Singapore Math vs. RightStart
The short answer: Singapore Math-Dimensions is mastery-based, building concepts from concrete to pictorial to abstract with bar models and explicit mental-math strategies, while RightStart™ Mathematics is the most hands-on of the four, teaching through the Cotter Abacus, games, and activities instead of worksheets. Nicole the Math Lady teaches Singapore Math-Dimensions today, and RightStart™ Mathematics video lessons begin in mid-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.
Singapore Math vs. RightStart at a glance
Singapore Math
Available nowGrades 1–5
Mental math & word-problem strategies
Good teaching of mental math strategies and a good framework for how to attack word problems.
May fit best if…
- Your child enjoys understanding why math works
- You want strong conceptual teaching
- You like a mostly mastery-style path with visual models
RightStart
Coming mid-August 2026Levels 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
Singapore Math vs. RightStart, feature by feature
A high-level look at how the two programs differ in approach — from Nicole's curriculum matchmaker.
| Feature | Singapore Math | RightStart |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Philosophy | Conceptual | Leans Conceptual |
| Mastery vs. Spiral in Teaching | Mostly Mastery | Leans Mastery |
| Mastery vs. Spiral in Assignments | Strong Mastery | Mostly Mastery |
| Instructional Style | Mostly Student-Driven | Student-Driven |
| Built-In Practice | Less | Moderate |
| Mental Math Instruction | Extensive | Moderate |
| Mental Math Practice | Less | Most |
The bottom line
Singapore Math-Dimensions is mastery-based around the concrete-pictorial-abstract method and bar-model problem solving, and explicitly teaches mental-math strategies — well suited to visual, conceptual learners who enjoy the “why” behind the math.
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 Singapore Math and RightStart is to take Nicole's curriculum quiz, watch a free sample lesson of each, and take the placement test.
