Placement guide, math
Which level of ShillerMath should my child start?
How ShillerMath levels line up with school grades, how its placement test works, what to do if your child lands between two levels, and the mistakes parents most often make.
The short answer. Book numbers are not grades. Three books cover Pre-K to grade 3 and three books cover grades 4 to 8, so each book spans more than one grade. The publisher also says to start every child at the first test of Book 1, whatever the age, rather than at the book that matches the grade.
Use the publisher's own placement tool to choose the level (paid, PDF). If you are not sure where your child really is, or the result surprises you, check the level first: it is quicker than a wrong book.
ShillerMath levels and the grades they usually suit
| Level | Usually suits grade | Main topics |
|---|---|---|
| Math Kit I (Lesson Books 1, 2 and 3) | PreK-3 | Montessori-based, scripted lessons with manipulatives, songs and worksheets covering Pre-K through grade 3 concepts. Book 1 already includes ideas such as Roman numerals and probability. |
| Fractions Kit | Not given by the publisher | From a basic introduction to fractions through the fractions used in pre-algebra. A reviewer notes it is usually started alongside Lesson Book 2. |
| Math Kit II (Lesson Books 4, 5 and 6) | 4-8 | Grade 4 through pre-algebra, typically ages 9 to 13, with fraction chips and geometric models. Meant to prepare for algebra and high school geometry. Book 4 already reaches negative numbers, inequalities and absolute value. |
Grades are the publisher's own guide. Many children sit a level above or below, especially after switching programs.
How ShillerMath placement works
- Downloadable diagnostic packs: Math Kit I (12 tests, four for each of Books 1 to 3), Math Kit II (12 tests, four for each of Books 4 to 6) and Fractions (4 tests, ages 5 to 13), each with prescriptive answer keys.
- The publisher recommends starting every student up to age 15 at the first test of Book 1, introduced as 'This should be really easy for you'.
- If every answer is right, move to the next test.
- If a question is missed, the key lists the lessons that teach that concept, and the child does those lessons before the next test (unless the tests are only being used to choose a kit before buying).
- Stop when the child misses most questions on a test.
- That point is where the child starts in the lesson book.
Open the publisher's placement page
If your child lands between two levels
Gaps found by a test are filled straight away with the listed lessons before moving on. For a child already in the program, the publisher says to skip ahead to the first review test and, if even one answer is wrong, complete the lessons listed next to it. A reviewer notes that children in grade 4 and above may need Kit I lessons for missing concepts before Kit II.
Problems parents often run into
- A published review notes the scope and sequence is unusual, which makes moving to another program hard without rearranging topics.
- The same review notes some children need more written practice and computation drill than the kits provide, and that mental math is very hard without basic computation skills.
- Kit II needs household items that are not in the box, and the Basic and Digital kits leave out manipulatives the family must supply.
Point of Progress in 20 seconds
Ready to see where your child stands?
See where they stand →Switching to ShillerMath from another program
- The publisher says its diagnostic tests are designed for families switching from another curriculum and place a child regardless of age or grade.
- The diagnostic packs are included in the matching kits, and the publisher refunds a separately bought pack when a kit is bought within 30 days.
- One kit serves all children in a family. Consumable worksheets are free downloads.
When you don't need a whole level
A placement test answers one question: which book. If your child is mostly on track but shaky in one area, say fractions or paragraph writing, a full lower level means months of review they do not need. Practising just the gaps is faster, and keeps them in the book that fits the rest of their skills.
Questions parents ask
How long is a ShillerMath lesson?
Most families spend 20 to 45 minutes per session, child-paced.
Is it bad if my child places below their grade?
No. Programs pace topics differently, so a lower level often reflects the order things were taught, not how able a child is. What matters is starting where the work makes sense.
Do I need a placement test at all?
If you are switching programs or your child has had a hard year, yes. Starting too high is the most common reason a new curriculum stalls in the first month.
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Sources
- shillerlearning.com/collections/diagnostic-tests
- shillerlearning.com/products/math-kit-1-diagnostic-tests-and-answer-ke
- shillerlearning.com/products/math-kit-2-diagnostic-tests-and-answer-ke
- shillerlearning.com/products/math-kit-i-pre-k-through-grade
- shillerlearning.com/products/math-kit-ii-4th-grade-through-pre-algebra
- shillerlearning.com/pages/faqs
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.