*About Saxon Math

PLEASE NOTE: This is an information page only – a great place to start as you begin exploring how Saxon® Homeschool resources fit into your existing curriculum. There is nothing to order or to purchase, however there are free downloads for placement tests in the details section below that you may print for yourself.

Saxon Math Homeschool has been a long-time favourite for home educators. It is a comprehensive thoroughly researched program. This K–12 program is based on the teaching principles of incremental development, continual practice and review, and cumulative assessment.

Grades 1-3 offer comprehensive teaching materials for parents that include scripted lessons to be used as needed. A wide variety of manipulatives help young students develop confidence in their math skills as they use concrete materials to illustrate mathematical principles. This is a good foundational math program. Parents should be aware that it is somewhat time consuming and should take that into consideration prior to purchase.

After grade 3 a workbook format is no longer used. Students transition to a textbook format where students will have to complete work in a separate blank notebook. This may involve copying questions to be answered. Some students may or may not be ready to do this at the grade 4 level. Saxon math is an amazingly strong program. It is excellent for students who like math or who have good proficiency in this subject area.  It can easily take students from elementary school through high school and prepare them well for advanced studies at the university level.

PLEASE NOTE: The numbering of the grade levels is somewhat confusing. After grade 3 students are expected to move on to Saxon 5/4. This means that the program is written for an average grade 4 student or a grade 5 student who struggles. Grade 5 students would normally do the 6/5 program etc.

Upper level lessons are divided into a number of parts. Everyday students will learn a new skill or concept. This skill is then practiced in a series of practice problems. This is incremental learning, meaning small pieces of information are taught daily. After this is completed the student will proceed with the lesson that will cover new concepts as well as many concepts previously covered. This constant review solidifies skills and keeps skills fresh.

In the Saxon secondary series, what is traditionally covered in four years of high school mathematics (that is, two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of trigonometry and pre-calculus) is covered in just three textbooks, Algebra 1 (3rd Ed), Algebra 2 (3rd Ed), and Advanced Mathematics. There is no separate Saxon textbook on geometry. The study of geometry is fully integrated into the three books. This is a more efficient and effective way of teaching mathematics, which is why they cover the same amount of material in fewer textbooks and in less time. This is Saxon’s preferred path for homeschool students.

For classrooms as well as students wishing to have a full year of Geometry, the proper sequence of courses would be: Saxon Algebra 1 (4th ed), then Saxon Geometry, then Saxon Algebra 2 (4th ed). Algebra 1, 4th ed, does not contain all the incorporated geometry content of the 3rd edition.

Saxon Math is a challenging program and not all students will respond well to it. However, students who have a desire to continue in a strong math or science program in high school or post-secondary will find that they are well prepared for future studies. Saxon Math has been a Learning House favourite for many years.

Ready to begin? You can take a placement test (open details below) or check out these product samples.

Product Samples:

K-3

Middle Grades

Upper Grades