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The Saxon Advanced Math Home Study Kit serves as the crucial bridge between high school algebra and college-level mathematics, specifically designed to prepare your homeschool student for success in calculus, chemistry, physics, and advanced social sciences. This comprehensive pre-calculus course follows Saxon’s renowned incremental teaching methodology, which introduces mathematical concepts in small, manageable steps while continuously reviewing previously learned material to ensure long-term retention.
This kit includes 125 carefully sequenced lessons that provide in-depth coverage of trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, and upper-level algebraic concepts. Students will master essential topics including permutations, combinations, trigonometric and inverse functions, conic sections, matrices and determinants, binomial theorem, rational roots, and Euclidean geometry. The curriculum also introduces students to functions, statistics, and graphing calculator applications, preparing them for the technological demands of modern mathematics.
For homeschooling families, this course offers exceptional flexibility in pacing. Many experienced homeschoolers find that Saxon Advanced Mathematics can take students two or even three hours per assignment at times, and often requires more than a traditional school year to complete. This allows families to adapt the coursework to their student’s individual learning pace and schedule, ensuring mastery rather than mere completion.
By the time students complete Saxon’s Advanced Mathematics, they should be on a par with students who have completed a precalculus course and will be particularly well-prepared for college entrance exams. The course is ideal for college-bound students pursuing STEM fields, as it builds the mathematical foundation necessary for calculus and advanced sciences.
The incremental approach particularly benefits homeschool students who may struggle with traditional math teaching methods. Saxon Math helps kids feel confident in math instead of feeling overwhelmed, as math is introduced incrementally with new concepts presented in small steps daily while topics are continuously revisited for review and repetition. This methodology has proven especially effective for students who need multiple exposures to mathematical concepts before achieving mastery.
Your kit includes a 748-page hardcover student textbook written directly to the student, making it suitable for independent learning. The included Homeschool Packet provides test solutions and problem set answers, while the Test Forms Booklet contains 31 assessments to track your student’s progress. Note that this kit does not include the Solutions Manual, which is available separately for families who prefer step-by-step problem solutions.
This course is typically recommended for students who have successfully completed Algebra 2 and are ready for advanced mathematical concepts. Students who complete Advanced Mathematics will have taken the equivalent of two semesters of geometry, one semester of trigonometry, and one semester of advanced algebra, making it an excellent choice for fulfilling high school graduation requirements while preparing for college-level work.
For families following a classical education approach or those with students interested in pursuing mathematics, engineering, or science careers, Saxon Advanced Math provides the rigorous mathematical foundation that will serve students throughout their academic and professional lives. The course’s emphasis on problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning aligns well with the analytical thinking valued in homeschool education.
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The Homeschool Shopper –
The Saxon Advanced Math Home Study Kit represents a comprehensive pre-calculus program that has earned its reputation as one of the most thorough and challenging high school math curricula available to homeschoolers. This 748-page hardcover textbook covers advanced algebraic concepts, trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, matrices, and statistics through Saxon’s signature incremental development approach.
What We Liked
Exceptional College Preparation: Parents consistently report that students who complete Saxon Advanced Math are exceptionally well-prepared for college-level mathematics. Multiple reviewers noted their children passed calculus readiness exams and excelled in university math courses, with one student even becoming a math tutor in college after initially struggling with the subject.
Proven Incremental Methodology: Saxon’s approach of introducing concepts in small pieces while continuously reviewing previous material creates deep, lasting understanding. This spiral method ensures students retain information long-term rather than forgetting concepts after moving on to new topics.
Builds Mathematical Perseverance: The rigorous nature of Saxon Advanced Math develops strong work ethic and mathematical stamina that serves students well in STEM fields. As one engineer-parent noted, “only the strong and diligent will make it through Calculus 4 in college” – Saxon builds this resilience.
Comprehensive Scope: The integration of geometry, algebra, and trigonometry in one cohesive program provides excellent mathematical connections. Students see how different mathematical concepts relate to each other rather than learning them in isolation.
Long Track Record: With over 30 years of proven success in homeschool settings, Saxon has demonstrated consistent results across diverse learning styles and family situations.
Areas for Improvement
Significant Time Investment: This is not a “quick” math program. Advanced level lessons can take 2-3 hours to complete, and many families report needing more than one academic year to finish the course. This intensity can be overwhelming for families preferring faster-paced curricula.
Limited Visual Learning Support: Compared to newer programs, Saxon relies heavily on traditional problem-solving approaches with minimal visual models or hands-on activities. Students who learn best through visual or kinesthetic methods may struggle with the text-heavy format.
Steep Learning Curve: The transition to Saxon Advanced Math can be jarring for students coming from other programs. The workload and mathematical rigor require significant adjustment time and strong parental support.
Kit Configuration Confusion: Multiple reviewers noted confusion about what’s included in different kit versions, with some receiving incomplete sets or needing to purchase additional components separately.
Parent Preparation Required: Unlike some self-teaching programs, Saxon Advanced Math often requires parents to understand the material well enough to provide guidance, which can be challenging for parents who feel rusty in advanced mathematics.
Bottom Line
Saxon Advanced Math Home Study Kit is the gold standard for families seeking rigorous college preparation in mathematics. While it demands significant time investment and mathematical maturity, it delivers unparalleled depth of understanding and prepares students exceptionally well for advanced STEM coursework. The incremental approach builds both mathematical competence and academic perseverance that serves students throughout their educational journey.
This program works best for motivated students who thrive on challenge and families willing to commit to the intensive daily practice required. The payoff in mathematical preparation is substantial, but success requires dedication from both student and parent.
Recommended for: College-bound students planning STEM majors, families prioritizing mathematical rigor, students who respond well to incremental learning approaches, motivated self-directed learners
Consider alternatives if: You prefer visual/manipulative-based learning, need a faster-paced program, want minimal parent involvement, or seek a gentler introduction to advanced mathematics