Teaching Textbooks Math vs UnLock Math

The sharpest difference is faith content: Teaching Textbooks Math is Light, UnLock Math is None. Two others separate them as well.

At a glance

Teaching Textbooks Math

Grades 3-12

Owners report it suits

Independent workers

UnLock Math

Grades 6-12

Owners report it suits

Struggling learnersReluctant learners2e

Both are reported to suit Math-anxious parents.

Skip to who fits

Where they differ

Attribute Teaching Textbooks Math UnLock Math
Screen time
?

How much daily work is on a device. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1fully offline
  2. 2mostly offline
  3. 3blended
  4. 4mostly digital
  5. 5fully digital
Read the screen time guide
Faith content Light None
Approach Spiral Blended
Best for Tags show where owners consistently report a good fit. They are not exclusions. Independent workersMath-anxious parents Struggling learnersMath-anxious parentsReluctant learners2e
Method Video-led/self-pacedAdaptive online TraditionalVideo-led/self-paced
Grades 3-12 6-12

Solid tags are unique to that program. Muted tags are carried by both.

Where they match

How each one plays by grade

Teaching Textbooks Math

Grades 3-12

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 Teaching Textbooks Math UnLock Math
Price $50-200/yr $29.90/mo or $299/yr
Consumable No No
Per child / year ~$50-70 ~$299/yr

Where to buy

What parents report

Teaching Textbooks Math

Consistently praised

  • Self-grading saves parent time
  • Kids can work independently
  • Clear video lessons
  • Low prep

Reported as challenges

  • Considered light/below grade by some
  • Fewer challenging word problems
  • Subscription cost recurs yearly

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 Teaching Textbooks Math fits

Independent, screen-comfortable learners whose parents want to step back, and parents who aren't confident in the math themselves. Families who want a parent at the table, paper on the desk, or an accelerated track should keep looking.

Read the full Teaching Textbooks Math entry Check price Teaching Textbooks

Who 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 Math

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Still deciding?

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.