Right Start Math
Our top choice for learning math at home using a mastery-based approach (for PreK-12th grades)
This year we sifted through tens of thousands of reviews from families who’ve tried various math programs to support children learning at home. Our teachers reviewed the most recommended programs for accuracy and pedagogical approach and then tested our favorites with our own students at Modulo and Mastery Hour.
With its hands-on materials to appeal to different learning styles, mastery-based approach and easy-to-follow parent/caregiver instructions, Right Start Math is our favorite rigorous, but fun, math program to enrich or replace math learning at school. Right Start Math was developed by Joan Cotter, a former Montessori teacher with a P.H.D. in mathematics education. She originally developed Right Start Math for her own children, creating games to help them make math more engaging for them. Families appreciate the multi-sensory approach to math. Since Right Start has both visual and hands-on components, it appeals to a wide variety of learning styles. Families with gifted children appreciate the mastery-based approach, allowing their children to move ahead as fast as possible. Families with children on the spectrum and with ADHD have found that this program is able to engage their children much better than most, due to its hands-on approach.
Some things to know about Right Start: The main critiques of Right Start are that it is expensive. Families can expect to spend $309 the first year and then an additional $90-100 every subsequent year or level. (The complete set of materials for all levels costs $209 and the textbooks for each individual level costs $90-100). E-books are an additional $10. However, families looking to save money may easily find used curriculum on ebay or facebook parenting groups. A teacher or caregiver is required to give the lessons, but they do not have to have any prior teaching experience of specific knowledge of math as the lessons are easy to follow. If there is no one to give classes to the child, online classes can be purchased for an additional fee.
The website can also be a little complex to navigate since there are different kits available for each level - as well as the option to purchase materials individually. Right Starts includes a placement test to help parents determine the right level for their child, but we’ve also provided recommendations below that correlate approximately with grade level.
Details
Grades: PreK-12th
Teaching Time: 1 hour a day
Teacher Prep Time: None
Screen-free: No screens, but video option and apps are available.
Academic Readiness: Aligned with state standards for math
Special needs: Gifted and talented, Autism, ADHD
Parent/teacher involvement: 1 hour a day (but online classes are available.
Cost: $309 for year 1 and $90-100 for each subsequent year.
What to purchase
Right Start has levels, rather than grades. They suggest each student take a placement test to determine the best level for them. We’ve provided approximate equivalents for each grade, we also recommend you take a placement test here
Materials:
Materials for every level (you only need to purchase this once)
Levels
Level A (Approximately kindergarten/1st grade)
High School (Algebra through Calculus)
Note that high school has three different programs, Video Text, which is a good choice for self-directed, visual learners who love youtube and learning through videos, Art of Problem Solving which is a great option for independent students who prefer more of an interactive approach. They start with the problems, encouraging students to figure it out on their own and then provide step-by-step solutions with pictures. These can be done independently without a teacher. Finally, Jacob’s includes Geometry and Algebra only, includes a teacher script and requires support from a teacher/caregiver.
