MIDDLE SCHOOL Math Curriculum Comparison // BJU, AoPS, Denison, Unlock, Mr D, Shormann, Thinkwell

[@teamkeller]

Thank you SO MUCH for this extensive video!!!! I have had such a difficult time finding curriculum comparisons for high school. We've always used Horizons math but they only go to Algebra...and my daughter has been HATING it. I'm on the hunt for a geometry curriculum for next year and have been considering Denison. I'll definitely also look at the Art of Problem Solving. We, too, prefer hands on materials but like the option of videos that feel more like a classroom. Thank you again for taking the time to put this together!

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

You are very welcome! I'm so glad to hear that it was helpful!

[@ce4truth]

Curious, what reasons did they think Denison Math would not be a good fit?

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

My daughter enjoys math for the most part and does not have issues understanding concepts. With the background of Singapore Dimensions, he didn't feel that Denison Math would be a good fit.

[@amandan943]

With Dennison do you get access to the video for only one year?

[@hopekopacki5547]

We used AOPS for Prealgebra1. I've found it focuses TOO much on critical thinking and not enough on algebra... if that makes sense. For example: My daughter just completed Prealgebra1 with AOPS and took a placement test for another ("basic") curriculum and now has so take prealgebra again because she didn't score well enough.... She received high marks on ALL her grades with AOPS. Another reason we are changing from AOPS is because of the cost. Spending almost $500 for a 16 week program (nearly $1000 for the year because prealgebra1 is $489 and prealgebra2 is $489) is just absolutely unrealistic for most homeschool families. Most other courses are between $100 and $200. The AOPS live classes are also geared toward public school kids, as they only take place on the weekends and evenings. I definitely wouldn't waste your homeschool money on AOPS.

[@lillianblair5780]

Not sure if you know- AOPS only has free videos for part of Intro to Algebra and then they didn’t make any past that and don’t plan to. Just fyi

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

Thank you!

[@kerensaclarke2996]

Thanks for sharing

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

You are very welcome!

[@Unlockmath]

Thank you for including us Jenn! For those looking for a textbook, you are able to print off our reference notes as one document that includes the same examples as the videos. The Pre-Algebra notes are 374 pages of instruction with glossary and table of contents.

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

Thank you for letting us know!

[@michelleagyemang868]

Do you have a comparison for Singapore’s dimensions math vs Denison? We have used dimensions 1-5 and are currently using dimensions 6a and it’s so different from the original set of dimensions.. I’m having a hard time with the transition and considering doing primary math for 6 or switching over to Denison math pre algebra. My kid has done great with dimensions and has loved it. But I am leaning towards switching. Any tips you have or videos I can watch would be great! Thanks for this video!

[@heidibarker2120]

Hi. I am missing you and your videos. I hope all is well. Just curious, how are you liking AoPS? My son loved Beast Academy and he is really missing it. I wondered if this is comparable.

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

Thank you so much! I’ve had an extremely busy season and many technology issues. However, I think that we finally have everything under control and I can start recording again next week. Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment and I’ll definitely address math soon as there is so much to say!

[@peachy_reina]

​@@HomeschoolwithJenI'm looking forward to this as well. My 6th grader is very mathematically inclined. I'm thinking of using Beast Academy for him and thinking he may do well with the pre algebra in the future

[@jessicabagley8356]

Hi Jenn! My 7th grader switched from Singapore to AoPs this year and I’m curious how it’s going with you! We just pulled Singapore back out because there was frustration I’m not understanding and getting repetition on the basic concepts before doing challenging problems. She wasn’t mastering concepts. I’m very disappointed it didn’t work for us and now unsure about our algebra-calculus plan!

[@amandab.6815]

I love all the different options presented!

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

Thank you!!!!

[@paulie3090]

I’m so glad you were impressed with Denison Algebra. I have a child that struggles in math and I’ve been looking at Denison for pre algebra. What a great and informative video. Thank you.

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Definitely contact Mr. Denison to discuss your child's needs. He is amazing!

[@paulie3090]

@@HomeschoolwithJen Will do! Thanks! Now if I could find an amazing writing curriculum that fits our homeschool well.😩

[@chelseabeckphoto]

Do you mind explaining why you didn't think Denison wasn't a good fit?

[@paulie3090]

@@chelseabeckphoto Denison Math is for students that hate math or struggle with math.

[@brooke0130]

My daughter will be starting Denison Pre-Algebra this year and I am hopeful it will take the tears out of math time.

[@alindsay7365]

Thank you for sharing. I love your channel bc your daughter is just slightly ahead of mine so I love hearing your thoughts on each of these! ❤

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad that the channel is helpful for you. I really appreciate you letting me know.

[@TheChan7]

This was great! Thanks for this comparison! Have you looked into Saxon at all? That’s what we’ve decided on for our 7th grade but wondering your thoughts 😊

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

We did look into Saxon, but not deeply. My daughter has a few friends who use Saxon math and she didn't like the lessons that she was able to do by borrowing their books.

[@gwyenotter6414]

I am very thankful that you did this comparison for us. I am in the process of trying to decide what Pre Algebra through Calculus we will use and you’ve helped me a lot. On a side note; where did you get the pictures on the wall behind you?

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

I'm so glad it was helpful for you! For the signs, I can't include links in the comments, but it's from Student Savvy on Teachers Pay Teachers. It's part of a bundle for $3.50, Mesopotamia Posters | Mesopotamia Timeline | Ancient Mesopotamia Map Word Wall. Thanks for asking!

[@Jana-e3l]

This is such a helpful review. We are researching many of these same programs for Algebra I for 8th grade.

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

I'm so glad to hear that it is helpful! Please let me know what you choose for Algebra.

[@Arborsven]

Thank you so much for this video! I've looked into most of these with the same concerns. Mostly I want to find something that we can use through high school. I don't want to switch again and feel like we wasted our time. I'm also leaning toward AoPS but can't figure out if it really is meant for accelerated kids or if it works for average though math minded kids. I really don't see it mentioned or reviewed much so I'm waffling.

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

What did you decide to use?

[@b.j.sandford41]

Great video! Just a quick question re Denison maths… why did Mr Denison think his program doesn’t suit your daughter? Is it because your daughter love/do well in maths?

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

Thank you! Yes, because she does well in math, fairly easily.

[@laurapinkham3488]

Is Shoremann math Saxon?

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

Great question. No, Shormann Math isn't Saxon, although they are similar. Mr. Shormann's company provides videos for upper level Saxon math.

[@laurapinkham3488]

@HomeschoolwithJen thanks! I keep hearing people talk about Saxon and Shoremann together a lot, and from the very brief perusal on their website it wasn't clear.

[@ALittleFruity]

Thank you for this video!! Fabulous comparison. I completely relate to the criteria you chose to focus on. A textbook is important to us too and we also use video lessons. We are considering moving away from MathUSee for pre-Algebra and higher. I am currently researching the curricula you reviewed!

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

So glad that it was helpful! There are many, many options available. Thank you for letting me know that you could relate! I hope your research goes well.