Saxon vs Math-U-See: how each one teaches

The short version

Saxon, from HMH, describes small steps with cumulative review that keeps returning to earlier lessons. Math-U-See, from Demme Learning, describes a skills-based approach built on manipulatives, with online lesson videos in its level Sets. We have not used either program, so this page is a side by side of what each publisher says, not a ranking.

For placement before you buy, see the Saxon Math middle grades test (PDF) and Math-U-See placement tool, with the Saxon Math to Math-U-See switch helper for a change of programs.

How Saxon teaches, per HMH

HMH calls it incremental: "An incremental approach gives students the time to understand and practice a small concept before adding the next step."

Review is built in: "Cumulative practice and assessments cover ideas from earlier lessons to ensure students retain and make connections between concepts."

HMH also says "distributing skills across the year ensures that students have time to practice and master a concept," and that "engaging manipulatives and hands-on learning tools help students develop and demonstrate understanding."

May suit a kid who does well with one small new step each day and a steady mix of old problems to keep things fresh.

Saxon Math on HMH's site: HMH's own program page explains the incremental method and cumulative review. It is for parents who want the method in the publisher's words before choosing. Read HMH's Saxon Math program page (opens in a new tab)

How Math-U-See teaches, per Demme Learning

Demme says plainly: "The Math-U-See Curriculum is skills-based."

Manipulatives are at the center: "Math-U-See integrates manipulatives to enable students to develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts."

Review runs across levels: "Each level continuously reviews and integrates topics and concepts presented in previous levels to prepare a solid foundation."

A student is ready for the next lesson "only after demonstrating mastery of the new concept," per Demme's how-to-use guide for its Delta level.

Demme says its Sets, for levels Primer through PreCalculus, include online video instruction. Its Alpha Set page lists that access as a 1-year subscription. An instruction manual bought on its own does not include the videos.

May suit a kid who likes to build a problem with blocks before writing it down, and who does well staying on one idea until it is solid.

Math-U-See on Demme's site: Demme's product page explains its manipulative-based, skills-based approach. It is for parents who want the method in the publisher's words before choosing. Read the Math-U-See curriculum page (opens in a new tab)

One small note on prices

We did not find prices for matching levels from both publishers, so we left prices off rather than compare a pencil to a pencil case.