Denison Algebra is a video-based homeschool math curriculum created by David Denison specifically for students who struggle with math, offering patient instruction designed to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
What is Denison Algebra?
Denison Algebra is a "brain-friendly" math curriculum designed specifically for students who find math difficult or have had negative math experiences. Created by David Denison, a veteran teacher with over 20 years of secondary math instruction, the program at denisonalgebra.com provides video lessons alongside physical textbooks. Rather than assuming students will figure things out with enough practice problems, Denison takes a patient, confidence-building approach that explains why each step works. The curriculum exists because Denison saw too many capable students convinced they "just aren't math people."
Key Takeaways
- Designed for average to struggling math students, not advanced learners
- Video lessons run 15-20 minutes for standard courses, 10-15 for Success courses
- Includes complete solutions manual with worked solutions for every problem
- Uses mastery approach rather than spiral review
- Success courses available for students with learning differences
Available Courses
Denison offers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry. Each standard course runs approximately 140 days. For students with learning challenges like ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or autism, Success versions of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 cover about 70% of the standard material at a slower pace with more review. Success course videos run 10-15 minutes rather than 15-20, breaking content into smaller pieces.
What's Included
Course packages include online video instruction, a consumable spiral-bound textbook, complete solutions manual showing every homework and test problem worked out, online video solutions, test booklet with two versions of each test (allowing second chances), parent guide, and downloadable pacing guide. The dual-test approach is notable: if a student struggles on Test A, they can review and take Test B on the same chapter. Components cannot be purchased separately.
Teaching Approach
Denison's teaching style emphasizes calm, patient explanation. Videos show Mr. Denison writing on textbook pages while explaining concepts step-by-step, focusing on why procedures work rather than just how to execute them. Students take notes directly in their textbook while watching. The mastery-based approach means completing each concept before moving forward, unlike spiral curricula that continuously revisit material. Homework loads are intentionally moderate, avoiding the overwhelming problem sets that can discourage struggling students.
Who This Works For
Denison Algebra fits students who find math difficult, have experienced math anxiety, or need more explanation than typical curricula provide. It's not designed for advanced or gifted math students, nor for students planning math-intensive college majors who need rigorous preparation. Families report success with students who'd given up on math entirely or constantly struggled with other programs. The confidence-building approach helps students believe they can learn math, which often matters more than curriculum choice alone.
The Bottom Line
Denison Algebra fills an important niche: solid college-prep math for students who struggle. Rather than assuming all students learn the same way, Denison built a program around what anxious or frustrated math students actually need: patient explanation, moderate practice loads, and second chances on tests. If your student has bounced between math curricula without success or simply believes they're "not a math person," Denison's approach might break through where others haven't.
