Introduction
If you have spent any time in homeschool circles, you have almost certainly heard parents talk about Teaching Textbooks. Some swear by it. Others feel let down after the first few months. So which is it? Is this curriculum really the stress-free math solution it promises to be, or does it fall short in ways that could hurt your child later?
I know how overwhelming it feels to pick the right curriculum. You want something your child will actually use, something that teaches real math skills, and something that does not eat up your entire morning fighting tears and frustration. Teaching Textbooks promises to check all three boxes. This article gives you an honest, detailed look at what it delivers and where it falls short, so you can decide with confidence.
By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what Teaching Textbooks offers, who it works best for, how much it costs, and how to get the most out of it if you decide to give it a shot.
What Are Teaching Textbooks?
Teaching Textbooks is a self-teaching math curriculum built specifically for homeschool families. Two brothers, Greg and Shawn Sabouri, created it in 2004 after noticing that many homeschool students struggled with traditional math programs. Their goal was simple: make a curriculum that students could work through on their own, with clear explanations and minimal parent involvement.
The program combines textbooks with audio-visual lessons delivered through a computer or tablet. Each lesson walks your child through new concepts step by step, with a friendly tutor voice guiding them along the way. If your child misses a problem, the program explains the correct solution right away, so learning happens in the moment.
Today, Teaching Textbooks operates entirely through a subscription-based app, which means your child can work on it from any device with a browser. No more hunting for discs or waiting for shipping.
Quick SnapshotTeaching Textbooks covers Math 3 through Pre-Calculus. It works on computers, tablets, and smartphones. Parents get a full gradebook with automatic grading. Lessons are self-paced and self-teaching.
How the Program Works
Using Teaching Textbooks is straightforward. Your child logs into the app, selects the next lesson, and watches a short video explanation of the new concept. The video pauses at key points to let your child practice what they just learned. After the lesson, your child completes a problem set to reinforce the skill.
The Step-by-Step Learning Flow
- Your child watches a video lecture for the new topic.
- The program presents practice problems immediately after the video.
- For each wrong answer, the program gives a full step-by-step solution.
- Your child completes a graded problem set at the end of the lesson.
- You review results in the parent gradebook at any time.
The parent gradebook is one of the most useful features. You can see your child’s score on every lesson, track which problems they missed repeatedly, and identify gaps before they become bigger problems. Many parents check in just a few minutes each day and let the program handle the rest.
Is It Truly Self-Teaching?
For many kids, yes. Teaching Textbooks was designed so that a motivated student can move through lessons independently. However, some children, especially those who need more hands-on guidance or struggle with reading comprehension in word problems, may still need you nearby. Think of it as a strong independent tool that works best when you stay loosely involved.
85%of homeschool parents in a 2023 survey reported that Teaching Textbooks reduced daily math arguments in their household significantly.
Pros and Cons of Teaching Textbooks
No curriculum is perfect. Here is an honest breakdown of what works well and what you need to watch out for before you subscribe.
✓ WHAT WORKS WELL
- Step-by-step video explanations that actually make sense
- Automatic grading saves you hours each week
- Friendly, non-intimidating presentation style
- Great for independent learners
- Instant feedback on wrong answers
- Works on any device
- Gradebook gives you full oversight
✗ WHAT FALLS SHORT
- Runs about one grade level below traditional school math
- Limited higher-order thinking problems
- No geometry-specific course (covered within other levels)
- Subscription model means you pay yearly
- Some students find the tutor voice repetitive
- May not fully prepare students for rigorous college math
The biggest concern parents mention most often is the grade-level placement. Teaching Textbooks runs slightly lighter than what you might find in a traditional classroom setting. That does not make it bad, but it does mean you should plan thoughtfully if your child plans to transition back to a conventional school or pursue competitive STEM programs later.
Grade Levels and Subjects Covered
Teaching Textbooks offers math courses from third grade through high school. Here is what the curriculum lineup looks like right now.
- Math 3 through Math 7 — elementary and middle school foundational math
- Pre-Algebra — introduces variables, equations, and algebraic thinking
- Algebra 1 — full first-year algebra course
- Geometry — proofs, shapes, angles, and spatial reasoning
- Algebra 2 — advanced algebra with functions and systems
- Pre-Calculus — trigonometry, analytic geometry, and advanced functions
The program does not currently offer a calculus course, which is worth noting if your high schooler needs AP Calculus preparation. You will likely need a different resource for that step.
How Do You Place Your Child Correctly?
Teaching Textbooks provides a placement test for each level on their website. Use it. Many families discover their child places lower than expected, which can feel discouraging but is actually a good thing. Starting at the right level builds a strong foundation instead of leaving gaps that cause confusion later.
What Does Teaching Textbooks Cost?
The pricing model has shifted entirely to a subscription. You no longer buy individual discs or books. Instead, you pay for access through the app on a per-subject, per-year basis.
- Each course runs approximately $67 per year per student.
- A family subscription option covers multiple children at a reduced rate.
- No long-term contract. You pay year to year.
- You can pause or cancel anytime, which is a practical advantage for flexible homeschool schedules.
Compared to buying full textbook sets, the subscription model can actually save money for families with multiple children. The family plan is a smart move if you have two or more kids using the program.
Money-Saving TipTeaching Textbooks occasionally offers a free trial period so your child can test a full level before you commit. Check their website for current offers. Trying before buying is always a smart move with curriculum.
How Teaching Textbooks Compares to Other Homeschool Math Programs
You have plenty of options when it comes to homeschool math. Here is how Teaching Textbooks stacks up against a few popular alternatives.
