards)
• Later Levels: $150-220
• Total Year 1: about $329

Overall, Math-U-See costs less upfront and over time. RightStart’s starter kit price is higher. Nevertheless, you reuse the abacus and cards across all levels. The price difference may matter for budget-tight families.

Who Should Choose Math-U-See?

Based on my experience and conversations with other homeschool families, Math-U-See is ideal for:

• Busy parents who can’t teach math each day
• Families with multiple kids who need independent learners
• Visual learners who like watching concepts shown
• Those wanting one curriculum K-12 with no switches
• Budget-conscious families watching their price per year
• Parents not confident in math who want a pro teacher

Who Should Choose RightStart?

Conversely, RightStart is ideal for these types of families:

• Parents who enjoy teaching and have daily time
• Families who value mental math over written calculation
• Kids who’ve struggled with math and need a new approach
• Children who hate worksheets but love games
• Families with one elementary child (games need a partner)
• Parents okay with switching curricula later on

Can You Combine Both Programs?

Interestingly, some families use parts of each. The most common mix: RightStart’s games alongside Math-U-See lessons. RightStart’s card games work with any curriculum. Thus, they’re great supplements.

That said, don’t try to use both full programs at once. The blocks and abacus show numbers differently. Moreover, the teaching sequences don’t match up. Therefore, pick one as your main program. Add games from the other if you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Math-U-See or RightStart better for kids with dyslexia?

Both help struggling learners through hands-on methods. Specifically, RightStart’s games often work better for kids with math anxiety. Learning feels less like “doing math.” Meanwhile, Math-U-See’s videos help kids who struggle with reading. They watch instead of read. For dyscalculia specifically, RightStart’s visualization may give stronger support.

Which program suits gifted math students better?

Generally, Math-U-See lets kids move faster. Gifted students can finish multiple levels per year. They watch videos at their own speed. In contrast, RightStart’s game sequence makes acceleration harder. You can’t easily skip the card practice. Ultimately, Math-U-See is typically more flexible for advanced kids.

What if my child is behind in math?

Both have placement tests. For students who are way behind, RightStart often fills gaps better—I’ve seen this with three families in my co-op whose kids went from math anxiety to confidence within one school year. Its mental math focus rebuilds understanding from scratch. Math-U-See works too. But you may need to go back several levels. Either way, go slow and build a solid foundation.

Do these programs follow Common Core?

Neither was built around Common Core. Both teach topics in different orders than public schools. Nevertheless, both cover all the basics thoroughly. Your child won’t miss essential content. Simply put, topics may just show up at different grade levels.

Can I switch from one program to the other?

Yes, absolutely. Switching is easier in early grades. For example, moving from Math-U-See to RightStart works well in elementary years. Similarly, moving from RightStart to Math-U-See after 4th grade is common. Both publishers offer placement tests. Use them to find the right starting level.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, both Math-U-See and RightStart give excellent hands-on math education. After testing both with my own children and hearing from hundreds of other homeschool families, I can confidently say each program works for the right family. Ultimately, your choice depends on your teaching style and available time.

Choose Math-U-See for video lessons, a complete K-12 path, and less daily teaching. Specifically, it’s best for visual learners and busy parents who need independent learning. Additionally, the price is lower over time.

Choose RightStart for game-based learning and strong mental math skills. In particular, it’s best for families who enjoy teaching together and have 30-45 minutes daily. Moreover, kids who’ve struggled with traditional math often thrive here. For more options for struggling math students, see our complete guide.

Essentially, both programs produce confident math students. Neither is objectively “better.” Rather, they’re different tools for different families. Before committing, try free samples from each publisher. Most importantly, trust your gut about which approach fits your family’s style.

For full reviews, see our Math-U-See Review and RightStart Mathematics Review. Also check our Best Homeschool Math Curriculum guide for more options.