Homeschool curriculum review
Teaching Textbooks
Self-teaching, online, video-based math
Last reviewed January 2025 · Price last checked January 2025
About This Curriculum
A self-teaching, online math curriculum where a digital "teacher" walks students through every lesson with audio/video instruction. Teaching Textbooks 4.0 is fully online, grades automatically, and is beloved by parents who struggle to teach higher math.
This review looks at who Teaching Textbooks fits best, who should compare alternatives, what a normal day can look like, parent prep, cost, and similar programs to consider.
Who This Fits Best
Teaching Textbooks is strongest for faith-neutral families covering 3rd–12th who want room to customize pacing, subjects, and day-to-day flow. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include child can work independently — parent does not need to teach math and automatic grading saves time.
Who Should Consider an Alternative
Consider an alternative if math curriculum only or lighter on rigor than saxon or math-u-see for advanced students. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Teaching Textbooks against the alternatives below before buying.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
A typical day with Teaching Textbooks usually centers on a student logging in, completing assigned lessons, and moving through the sequence with parent check-ins. Parents should still review progress, discuss difficult concepts, and make sure the online format is producing real understanding rather than box-checking.
Parent Prep Required
Teaching Textbooks can reduce daily teaching time, but parent oversight still matters. Plan to monitor progress, help when lessons stall, and decide whether the pacing is serving your child.
At a Glance
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
- ✓Child can work independently — parent does not need to teach math
- ✓Automatic grading saves time
- ✓Audio/video instruction for every problem
- ✓Great for visual and auditory learners
- ✓Affordable annual subscription
Consider Before Buying
- –Math curriculum only
- –Lighter on rigor than Saxon or Math-U-See for advanced students
- –Requires screen time
Best Alternatives
If Teaching Textbooks is close but not quite right, compare it against curricula with similar tags, worldview, or teaching style.
Time4Learning
Online, interactive, self-paced
Monarch (Alpha Omega Publications)
Online, self-paced, mastery-based
All About Reading
Orton-Gillingham, multi-sensory phonics
Compared With Similar Curricula
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Textbooks
How much does Teaching Textbooks cost?+
Teaching Textbooks runs about $150–$200 per year. Per year per level; subscription-based online platform
What grades does Teaching Textbooks cover?+
Teaching Textbooks covers grades 3rd–12th. Always check the publisher's current placement guidance before buying.
Is Teaching Textbooks faith-based or secular?+
Teaching Textbooks is faith-neutral. A self-teaching, online math curriculum where a digital "teacher" walks students through every lesson with audio/video instruction. Teaching Textbooks 4.0 is fully online, grades automatically, and is beloved by parents who struggle to teach higher math.
Who is Teaching Textbooks best for?+
Teaching Textbooks is strongest for faith-neutral families covering 3rd–12th who want room to customize pacing, subjects, and day-to-day flow. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include child can work independently — parent does not need to teach math and automatic grading saves time.
Who should avoid Teaching Textbooks?+
Consider an alternative if math curriculum only or lighter on rigor than saxon or math-u-see for advanced students. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Teaching Textbooks against the alternatives below before buying.