Choosing a curriculum
The best math curricula for an advanced or gifted child
An advanced child needs harder problems, not just faster pages. These programs lean on reasoning and problem solving. Most expect a child to start a level below their grade, so knowing their real level matters more than usual.
The short answer. 6 programs fit, listed alphabetically, not ranked. The best one is the one that fits your child's level and the way they learn, so find out where they are before you buy.
At a glance
| Curriculum | Grades | Style | Parent time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art of Problem Solving Introduction series (Prealgebra and up) | 6 to 10 | Problem solving, Mastery | Some | Low cost |
| Beast Academy (books and online) | 1 to 5 | Mastery, Problem solving | Some | Low cost |
| Dimensions Math | Pre-K to 8 | Mastery, Singapore style | Plenty | Mid price |
| Life of Fred | K to 12 | Literature based, Problem solving | Little | Low cost |
| Primary Mathematics (2022 Edition, also U.S. and Standards Editions) | 1 to 5 | Mastery, Singapore style | Some | Mid price |
| Thinkwell Homeschool Math | 6 to 12 | Video lessons | Little | Mid price |
The programs, one by one
Art of Problem Solving Introduction series (Prealgebra and up)
Art of Problem Solving · Math · grades 6 to 10 · Secular · parent time: Some
Teaching style: Problem solving, Mastery. Often chosen for: advanced children.
- Discovery-first problems for math-loving kids
- Natural next step after Beast Academy
- Deep preparation for competitions
- Too hard and too wordy for average learners
- Parent may need strong math to help
Beast Academy (books and online)
Art of Problem Solving · Math · grades 1 to 5 · Secular · parent time: Some
Teaching style: Mastery, Problem solving, Games. Often chosen for: advanced children, visual learners.
- Comic-book guides make hard ideas fun
- Builds persistence on genuinely hard puzzles
- Online version grades itself
- Too steep for kids who dislike struggle
- Covers fewer years than full K-8 programs
Dimensions Math
Singapore Math Inc. · Math · grades Pre-K to 8 · Secular · parent time: Plenty
Teaching style: Mastery, Singapore style, Problem solving. Often chosen for: advanced children, visual learners.
- Strong number sense through bar models
- Teacher guides walk the parent through each concept
- Rigorous word problems
- Needs active parent teaching in the early grades
- Students switching in often need to drop a level
Life of Fred
Polka Dot Publishing (Stanley F. Schmidt) · Math · grades K to 12 · Neutral, faith-friendly · parent time: Little
Teaching style: Literature based, Problem solving. Often chosen for: advanced children, independent workers, math anxiety.
- Funny story keeps reluctant kids reading
- Shows why math matters
- Cheap and low-prep
- Too little practice to stand alone for most kids
- Quirky style does not suit everyone
Primary Mathematics (2022 Edition, also U.S. and Standards Editions)
Singapore Math Inc. · Math · grades 1 to 5 · Secular · parent time: Some
Teaching style: Mastery, Singapore style. Often chosen for: advanced children, visual learners.
- Lean, focused pages
- Classic Singapore sequence many parents already know
- Lower prep than most mastery programs
- Several editions in circulation, easy to buy mismatched books
- Thin on review practice without supplements
Thinkwell Homeschool Math
Thinkwell · Math · grades 6 to 12 · Secular · parent time: Little
Teaching style: Video lessons. Often chosen for: independent workers, advanced children.
- Engaging lecture videos
- Auto-graded work
- Honors tracks for strong students
- Lecture style suits older or self-motivated kids
- Less practice than textbook programs
Point of Progress in 20 seconds
Ready to see where your child stands?
See where they stand →Narrow it down for your child
The curriculum finder matches all 45 programs to your child's grade, needs and learning style, your faith and budget, and shows what your state asks of homeschoolers.
Questions parents ask
Which is the best math for an advanced child?
There is no single best. The right program depends on your child's level, how they learn and how much time you have to teach. Start from where your child really is: a program that fits their level beats a better program at the wrong one.
How do I know which level to buy?
Use the publisher's placement test where there is one. If you are not sure where your child stands, an independent adaptive test such as Point of Progress (grades 3 to 10, about forty minutes at home) shows their level and the exact skills that need work before you choose.
Are these programs ranked?
No. They are listed alphabetically. No publisher pays to be listed and there are no affiliate links.
Keep reading
Curriculum finder
Match math and reading programs to your child, your faith and your state.
Best secular math curricula
Every secular math program for grades 3 to 10, compared.
Best Christian math curricula
Christian and Catholic math programs, grades 3 to 10.
Free curricula worth using
Free math and reading programs, and what free leaves out.
Short lessons for busy minds
Programs with short lessons, games and quick wins.
Know where they stand before you buy the book.
About forty minutes at home, math and reading & writing, grades 3 to 10. The report is ready as soon as the test finishes.
Test your child, $9.99 →or with the ten-week workbook, $19.99This page is Point of Progress's own research, compiled in November 2026 from publishers' websites, placement materials and parent reviews. Publishers update their products, levels, placement tests and prices from time to time, so please verify all information with the provider before you buy. Point of Progress is independent and is not affiliated with any publisher named here.