Review
Saxon Math introduces new topics in small increments and continuously revisits earlier material in every problem set, so students never fully leave a concept behind. It's one of the longest-running homeschool math programs, now published under HMH, and covers kindergarten through Calculus.
Curriculum Grade
C+
- Academic Rigor: 5/5
Why this score
The continuous spiral-review structure is one of the most rigorous, best-documented approaches to long-term retention in homeschool math.
- Ease of Use: 3/5
Why this score
Textbook format needs a parent to actively teach the daily lesson rather than just hand over a workbook, which raises the setup bar.
- Parent Time Required: 2/5
Why this score
Teacher involvement runs consistently higher than self-teaching options like Teaching Textbooks — this isn't a hand-it-off program.
- Cost Value: 4/5
Why this score
One-time per-level purchase in the $100-200 range delivers a full, proven year of math without a recurring fee.
- Engagement: 2/5
Why this score
The drill-heavy, repetitive problem sets that make Saxon effective are also the most commonly cited complaint from kids who grasp concepts quickly.
- Flexibility: 3/5
Why this score
Level placement is straightforward, but the tightly sequenced spiral structure doesn't lend itself to skipping or reordering units.
- Independent Learning: 2/5
Why this score
The lesson-then-practice format leans on a parent or teacher to actually deliver each day's new concept.
- Support & Community: 4/5
Why this score
Decades of homeschool use have built a deep, mature support community and a large secondhand materials market.
- Special Needs Support: 3/5
Why this score
The heavy repetition helps some kids with retention difficulties, but the drill format can frustrate others without built-in accommodations.
Pros
- Continuous spiral review builds long-term retention better than unit-based programs for many students
- Long track record with decades of homeschool use and strong college-prep reputation
- Textbook format needs no screens or subscriptions
Cons
- Repetitive drill style can feel tedious to students who grasp concepts quickly
- Teacher involvement is higher than self-teaching options like Teaching Textbooks
- Official pricing now sits behind HMH's institutional shop rather than a simple retail page
Best for
Families who trust a decades-old track record over a newer approach tend to stick with Saxon longest.