Teaching Textbooks is an award-winning, self-paced math curriculum for grades 3-12 that uses video instruction and automated grading, requiring minimal parental involvement while preparing students for college-level mathematics.
What is Teaching Textbooks?
[Teaching Textbooks](https://www.teachingtextbooks.com/) is a computer-based math curriculum designed specifically for homeschoolers, founded in 2004 by brothers Greg and Shawn Sabouri. The program covers grades 3 through Pre-Calculus using animated video lessons, interactive practice problems, and automatic grading. What sets it apart is that students can learn independently with minimal parent involvement—the curriculum handles both teaching and assessment. Parents often describe it as "beyond open and go" because setup is minimal and ongoing oversight is straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Covers grades 3-12 including Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus
- Self-teaching design with video instruction means parents don't need to teach math
- Automatic grading with instant feedback and comprehensive online gradebook
- Includes free tutor support at no extra charge if students get stuck
- Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android with offline capability
Grade Levels and Pricing
Key Features
Teaching Textbooks includes animated video lessons that walk students through concepts step by step. Every problem is read aloud, eliminating the need for parents to narrate instructions. When students struggle, the program offers just-in-time hints before providing full solutions. The online gradebook tracks all completed lessons and tests, giving parents visibility without requiring daily involvement. Engagement features like collectible stickers, bonus rounds, and customizable student profiles help maintain motivation. The program also includes review games every five lessons to reinforce math facts.
Why Homeschoolers Choose It
The primary appeal is liberation from math instruction. Parents who aren't confident teaching math—or who simply don't have time—can hand off the subject entirely. One parent reported spending less than four hours helping with math over four years of use. Children who previously dreaded math often ask to do their lessons, a transformation many parents find remarkable. The automatic grading eliminates a significant record-keeping burden. For families juggling multiple children or busy schedules, Teaching Textbooks removes math as a daily stress point while still maintaining academic standards through Pre-Calculus.
Considerations Before Choosing
Teaching Textbooks starts at grade 3, so families with younger children need a separate early math curriculum. The program uses a spiral approach with less intensive review than programs like Saxon or Abeka. Some reviewers note it covers topics broadly rather than deeply—fine for most students, but those with significant math gaps may need supplementation. The 12-month access window (plus 3 months of pause time) means you'll renew annually rather than owning materials outright. A free 15-lesson trial is available for any grade level with no payment information required.
The Bottom Line
Teaching Textbooks has earned its popularity in the homeschool community by solving a genuine problem: parents who struggle with math instruction or lack time for it. The self-teaching format, automated grading, and engaging presentation make it a practical choice for many families. It won't suit everyone—families wanting rigorous drill or deep conceptual exploration might look elsewhere—but for a solid, independent math education that doesn't depend on parental math expertise, it delivers.