Teaching Textbooks vs. Saxon Math
Saxon Math uses a traditional spiral approach with heavy repetition. It is more rigorous and aligns closely with grade-level standards. However, Saxon requires much more parent involvement and can feel dry to some students. Teaching Textbooks wins on ease of use and student motivation. Saxon wins on rigor and depth.
Teaching Textbooks vs. Math-U-See
Math-U-See is a mastery-based program that uses physical manipulatives. It works very well for visual and hands-on learners. Teaching Textbooks is more convenient and technology-based. If your child loves screens, Teaching Textbooks has an edge. If your child thrives with tactile tools, Math-U-See might serve them better.
Teaching Textbooks vs. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is free, which is a major advantage. It also covers a broader range of subjects beyond math. However, Khan Academy lacks the structured pacing and parent gradebook features that Teaching Textbooks provides. For families who need a clear, organized curriculum with accountability built in, Teaching Textbooks is the stronger choice.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Teaching Textbooks
Even the best curriculum needs good habits around it. These strategies will help your child get real results from Teaching Textbooks.
Set a Consistent Daily Schedule
Teaching Textbooks works best when your child does one lesson per day at the same time. Consistency beats marathon sessions. A 30 to 45 minute daily slot keeps the material fresh without burning your child out.
Do Not Skip the Missed-Problem Reviews
When your child misses a problem, the program shows the solution. Make sure your child actually reads that explanation rather than clicking past it. The in-the-moment correction is one of the most valuable features of the program.
Check the Gradebook Weekly
You do not need to sit beside your child every day. But you do need to glance at the gradebook at least once a week. If your child scores below 70 percent on two or three lessons in a row, that is your signal to step in and work through those concepts together before moving forward.
Supplement for Word Problems
Teaching Textbooks is lighter on complex word problems than some other curricula. If your child needs practice with real-world problem solving, add a short word problem workbook two or three times per week. This fills the gap without replacing the core program.
Use the Placement Test Honestly
Place your child at the level where they score 80 percent or higher on the placement test. Starting too high creates frustration. Starting at the right level creates confidence, and confidence drives learning.
Final Verdict: Is Teaching Textbooks Worth It?
Teaching Textbooks is a genuinely solid choice for homeschool families who want a low-maintenance, student-friendly math program. If your child is a motivated independent learner, or if math battles have been draining your homeschool days, this curriculum can make a real difference.
It is not the most rigorous program available. If you are preparing a student for competitive STEM programs or elite university math, you may need to supplement or eventually transition to something more challenging. But for the vast majority of homeschool families seeking a reliable, consistent, and enjoyable math experience, Teaching Textbooks delivers exactly what it promises.
Give the placement test a try, start the free trial if one is available, and see how your child responds. The program’s strength is in how it connects with students who feel intimidated by math. If your child is one of them, Teaching Textbooks might just change everything.
What has your experience been with Teaching Textbooks, or what questions do you still have? Drop a comment below or share this article with a fellow homeschool parent who is weighing their curriculum options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Teaching Textbooks accredited?
Teaching Textbooks itself is not an accrediting body. However, many accredited homeschool umbrella schools and co-ops accept it as a valid course credit. Check with your specific program or state requirements to confirm how credits will be recorded.
At what age can a child start using Teaching Textbooks independently?
Most children can work fairly independently starting around age 9 or 10, which corresponds roughly to Math 4 or 5. Younger children in Math 3 typically need a parent nearby for support, especially at the start of the year.
Does Teaching Textbooks work on an iPad or tablet?
Yes. Teaching Textbooks is fully browser-based and works on iPads, Android tablets, Chromebooks, and standard computers. No app download is required for most devices. You simply log in through any modern web browser.
Can I use Teaching Textbooks for a child who is behind in math?
Absolutely. Many families use Teaching Textbooks specifically to help kids who have fallen behind. The self-paced format and gentle explanations make it a good fit for remediation. Use the placement test to find the right starting point.
How long does each Teaching Textbooks lesson take?
Most lessons take between 30 and 45 minutes for the average student. Some children finish faster, some take longer. The program is self-paced, so your child can take as much time as they need on each lesson without any pressure.
Does Teaching Textbooks prepare students for the SAT or ACT?
It provides a solid foundation, but you will likely want to add targeted SAT or ACT prep materials during high school. Teaching Textbooks covers the core concepts, but standardized test math has specific formats and strategies that benefit from dedicated practice.
Can more than one child use the same subscription?
Each child needs their own individual course subscription to maintain a separate gradebook and progress record. Teaching Textbooks does offer a family plan at a discounted rate when you enroll multiple children, which makes it more affordable for larger families.
What happens if my child gets stuck and cannot understand a lesson?
The program provides a step-by-step solution for every missed problem. If your child is still confused, you can replay the video lesson as many times as needed. For persistent confusion, reaching out to homeschool forums or tutors familiar with Teaching Textbooks is a practical next step.
Is Teaching Textbooks a spiral or mastery-based curriculum?
Teaching Textbooks uses a spiral approach. It introduces concepts and then revisits them in later lessons to reinforce understanding. This is different from mastery programs, which focus intensely on one skill until it is fully mastered before moving on. Both approaches work well depending on how your child learns.
How does the Teaching Textbooks free trial work?
Teaching Textbooks periodically offers a trial that gives you access to the first several lessons of any level at no cost. You can sign up on their website, let your child try the lessons, and decide if the program is a good fit before you commit to a full subscription.
also read: reflectionverse.com
email: johanharwen@314gmail.com
Author Name: Sarah M. Collins
Sarah M. Collins : Sarah is a homeschool educator and curriculum consultant with over 12 years of experience teaching her four children at home. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and has reviewed dozens of homeschool math programs. Her writing helps parents make confident, informed curriculum decisions without the overwhelm.
