Foerster Math

Math Without Borders Grades 8-12 Updated July 2026

Who it fits

A motivated, college-bound or STEM-minded student who wants depth and doesn't mind a challenge, with the Math Without Borders videos doing the teaching. A struggling or reluctant student, or a family wanting an all-in-one graded package, should keep looking.

How it scores

Rigor
?

How demanding the material is versus grade level. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1gentle, below grade
  2. 2relaxed
  3. 3on grade
  4. 4demanding
  5. 5advanced
Read the rigor guide
Parent involvement
?

How much the parent is present and teaching. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1hands-off
  2. 2light
  3. 3shared
  4. 4leading
  5. 5parent-taught
Read the parent involvement guide
Prep load
?

How much the parent prepares before a lesson. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1open-and-go
  2. 2minimal
  3. 3moderate
  4. 4involved
  5. 5heavy
Read the prep load guide
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
Independence
?

How much the child can do alone. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1adult-led
  2. 2guided
  3. 3semi-independent
  4. 4mostly independent
  5. 5fully independent
Read the independence guide
Time commitment
?

How long a daily lesson takes the child. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1under 15 min
  2. 215 to 25 min
  3. 325 to 40 min
  4. 440 to 60 min
  5. 560+ min
Read the time commitment guide

At a glance

Faith content None
Approach Mastery
Format Textbook The graded core is Paul Foersters textbook, bought separately. David Chandlers whiteboard video lessons plus worked video solutions supply the teaching and make the text usable at home. A scientific calculator and, for some courses, a spreadsheet are used.
Used as Spine
Philosophy ClassicalTraditional Traditional textbookProblem-solving/Socratic
Best for Advanced/giftedIndependent workers

What parents consistently praise

  • The textbook reads like a real author wrote it
  • Word problems make kids stop and think
  • Chandlers videos teach the lesson, not just the answers
  • Strong prep for college math and the SAT
  • One of the clearest, deepest algebra texts around

What parents report as challenges

  • You buy the out-of-print textbook separately
  • The pace and depth can overwhelm an average student
  • No auto-grading, so a parent still checks work
  • The unusual topic order surprises some families

How it shifts by grade

Algebra 1 in 8th or 9th for a strong student, feeding into Foerster Algebra 2 with Trigonometry and Precalculus. The separate Geometry companion pairs with a discovery-heavy text some owners found harder.

Additional notes

The Foerster text is sold separately, used or via Veritas Press, and the Math Without Borders companion is what makes it workable for a homeschooling parent. Math Mammoths Maria Miller strongly recommends this pairing.

Cost

Price~$150-190/course (text + video)
ConsumableNo
Per child / year~$150-190 first child, far less after
Check price Math Without Borders

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Compare head to head

Descriptions aggregate what homeschool parents consistently report across public community sources (forums, Facebook groups, Reddit, and long-form reviews) together with the publisher's own materials. Prices and editions change over time.

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