Mr. D Math vs UnLock Math
The sharpest difference is approach: Mr. D Math is Mastery, UnLock Math is Blended. Two others separate them as well.
At a glance
Mr. D Math
Grades 6-12
Owners report it suits
Independent workersUnLock Math
Grades 6-12
Owners report it suits
2eBoth are reported to suit Struggling learners, Reluctant learners and Math-anxious parents.
Skip to who fitsWhere they differ
| Attribute | Mr. D Math | UnLock Math |
|---|---|---|
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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| Approach | Mastery | Blended |
| Best for Tags show where owners consistently report a good fit. They are not exclusions. | Struggling learnersReluctant learnersIndependent workersMath-anxious parents | Struggling learnersMath-anxious parentsReluctant learners2e |
| Grades | 6-12 | 6-12 |
Solid tags are unique to that program. Muted tags are carried by both.
Where they match
- Rigorboth on grade
- Parent involvementboth hands-off
- Prep loadboth open-and-go
- Time commitmentboth 25 to 40 min
- Faith contentboth None
- Formatboth Online
- Used asboth Spine
- Methodboth Traditional, Video-led/self-paced
How each one plays by grade
Mr. D Math
Grades 6-12
Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 draw the most owner reports and land gentle to standard. Families wanting more push tend to move up a level or switch by Algebra 2.
UnLock Math
Grades 6-12
Foundations targets kids with arithmetic gaps who need to catch up. Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 draw the most enthusiasm for reversing math dread. Pre-Calculus is the advanced ceiling.
Cost
| Cost item | Mr. D Math | UnLock Math |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$247 self-paced, ~$450 live | $29.90/mo or $299/yr |
| Consumable | No | No |
| Per child / year | ~$247 self-paced, ~$450 live | ~$299/yr |
What parents report
Mr. D Math
Consistently praised
- Kids warm up to math and gain confidence
- Clear explanations in plain language
- Live class keeps teens engaged and accountable
- Format and pricing are easy to live with
- Free extra-help sessions and quick email answers
Reported as challenges
- Not rigorous enough for a STEM-bound student
- Self-paced track lets unmotivated kids drag a course out
- Some kids lose focus during long videos
- Computer grading hides whether a student really got it
UnLock Math
Consistently praised
- Ends the math tears and turns attitudes around
- Kids work it independently, freeing the parent
- Instant feedback and rework-until-right build confidence
- One problem at a time reduces overwhelm
- Constant review keeps skills sharp
Reported as challenges
- Pricier than several online options, and recurring
- No live class or human teacher, just chat
- Auto-grading and drawing tools have a learning curve
- Some advanced kids find it less rigorous
Who Mr. D Math fits
Average or math-averse teens who need confidence and a teacher who isn't mom or dad, especially in families who want the accountability of a live class. Advanced or STEM-track students who want deep rigor should look at Derek Owens or an Art of Problem Solving path.
Read the full Mr. D Math entry Check price Mr. D MathWho UnLock Math fits
Fits neurodivergent, math-anxious, or previously frustrated students, and parents who don't want to teach or grade math at all. Families chasing top-tier rigor for a STEM kid, or wanting a live instructor, will do better with Derek Owens or a live class.
Read the full UnLock Math entry Check price UnLock MathSome 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?
Mr. D Math compared with
UnLock 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 July 2026.