Teaching Textbooks is a computer-based math curriculum made for homeschoolers. It covers grades 3 through Pre-Calculus with animated lessons, practice problems, and automatic grading, allowing students to learn independently.
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 Teaching Textbooks?
Teaching Textbooks is a math curriculum designed for homeschoolers. Founded in 2004 by brothers Greg and Shawn Sabouri, it covers grades 3 to Pre-Calculus. The program uses animated video lessons, interactive problems, and automatic grading. What's great is that students can learn on their own with little help from parents. Many parents say it’s super simple to set up and manage.
Key features
The program offers animated video lessons that guide students step by step. Every problem is read out loud, so parents don’t have to explain instructions. If students struggle, they get hints before the full solution. An online gradebook keeps track of completed lessons and tests, giving parents insights without needing daily check-ins. Fun features like collectible stickers and review games every five lessons keep kids motivated.
Why homeschoolers choose it
Many parents love Teaching Textbooks because it takes the math teaching off their plate. If they’re not confident in math or just busy, they can let their kids handle it. One parent shared they spent less than four hours helping with math in four years! Kids who used to avoid math now ask to do their lessons. Plus, automatic grading takes away a lot of record-keeping stress.
Considerations before choosing
Teaching Textbooks starts at grade 3, so families with younger kids will need a different math program. It uses a spiral approach with less intensive reviews than some other programs. Some users feel it covers topics more broadly instead of deeply, which might not work for kids with big gaps in math. The program lasts 12 months, plus an extra 3 months of pause time. You can try 15 lessons for free, no payment info needed.
The bottom line
Teaching Textbooks is popular among homeschoolers because it solves a real issue: parents struggling with teaching math. Its self-teaching style, automated grading, and fun lessons make it a great option for many families. It might not fit everyone—those needing rigorous drills or deep dives may want to look elsewhere. But for a solid, independent math education, it works well without relying on parent math skills.
