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Homeschool Math Curriculum Comparison

Saxon Math vs RightStart

Trying to choose between Saxon Math and RightStart™ Mathematics for your homeschool? Both are among the most popular homeschool math curricula. Nicole the Math Lady teaches Saxon Math today, and RightStart™ Mathematics video lessons begin in August 2026. Below, see how they compare feature by feature — teaching philosophy, practice and review, mental math, and grade coverage — then watch a free sample lesson of each and take a quick placement test.

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Saxon Math vs RightStart at a glance

Saxon Math

Available now

Math 3–Advanced Math

Repetition that makes it stick

Plenty of examples in the teaching and enough repetition for memory recall.

May fit best if…

  • Your child does well with repetition and routine
  • You want strong cumulative review
  • You prefer a steady, worksheet-driven structure
Explore Saxon MathWatch a free sample lessonTake the placement test

RightStart

Starting August 2026

Levels C–F

Learning through discovery and play

Real application of math skills through hands-on manipulatives and games.

May fit best if…

  • Your child learns best through activities and discussion.
  • You want a very hands-on approach
  • Mental math and strategy work matter to you
Explore RightStartJoin the waitlistTake the placement test

Saxon Math vs RightStart, feature by feature

A high-level look at how the two programs differ in approach — from Nicole's curriculum matchmaker.

FeatureSaxon MathRightStart
Teaching PhilosophyTraditionalLeans Conceptual
Mastery vs. Spiral in TeachingStrong SpiralLeans Mastery
Mastery vs. Spiral in AssignmentsStrong SpiralMostly Mastery
Instructional StyleTeacher-LedStudent-Driven
Built-In PracticeMostModerate
Mental Math InstructionMinimalModerate
Mental Math PracticeModerateMost

The bottom line

Saxon Math uses a spiral approach with small daily increments and constant review, and is the most worksheet-driven — a strong fit for students who thrive on routine, repetition, and clear step-by-step practice.

RightStart™ Mathematics is the most hands-on, using the Cotter Abacus, games, and activities instead of worksheets, with strong mental-math practice — ideal for younger or kinesthetic learners who dislike heavy written work.

There is no single “best” math curriculum — the right fit depends on your student. The fastest way to decide between Saxon Math and RightStart is to take Nicole's curriculum quiz, watch a free sample lesson of each, and take the placement test.

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Nicole the Math Lady has been such a positive change for math in our home. My boys, ages 9 and 11, had tolerated and even dreaded math time before, but now they look forward to it.
Samantha Hamilton

Samantha Hamilton

Homeschool Mom

Saxon Math vs RightStart — Common Questions

Saxon Math uses a spiral approach with small daily increments and constant review, and is the most worksheet-driven — a strong fit for students who thrive on routine, repetition, and clear step-by-step practice. RightStart™ Mathematics is the most hands-on, using the Cotter Abacus, games, and activities instead of worksheets, with strong mental-math practice — ideal for younger or kinesthetic learners who dislike heavy written work.
On Nicole the Math Lady's high-level comparison, Saxon Math rates most for built-in practice and RightStart rates moderate. Neither approach is better — it's a difference in style: programs with more built-in practice revisit previously learned topics more often, while mastery-leaning programs use fewer, deeper problems per concept.
Saxon Math is available today on The Math Pass, and RightStart™ Mathematics video lessons begin in August 2026. You're not paying for a particular curriculum — you're paying for the Math Pass ($79/year), which covers every curriculum Nicole teaches. Start with the curriculum that's the right fit for your kid, and if you later find out it isn't, of course you can change it — switch to another curriculum at no extra cost, up to four times a year. Join the RightStart waitlist to be notified at launch.
It depends on how your child learns. Saxon Math may fit best if your child does well with repetition and routine; RightStart may fit best if your child learns best through activities and discussion.. The fastest way to decide is to take Nicole's curriculum quiz, watch a free sample lesson of each, and take the placement test.

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Saxon Math curriculum overviewRightStart curriculum overviewCompare all four math curriculumsTake Nicole's math curriculum quiz

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