High School Math Resources For Homeschooling
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It seems that nothing strikes fear in the heart of homeschool parents like science and math, especially in the high school years. That’s why my mission here at The Homeschool Scientist is to take the fear out of and put the fun into homeschool science….and math!
I want you to know that you can do it! You CAN teach your child science and math! My goal is to give you the resources and encouragement to get it done!
Today, I’m sharing some high school math resources to help you and your student be successful. Hope these help!
High School Math Curriculum
There are so many great choices for homeschool math curriculum. Just do a Google search or hit the vendor hall of a homeschool convention and you will see…and probably be overwhelmed. It can get so confusing.
Many parents spend their time searching for the “perfect” math curriculum. The compare teaching methods and standards. They read and learn all they can about all their options and still agonize over their decision.
The truth is there is no perfect curriculum for any subject. There are lots of great curriculum choices and probably several that are just right for your students.
I asked some veteran homeschool moms what they are using for high school math and why. I put their answers together for you. Hopefully, this will help you choose the right curriculum for your student. (Keep in mind that this is in no way an exhaustive list of options.)
CTC Math
We’re using CTC Math for pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry; this is our 2nd year. I started with a trial offer, and was sold!
I like it because there is a teacher with a lovely Australian accent who goes through the lessons with them, and then quizzes and tests are all graded online. It allows me to be as hands-on or hands-off as I need/want to be. My kiddos can see how they’re doing with each section and they can work towards printable certificates if that motivates them. Mine just like to know they’ve “gone Platinum”! If they don’t understand after the lesson, I encourage them to find online helps. I actually prefer this, as it teaches them important online information-finding skills. Also, I can go in any time and see how long they’ve worked each day, and even if they’ve missed a day, which does occasionally happen. Best of all, every Monday I get a report sent to my email detailing their progress from the previous week. It’s been wonderful for a busy mom like me!! Â And they’re “getting” their math!
—-Pat Fenner – BreakThroughHomeschooling.com
Khan Academy
Why we like Khan Academy:
- It’s Free.
- It’s a complete curriculum that teaches skills to the mastery level.
- There is an option to choose math from a World of Math perspective rather than grade level, so for kids who learn in different rates, you can bypass grade level altogether and allow them to learn/work at their own pace. (Grade Levels ARE now available).
- The program is adaptable to the child’s skill level.
- It’s online, and there is an App, so it is available anywhere we go and have wifi, without having to take books.
- A child only has to answer  3-5 correct answers to show proficiency, the skill is repeated through 3 different levels before they are able to show mastery. For kids who struggle, or for kids who move quickly through skills, it takes the pressure off of seeing 20 like problems.
- Instruction is video instruction, (mom doesn’t have to teach) with step by step walk-through of a problem after it’s been attempted through hints.
—-Renee Brown – GreatPeaceAcademy.com
Life Of Fred
We use Life of Fred for high school math. Rigorous, humorous, and it makes kids think. It’s prepared them very well for college exams. My artsy 10th grader is taking Mr. D’s ACT prep class right now and she’s doing very well despite having only done Beginning Algebra and part of Advanced Algebra (with no geometry or trig yet). That’s a win. (Read about their experiences with Life Of Fred Advanced Algebra)
-Heather Woodie – BlogSheWrote.org
Saxon Math
We used Saxon Math and liked that it was very straightforward and fast to work through. I liked that they taught the “old school” way of doing math (vs. Common Core math practices), and there were DVDs to help if needed. I also liked that if she used Khan Academy to explain something another way, it was just different wording and not an entirely new method.
–Homeschool Mom
Mr. D Math
We went from staunch Saxon users to Mr. D Math — starting in the 9th grade. Â I ADORE Mr. D Math, and Dennis is a great guy and brilliant with the kids, too. Â Here’s my review:Â High School Math With Mr. D
-Mary Prather – HomegrownLearners.com
Time 4 Learning
We started the high school level Time4Learning at the end of 8th grade because my daughter wanted to take their English I class because of the literature involved and she needed some more World Geography experience. Since the classes are in a bundle, she decided to take the Algebra I course, as well. All courses went great and I counted them as high school credit.
The video lessons are reinforced by cartoons and lots of practice quizzes and printable worksheets. The program keeps track of grades and lessons completed. Easy record-keeping for mom!
Teaching Textbooks
Even though my daughter had success with Time 4 Learning, we are switching up after Algebra I. She is not taking any of the other classes in the Time 4 Learning bundle, so the monthly subscription is getting pricey. Plus, when my daughter sat down at a computer at Great Homeschool Conventions and got to use Teaching Textbooks, she knew that was for her!
Teaching Textbooks is perfect for independent learners. Videos teach the lessons and not only explain the sample problems, but Teaching Textbooks give audiovisual step-by-step explanations for every single one of the almost 3,500 problems in the book. That’s huge for any student and parent who have been stuck on that one problem they can’t figure out the answer to.
Unlock Math
Unlock Math is online math curriculum that we reviewed that really impressed us. You can read about it and why we liked it.
High School Math Online Help
Sometimes you just need a little math help outside the curriculum or the student needs a little more practice with a concept. Here are some websites that give you that assistance.
- Khan Academy– Our go-to online math tutor for years!
- Dragon Box app – This is a great way to teach algebraic thinking and the kids LOVE it!
- Mash Up Math – This YouTube channel has fun videos that explain math concepts in ways you can actually understand.
- Math Antics – Another YouTube channel with easy-to-understand explanations to math concepts.
- Uzinggo – We used Uzinggo online lessons as a math supplement. It can, also, be used as a curriculum.