DIVE Math (Digital Interactive Video Education) is a video-based homeschool math program created by Dr. David Shormann that provides comprehensive video lessons for Saxon Math textbooks, plus standalone Shormann Math courses.
What is DIVE Math?
DIVE Math fills a critical gap in Saxon Math instruction. Saxon textbooks were originally designed as student summaries after in-class teaching, which leaves homeschool parents to provide that missing classroom instruction themselves. Dr. David Shormann's DIVE into Math video lessons solve this problem by teaching every Saxon lesson on a digital whiteboard. Beyond Saxon support, Shormann has also developed his own complete math curriculum (Shormann Math) that builds on Saxon's methodology while addressing modern standardized test content. Both programs integrate a Christian worldview throughout the instruction.
Key Takeaways
- Provides video instruction for Saxon Math 5/4 through Calculus
- Shormann Math offers standalone courses from Pre-Algebra through AP Calculus
- Self-paced streaming or downloadable video access
- Taught by Dr. David Shormann with 25+ years of math teaching experience
- Includes automated grading and Q&A support in the eLearning courses
DIVE for Saxon Math
If you already own or plan to use Saxon Math textbooks, DIVE provides the video instruction component. Dr. Shormann teaches each lesson and investigation from the Saxon textbook on a digital whiteboard, explaining concepts step-by-step. Videos can be paused, rewound, and reviewed as needed. This makes Saxon accessible to families who love the curriculum but struggle with teaching the material themselves. Available via streaming or download, DIVE covers Math 5/4 (typically 4th grade) through Saxon Calculus.
Shormann Math Courses
Shormann Math is Dr. Shormann's own eLearning curriculum, developed because Saxon's publisher hasn't updated the curriculum to cover redesigned PSAT/SAT content (John Saxon passed away in 1996). These self-paced courses include daily video lectures, interactive homework with automated grading, video solutions for every problem, and daily Q&A email support. Courses cover Pre-Algebra through AP Calculus AB and BC. Students can potentially earn up to 14 college credits through Algebra 2 and Calculus completion.
Which Option to Choose
Choose DIVE for Saxon if you already have Saxon textbooks or specifically want to use Saxon's spiral approach with video support. Choose Shormann Math if you want a complete, modern curriculum with built-in grading and support, or if standardized test preparation is a priority. Shormann Math explicitly covers every concept on PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLEP, and AP exams by the end of Algebra 2. Both programs work well for students who learn better from video instruction than reading textbooks alone.
The Bottom Line
DIVE Math makes Saxon Math accessible to homeschool families who want the curriculum but not the teaching burden. For families seeking a more modern, test-prep-focused alternative, Shormann Math provides a complete solution with interactive features and support. Both programs reflect Dr. Shormann's belief that students can achieve higher math levels earlier when instruction is clear and efficient. If your student has struggled with math or you feel unequipped to teach upper-level concepts, video instruction might be the missing piece.
