RightStart Math is a math curriculum for grades K-8 created by Dr. Joan Cotter. It focuses on visual learning and mental math using tools like the AL Abacus.
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 rightstart math?
RightStart Math is a full math curriculum for elementary and middle school. Dr. Joan Cotter, a math educator with a Ph.D., created it to help kids visualize numbers instead of just counting. The program uses the AL Abacus, designed to group numbers in fives and tens. Since 1998, BetterSchool has published it, and it has won Practical Homeschooling's Best Elementary Math award for twelve years. It covers kindergarten through 8th grade with levels A to H, letting kids learn at their own pace.
The rightstart approach
RightStart Math takes a different route than most programs. Kids learn to see numbers in groups of five and ten, which helps them develop quick math skills. The AL Abacus gives a hands-on way to grasp place value, operations, and fractions. Instead of worksheets, kids play games to practice, making learning fun. The lessons are scripted, with notes about common mistakes, so parents can teach without much prep. This method works well for kids who struggle with memorization or prefer active learning.
Honest assessment
Families who stick to RightStart Math see great results. Kids build strong number sense and mental math skills. The scripted lessons are great for parents who aren’t confident in math. However, it does need 20-60 minutes of one-on-one teaching each day. This can be tough for families with kids at different levels or those wanting some independent work time. The many tools require storage space and aren’t easy to move around. Some kids might find the games less exciting than parents expect, and the spiral learning can frustrate those who want to master one topic before moving on.
The bottom line
RightStart Math is excellent for building understanding and mental math skills through hands-on learning. The investment in tools pays off over time, and the scripted lessons make it easier to teach. Families with one child who learns best through hands-on activities and a parent who can teach daily will find it very effective. But if you have multiple kids, want them to work independently, or prefer workbook-style practice, you might want to look at other options. Many families start with RightStart for early levels (A-C) and switch to other curriculums for upper elementary.
