Curriculum & Method
Teaching Textbooks vs Saxon Math: Which Math Curriculum Wins?
Teaching Textbooks vs Saxon Math compared: online self-grading vs rigorous spiral textbooks, independence, cost, and Arizona ESA notes.
9 min read · Updated
Spotlighted programs in this guide
Teaching Textbooks and Saxon Math are two of the longest-running names in homeschool math, and Arizona families ask about this pairing constantly. One is computer-based and self-grading. The other is a traditional textbook with relentless review. They produce different kinds of math students.
Here is the honest breakdown. For the full math landscape, see our Christian homeschool math curriculum guide.
The one-sentence difference
Teaching Textbooks is a self-paced, computer-based math program that teaches, grades, and records everything for you. Saxon Math is a traditional, incremental textbook program famous for daily mixed review and rigor.
Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | Teaching Textbooks | Saxon Math |
|---|---|---|
| Format | App or online, self-grading | Textbook, worksheets, tests |
| Teaching | Video lessons for every problem | Parent teaches from the book (or uses DIVE videos) |
| Method | Spiral with video explanations | Incremental development with heavy spiral review |
| Parent workload | Almost zero | High, unless paired with DIVE instruction |
| Grading | Automatic | Parent grades |
| Grade range | Grade 3 through Pre-Calculus | K through Calculus |
| Pacing | Self-paced | Lockstep daily lessons |
| Cost | Moderate subscription per child | Moderate; books reusable, used market strong |
| Best fit | Independent learners, busy parents | Disciplined students, rigor-focused families |
The daily experience
With Teaching Textbooks, your child logs in, watches a short lecture, works problems with instant feedback, and can watch any problem solved step-by-step. The gradebook keeps itself. For a parent teaching several kids or working part-time, this is a gift.
With Saxon, the parent (or a DIVE video teacher) presents a new concept, then the student works a problem set where most problems review earlier material. Warm-up, lesson, mixed practice, every day. It is thorough and it is demanding. Families either love Saxon's structure or find the repetition tedious.
Rigor and outcomes
Saxon has the stronger reputation for rigor and long-term retention. The daily mixed review means students rarely forget a skill. Many classical schools and rigorous Christian schools in Arizona use Saxon for exactly this reason.
Teaching Textbooks is solid but generally considered about a grade level gentler than Saxon at the same number. Placement tests matter: many families place their child one level up in Teaching Textbooks.
Cost
Teaching Textbooks charges a per-child subscription (with a family discount for large families). Saxon books are a bigger one-time purchase but are non-consumable and have a deep used market.
Arizona ESA notes
Both are commonly reimbursed as math curriculum through Arizona ESA. Teaching Textbooks subscriptions and Saxon textbooks both typically qualify. Confirm in ClassWallet and keep itemized receipts. See our Arizona ESA guide.
Arizona programs that use these curricula
Programs using Teaching Textbooks
Programs using Saxon Math
- Redeemer Christian School - Homeschool Program
- Family Focused Tutors
- In Christ Tutoring (K-College | Online)
Need help with either program? Browse the Arizona homeschool tutors hub or our math tutors guide.
Who should choose Teaching Textbooks
Choose Teaching Textbooks if you want math off your plate, your child is an independent or screen-comfortable learner, you are teaching multiple children, or math is the subject that causes conflict at your kitchen table.
Who should choose Saxon Math
Choose Saxon if you want maximum rigor and retention, your child handles routine well, you are preparing for STEM-heavy high school and college work, or your co-op or school already uses it and you want alignment.
Related guides
More programs in this guide
MindBridge Math Mastery
MindBridge Math Mastery was founded with one mission: to help every student develop the confidence, skills, and understanding needed to thrive in mathematics. While I specialize in dyscalculia and other math learning differences, I work with students across the entire learning spectrum, from those who are years behind to gifted and advanced learners seeking enrichment and greater academic challenge. I am a Certified Teacher with a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction specializing in Mathematics Education, a Trained Educational Clinician, and have over a decade of classroom teaching experience. I have completed extensive specialized training in dyscalculia intervention, multisensory mathematics instruction, executive functioning, Reading Simplified, and NILD Educational Therapy. This unique combination of training allows me to look beyond incorrect answers to identify why a student is struggling and develop individualized interventions that address the root of the problem. Every session is completely individualized to meet the student's unique learning profile. I integrate executive functioning skills, study strategies, organization, planning, working memory supports, and metacognitive techniques directly into math instruction, creating a more holistic approach to remediation. My goal is not simply to teach students how to solve today's problems, but to equip them with lifelong learning strategies that increase independence, confidence, and success both inside and outside the classroom. I work with students with dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, math anxiety, and other learning differences, while also providing enrichment for gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners who need instruction that matches their potential. Whether a student is building foundational number sense, preparing for Algebra, tackling advanced mathematics, or learning as an adult, every lesson is designed around that individual's strengths, needs, and goals. Because all services are provided virtually, I am able to serve families throughout Arizona using ESA funds, as well as students across the United States. Families appreciate the highly personalized instruction, consistent communication, and compassionate environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and experience genuine success. As a Christian-owned business, I strive to serve every family with integrity, compassion, patience, and excellence. I believe every child is uniquely created with the ability to learn, and I consider it a privilege to help students discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and realize their full potential.
Ignite Homeschool Ministries
Ignite Homeschool Ministries is a non-profit organization in Phoenix, Arizona designed to support and partner with homeschooling families on their journeys…but this is not your average co-op. We offer group tutoring classes with highly qualified, Jesus-loving tutors in every subject, and community events for the whole family including our Embers Youth Group and high school dances. We are also passionate about developing young leaders through our FireStarters student leadership team.
Redeemer Christian School - Homeschool Program
Redeemer Christian School is an accredited classical and Christian K-12 school in Mesa, established in 1980, serving Christian families. The school offers a homeschool enrichment drop-in program. Homeschooling families can enroll in select RCS classes (Latin, Music, P.E., History-Bible-Literature core, Logic, HS Spanish, electives, etc.) taught by school faculty from a Christian worldview using classical techniques. Homeschool students may also participate in field trips, music, drama, sports, and standardized testing alongside full-time students.
Curriculums covered in this guide
Tap any publisher for its full profile, teaching philosophy, and Arizona ESA notes.
Teaching Textbooks
Teaching Textbooks
Self-grading, video-based math curriculum for grades 3-12. Independent format popular with busy homeschool families.
Saxon Math
Saxon (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Incremental, spiral math curriculum from K through Calculus. Long-standing favorite in classical and traditional homeschools.
Part of the Curriculum & method hub
Christian Homeschool Curriculum Guides
Subject-by-subject and method-by-method guides to the curricula Arizona Christian homeschool families actually use — with ESA notes for each.
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This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current rules with the Arizona Department of Education before acting.

