Review
From the makers of Art of Problem Solving, Beast Academy teaches elementary math (roughly grades 2-5) through comic-book-style guide books and demanding practice problems that emphasize genuine problem-solving over rote procedure. It's noticeably harder than most grade-level math programs.
Curriculum scorecard
Evidence across nine decision factors
- Academic Rigor5/5
Why this score
Deliberately harder than grade-level math, with a genuine emphasis on problem-solving over memorized procedure — among the most rigorous options here.
- Ease of Use3/5
Why this score
The comic-guide format is engaging but the demanding problem sets often need a parent nearby to help work through sticking points.
- Parent Time Required3/5
Why this score
More independent than a taught lesson, but the difficulty level means a parent often needs to be available for the harder problem sets.
- Cost Value4/5
Why this score
$96-160 per level for genuinely advanced, well-produced content is a fair price relative to what it delivers for strong math students.
- Engagement4/5
Why this score
The comic-narrative format makes genuinely difficult math material approachable and even fun for kids who are already interested in the subject.
- Flexibility2/5
Why this score
Elementary-only scope (roughly grades 2-5) means every family eventually needs a separate follow-on math plan.
- Independent Learning3/5
Why this score
Strong students can work through much of it alone, but the difficulty spikes often require adult support.
- Support & Community3/5
Why this score
Backed by Art of Problem Solving's well-established forums and support, though the audience is narrower than general-purpose math lines.
- Special Needs Support2/5
Why this score
The demanding difficulty level is explicitly not designed to accommodate students who aren't already strong in math.
Pros
- Genuinely challenging content that suits advanced or math-loving kids well
- Engaging comic-narrative format makes dense material more approachable
- Strong emphasis on real problem-solving rather than memorized procedure
Cons
- Only covers elementary grades, so families need a follow-on plan for middle/high math
- Difficulty level can frustrate students who aren't already strong in math
- Narrower scope than full-K-12 math lines like Math-U-See or Saxon
Best for
Kids who find grade-level math too easy and start complaining of boredom are exactly who this was built for.
Visit Beast AcademyEditorial evidence
Last editorial review: July 20, 2026.
Our grades are editorial judgments, not objective facts. If a claim is factually outdated, tell us so we can recheck it.