Elephant Learning

What is Elephant Learning?

Elephant Learning is an online math academy that teaches math as a language. A child starts with a placement exam, then plays short, adaptive games that build understanding from counting all the way to algebra. The company calls itself supplemental: it does not replace a full curriculum, but it targets the core ideas a child needs to follow math class.

What sets it apart is the mix of software and people. Every subscription includes two live 30-minute coaching sessions per student each month, and coaches are trained in techniques for math anxiety.

How it works

1. Placement. Your child takes an exam that finds their real level, which may be below or above their grade.
2. Short sessions. The recommended schedule is 10 minutes a day, three days a week. The program adapts as your child plays.
3. Reports and alerts. You see an Elephant Age, a measure of math understanding, plus detailed reports. The system alerts you if your child is struggling.
4. Worksheets and coaching. Individualized worksheets and monthly Zoom sessions with a coach fill in what the games cannot.

It runs in Chrome and Safari and has apps for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire.

What it covers

The scope runs from counting through algebra. Elephant Learning says its lessons are compatible with all standards and curricula, so you can use it alongside whatever your child does at school or at home. It does not publish a grade-by-grade scope, because each child follows their own path after placement.

Because placement is by skill, older students can use it to fill gaps. The company says its algebra content was first built to help struggling university students.

Who it's best for

Elephant Learning fits kids who are behind, anxious about math or missing foundations. It also suits busy families who want a small, steady weekly habit and clear proof of progress.

It is less useful for families who want one program to cover everything, or for advanced students who need high school math. It is also on the pricier side unless you qualify for its scholarship.

Pricing at a glance

As of October 2026, the website lists $50 per month for one student. A Family Plan covers up to 3 students, and 3-, 6- and 12-month packages save money. Every plan starts with a 5-day free trial. Extra coaching sessions cost $50 each. The company's guarantee offers a full refund if your child does not gain one year of Elephant Age over three months with about 30 minutes of use a week.

Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?

There are two routes. First, Elephant Learning runs its own scholarship that can lower tuition to as little as $10 per month. Second, it says it accepts ClassWallet payments in most states and invoices homeschool grant programs, which matters for families using an education savings account. Each program decides what it covers, so check what ESA funds can buy and your state, such as Arizona or Utah. Save Elephant Learning to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.

How it compares

DreamBox is the closest adaptive alternative, with longer lessons and no live coaching. Synthesis Tutor also targets deep understanding with an AI tutor. IXL is cheaper practice across many skills, and Mathseeds is a lower-cost option for ages 3 to 9. See more math intervention programs and the full math category.