Saxon Math: You can Teach High School Math at Home!

Can I teach my kids at home?

Many parents are wondering how can I teach my teens math at home. Am I able to do it? With the right tools, and persistence, yes I think you can. Hopefully, I have a recommendation that I have used in my years of homeschooling that may benefit you.

I have homeschooled my children for the past 15 years from kindergarten through high school using this curriculum. I am very happy with the results.  I know many parents have tried different curriculums to teach their children math. That is fine, you need to do what works best for you. But I have seen the results of this math curriculum and it is tried and true.

My daughter, bless her heart, completed through the advanced math course and is getting 4.0’s in every calculus class she has taken so far in her college courses. She is studying to be an industrial engineer. I don’t understand all the writings she has while she is doing her math at this point. But I am so thankful she has surpassed my understanding of the subject which I attribute a lot to her hard work and dedication and the math curriculum we used while she was homeschooled. She is probably the exception but it brings hope for me as I teach my other two.  If I can do it so can you. If you have a first born who likes to work independently, this curriculum is great because it provides the tools for them to do just that. If your child is not as independent, that is okay too. The tools are helpful to assist you with working with them as well.

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The curriculum I am going to talk about is Saxon Math. It has been around for years.  I have only used this curriculum so I can’t say much about the many others out there. But I can use my years of experience to tell you about Saxon.

Saxon math uses a method called scope and sequence.  It builds precept upon precept and explains a new concept in each chapter while reviewing the previous concepts. I have heard that some parents may do every other problem in each chapter, but I have them do every problem. My thought process is the more review the better.

I also like that if you have children at multiple age levels, many times the chapters coincide so that you are teaching the same concepts but at different levels. For example, lets say you are learning about exponents for the lesson.  The lower skill level may be introducing exponents and the upper grades are using them at a higher level but they are all learning about exponents at the same time.

Is it an online course or textbook?

The student has a textbook to use for the course. I prefer a book and having them writing their answers down. I think this helps students remember what they are learning.  An additional bonus, if your internet isn’t working, they don’t have an excuse to not do their math. The curriculum has approximately 120 chapters to complete each year with 30 problems per chapter.  There are tests every 4 or 5 chapters which I use for grading and as a guide to see how they are coming along on comprehending their work.  

The Advanced Math Book (recommended for 11th and 12th grade) after the completion of Algebra II is intended to be completed in 2 years. The student reads the lesson and completes 15 problems per day. I highly recommend taking the two years with this book. A student would understandably be frustrated if they try to do it in one.

Also if Algebra II is overwhelming for your child to complete one chapter a day and still get their other studies done, don’t be afraid to break it down and do 15 problems per day.  It may take two years to complete the book, but the idea is for the student to understand it, not just to get through it.   Algebra II is the minimum requirement for most high schoolers.  If they start in 10th grade with algebra II they will still have their senior year to decide whether to continue with advanced math.  I am just saying that all students are different.  One child may not have an issue with 30 problems a day and getting their other work done.  Another child may and it is much less frustrating for both of you if you do the 15 problems a day. Do what works best for your family.  It is so refreshing to know we are not on any one else schedule. All three of my children have approached their high school math differently and that is because they are all different.  The curriculum is consistent and as flexible as you want to make it.

Saxon Math provides step by step instructions to each problem with explanations via CD’s, and DVD’s as well as the solutions manual. You do not have to be a math expert to teach your teen, thank God. Saxon provides you with the tools to do the job.

You can buy just the textbooks, tests, and answers to both the chapters and tests, however, in the high school curriculum, I highly recommend purchasing the CD’s or DVD’s that come along with the Curriculum. The lessons are on the CD’s as well as each problem is explained for the student or teacher. So if you or your student doesn’t understand how to do a problem you can go to the CD. Tests solutions are also provided on the CDs. It is very helpful. They work both with Windows and MAC operating systems. Saxon also provides an email and phone number in the front of the booklets, and they have been very responsive when I had a question.

How do I know what Skill level my child is in?

Saxon provides an exam you can have your child take to determine which skill level they would be ready for. You can find the exam at Saxon Placement Exams

After determining which level your child is at you can decide which books to purchase. Saxon provides math and other subjects for all grade levels. If you are interested in younger math levels I have some links posted below.

Is it worth the price?

The price may seem a little much initially. However, with three children and the fact I am using the same curriculum for all of them, I could justify the price and the CD’s have been lifesavers.  If you have more kids that justifies the purchase even more.  Also, if the materials are still in good condition you can sell them afterwards or pass them on to other homeschoolers, which I have done over the years.

So can you teach your child high school math? With these tools and being consistent to work on it daily, I believe you can.  (Prayer also helps, which I recommend for any subject and any parent)… but that is another blog post.  Some teenagers will be able to take the tools and do it independently and some may need more direction.  In either case, Saxon math is a proven curriculum with great results.

I have used the 3rd Edition for the Algebra 1/2, Algebra I, and Algebra II.  I have also used the Advanced Math 2nd edition.  I feel very comfortable recommending those products to you.  I also have used the CD’s for all these products. In the CD an instructor talks while you see the problem written on a white board as she explains each problem to the student. So when we can’t figure it out, the answer is at your fingertips.  I recommend the bundles with the CDs.  Although they do have newer products with DVDs and Videos since I purchased mine that I am sure are very good.  You will need to determine what works best with you and your child.

Here are some links that will get you started in your endeavor to find the product that best fits your needs for your high school student.

Saxon Algebra 1 Homeschool Kit, 3rd Edition

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Saxon Algebra 2 Homeschool Kit, 3rd Edition

Saxon Advanced Math Homeschool Kit with Solutions Manual, 2nd Ed.

I highly recommend purchasing the CDs, or you may want to try the Dive and/or new DVDs that go along with these products.

May God bless you on your homeschool journey.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

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Blessings

Cheryl Bippus

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