For first grade on up, use a math program that has been used in schools for decades. Here are some options.

Saxon is perfect for people who believe in lots of practice. It has long lessons and drill.

Singapore (Primary Mathematics) is strong in mental math and word problems. No ‘drill and kill.’ Perfect for a mother who does not need a teacher’s manual. This is what I use.

Abeka A solid math program which is popular in Christian schools

BJU Press Another math program from a Christian publisher.

Rod and Staff This Mennonite publisher makes very solid and affordable books which are tried and true.

Jacob’s is for high school math only. It offers a great education and it’s very interesting. I didn’t think I could like a high school math program that much.

Order from Christian Book Distributers or Rainbow Resource. They both ship to St. Thomas

Supplements are things to add to a math program. I recommend:

Kumon math workbooks. They are great for when you notice your child needs extra practice at something. Order them online. They also sell some at The Medicine Shoppe in Havensight!

Times Tales are stories to learn the multiplication facts.

Now I will tell you what I recommend you do NOT use

TRIGGER WARNING: If you think we should play nice and say all math programs are equally great, steel yourself.😖💪

Workbooks from Office Max are mediocre supplements. Office Max sells Spectrum books. Spectrum has been publishing supplements for many years, so they ought to be one of the best, but Kuman’s books are better.

Homespun math programs a fellow homeschool mom put online are not going to cut the mustard. I’m sure the author is a nice lady. I’m sure she tried her very best. If you really want to use her books, use them for any subject besides math.

Khan Academy is overrated. I know we all like a free app, but…no. Just no.

Free worksheets seem like a great idea. You can spend a lot of time looking for them, and you can use a lot of paper and ink printing them out. OR you can buy workbooks and have better quality worksheets, and save your time and money. Free worksheets aren’t worth it. I don’t want this to be true, but it is.

The most negative part is below. There is no other way to say it, but to just say it. Your child’s education is important enough for me to ruffle somebody’s feathers.

I recommend that you do not use Teaching Textbooks. It runs behind other programs and the lessons are easy and shallow.

With minimal parental involvement, children can flub their way through the online program and learn next-to-nothing.

Since it requites lots of parental involvement, you might as well get a more robust program and teach your children yourself.