Horizons Math is a homeschool math curriculum by Alpha Omega Publications. It uses a spiral approach to teach math concepts gradually from Kindergarten to Pre-Algebra, with a strong focus on elementary grades.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is Horizons Math?
Horizons Math is a popular math program for homeschoolers, created by Alpha Omega Publications. It uses a spiral method, where math concepts are introduced slowly and revisited throughout the year. This curriculum goes from Kindergarten all the way to Pre-Algebra (8th grade), but it really shines in grades K-6. Each level has colorful workbooks for students, detailed teacher guides, and it needs extra hands-on materials for a fun learning experience.
The spiral approach
Horizons Math does things a bit differently. Instead of sticking to one topic until it's mastered, it introduces new ideas gradually over several lessons. After teaching a new skill, it gets reviewed for 3-5 lessons and then comes back for more practice later on. About 40-50% of each lesson is review. This is great for kids who learn best with regular repetition, but it might frustrate those who like to dive deep into one topic at a time.
What's included
Each grade level comes with two colorful student workbooks, giving you a total of 160 lessons for the year. The Teacher's Handbook has daily lesson plans, answer keys, 16 unit tests, 4 quarterly exams, a final exam, and worksheets you can copy. The curriculum is often ahead of the curve, covering standards 6-12 months earlier than usual. Just keep in mind, you'll need to buy manipulatives like counters and flashcards separately, which can cost between $100-200.
Best fit families
Horizons Math is great for families looking for a structured and traditional math program that includes a lot of review. The colorful workbooks really appeal to visual learners. Parents who enjoy guiding daily lessons will like the teacher-led format. It's also a good choice for Christian homeschool families wanting a non-Common Core option from a faith-based publisher. However, it may not be the best fit for students who prefer to master one topic at a time or families looking for low-prep options.
The bottom line
Horizons Math provides solid, traditional math instruction through its spiral approach, helping kids remember what they've learned through regular review. The colorful workbooks and thorough teacher materials make it easy to use. At $120 per grade (plus manipulatives), it's a fair price for a full year's curriculum. It works well in elementary grades, but you’ll need to switch to a different program for high school. Families should consider if this spiral method fits their child's learning style before deciding.
