Art of Problem Solving vs Dimensions Math (Singapore Math)
The sharpest difference is parent involvement: Art of Problem Solving is light, Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) is leading. Four more separate them, so this is not a close pairing.
At a glance
Art of Problem Solving
Grades 5-12
Owners report it suits
Independent workersDimensions Math (Singapore Math)
Grades PreK-8
Both are reported to suit Advanced/gifted.
Skip to who fitsWhere they differ
| Attribute | Art of Problem Solving | Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) |
|---|---|---|
Rigor
?How demanding the material is versus grade level. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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Parent involvement
?How much the parent is present and teaching. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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Prep load
?How much the parent prepares before a lesson. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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Screen time
?How much daily work is on a device. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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Independence
?How much the child can do alone. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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| Best for Tags show where owners consistently report a good fit. They are not exclusions. | Advanced/giftedIndependent workers | Advanced/gifted |
| Method | EclecticProblem-solving/Socratic | Concrete-Pictorial-AbstractProblem-solving/Socratic |
| Grades | 5-12 | PreK-8 |
Solid tags are unique to that program. Muted tags are carried by both.
Where they match
- Time commitmentboth 40 to 60 min
- Faith contentboth None
- Approachboth Mastery
- Formatboth Textbook
- Used asboth Spine
How each one plays by grade
Art of Problem Solving runs 4 grades further than Dimensions Math (Singapore Math). If you want one program to carry the subject for the long haul, plan on leaving Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) around grade 8 and choosing again.
Art of Problem Solving
Grades 5-12
Capable 5th and 6th graders often start with Prealgebra. The live online classes move very fast, with Algebra 1 packed into roughly 16 weeks, while the textbooks are self-paced.
Dimensions Math (Singapore Math)
Grades PreK-8
Parent-taught in PK-2 with the heaviest prep of the line, semi-independent by grades 4 and 5, and expected to be independent from grade 6 on. Homeschool parent support thins at grade 6 and again at 7 and 8, so plan an exit or a tutor there.
Cost
| Cost item | Art of Problem Solving | Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25-85/subject, classes extra | $123-190/grade set |
| Consumable | No | Partial |
| Per child / year | ~$60-85/course, more with live classes | ~$150 |
What parents report
Art of Problem Solving
Consistently praised
- Builds deep conceptual understanding
- Teaches real problem solving, not just procedures
- The videos are engaging and clear
- Free Alcumus is excellent adaptive practice
- Strong prep for competitions and top STEM tracks
Reported as challenges
- It is hard, and kids get overwhelmed fast
- Quick pace with little hand-holding
- Jumps to tough problems before many worked examples
- Wrong fit for a kid at grade level
Dimensions Math (Singapore Math)
Consistently praised
- Word problems are the standout
- Bar models make the reasoning visible
- Colorful textbooks kids do not dread
- Tiered exercises let you skip or stretch
- Kids land well in later math
Reported as challenges
- Little built-in review once a topic is covered
- Thin on drill and math facts
- Parents have to relearn the methods first
- Placement and edition confusion is constant
Who Art of Problem Solving fits
Mathematically strong, self-driven kids who enjoy struggling with a problem and want depth well past grade level. Kids working at grade level, kids who need worked examples first, and kids who get frustrated without direct teaching will have a hard time.
Read the full Art of Problem Solving entry Check price Art of Problem SolvingWho Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) fits
Fits curious, visual kids who like to reason their way into a concept, taught by a parent who can give real one-on-one time daily. Kids who need the procedure spelled out first, families wanting heavy spiral review, and parents after something quick or independent should pass.
Read the full Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) entry Check price Singapore Math Inc.Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes how a curriculum is described or scored.
Still deciding?
Art of Problem Solving compared with
Dimensions Math (Singapore Math) compared with
Descriptions aggregate what homeschool parents consistently report across public community sources together with each publisher's own materials. Prices and editions change over time. Both entries last reviewed August 2026.