Math-U-See
Math-U-See is a mastery-based K–12 math curriculum from Demme Learning that teaches every concept with color-coded blocks and short video lessons, organized into Greek-letter levels from Primer through Calculus.
What is Math-U-See?
Math-U-See is a homeschool math curriculum from Demme Learning, a family-owned publisher in Pennsylvania that has made it since 1990. Its signature is a set of color-coded plastic blocks. Children build numbers with the blocks, and the same rectangle-building method carries from counting all the way into algebra.
The program is mastery-based. Your child stays on one concept until they truly own it, then moves on, with steady review built into every lesson.
How it works
Each lesson follows four steps: prepare, present and explore, practice for mastery, and progress after mastery.
- Watch the video. Steve Demme teaches the concept on a short video. Parents are meant to watch, often together with the child.
- Build it. You work through the idea with the blocks, using the instruction manual.
- Practice. The student workbook has Lesson Practice pages, Systematic Review pages and Application and Enrichment pages.
- Move on when ready. A typical pace is about one lesson per week, slower when needed.
Parents teach alongside younger children until each lesson clicks, then the child practices mostly alone. High school levels are more independent.
What it covers
| Level | Focus | Often used around |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | Number basics, making 10, telling time | K |
| Alpha | Single-digit addition and subtraction | Grade 1 |
| Beta | Addition and subtraction with regrouping | Grade 2 |
| Gamma | Multiplication | Grade 3 |
| Delta | Division | Grade 4 |
| Epsilon | Fractions | Grade 5 |
| Zeta | Decimals and percent | Grade 6 |
| Pre-Algebra to Calculus | High school path | Grades 7–12 |
The last column is a rough guide only. Demme Learning names levels with Greek letters on purpose so children progress without pressure. See all Math-U-See levels and placement.
Who it's best for
Math-U-See fits hands-on and visual learners, kids who got lost in fast spiral programs, and parents who want to finally understand math themselves. It is a frequent pick in elementary math for children who need concrete models.
Look elsewhere if you need a fully independent, app-based program or a rigorous standalone geometry course.
Pricing at a glance
A complete level Set was $205.63 for Primer and $220.12 for Alpha in October 2026. The blocks are a one-time purchase reused across many levels, and younger siblings only need a new student workbook. Annual digital access starts at $70.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Often, yes. Curriculum and manipulatives are commonly allowed in programs like the Arizona ESA and Florida's scholarships. Each program decides what qualifies and how you buy. Save Math-U-See to your wishlist, then check scholarships in your state and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- Saxon Math is spiral and rule-based rather than block-based. See Math-U-See vs Saxon Math.
- Singapore Math also goes concrete to abstract, with harder word problems. See Math-U-See vs Singapore Math.
- Teaching Textbooks is app-based and self-grading.
- RightStart Math is another hands-on, manipulative-heavy option.
Browse all homeschool math curriculum or see our best homeschool math curriculum.
Who Math-U-See is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Hands-on and visual learners
- Children who struggled with spiral programs
- Parents who want to relearn math alongside their child
- Families teaching several kids with reusable materials
Look elsewhere if
- Families who want a fully independent, app-based program
- Students who need a strong standalone geometry course
- Kids who want colorful, busy workbooks
Math-U-See pros and cons
Pros
- Concrete block models explain why the math works
- Mastery approach lets children move at their own speed
- Steve Demme's video lessons are clear and full of useful tricks
- Instruction manuals include full solutions
- Levels are skill-based, so placing below grade isn't obvious to the child
Cons
- Starter sets cost more than many book-only programs
- Black-and-white workbooks feel plain at upper levels
- Geometry is lighter than most courses
- Relies heavily on the videos, which the parent should watch
- Scope and sequence doesn't match grade-level timing in other programs
What’s included
- Color-coded Integer Block manipulatives used from Primer to Algebra 1
- Video lesson for every concept, taught by Steve Demme
- Mastery approach with built-in systematic review
- Skill-based levels instead of grade levels
- Free online placement tool
- Free account with the first three lessons of each level
Math-U-See levels
| Level | Grades | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | Kindergarten | Number basics, making 10, telling time and a first look at subtraction. No test booklet. |
| Alpha | Grade 1 | Single-digit addition and subtraction facts, place value to 100, skip counting and shapes. 30 lessons. |
| Beta | Grade 2 | Addition and subtraction with regrouping. |
| Gamma | Grade 3 | Multiplication. |
| Delta | Grade 4 | Division. |
| Epsilon | Grade 5 | Fractions, using Fraction Overlays. |
| Zeta | Grade 6 | Decimals and percent, using the Algebra/Decimal Inserts. |
| Pre-Algebra | Grade 7 | The bridge into algebra, still using the blocks. |
| Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 | 8–11 | High school core. Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 come in Legacy and newer Principles of Secondary Mathematics editions. |
| PreCalculus and Calculus | 11–12 | Upper high school courses for college-bound students. |
A free interactive questionnaire with yes or no questions and sample problems. It finds mastered concepts and gaps, then recommends a starting level. Placement specialists can help by chat or phone.
Official Math-U-See placement test ↗How much does Math-U-See cost?
Most families start with a complete level Set, which bundles the teaching and student materials. In October 2026, the Primer Set was $205.63 and the Alpha Set $220.12. The 133-piece Integer Block Kit ($81.90) is reused from Primer through Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. For later children, you only rebuy the student workbook and tests ($48.00 for Alpha). Annual digital access cards were listed at $70.00 (Essential), $199.95 (Expanded) and $295.95 (Premium).
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primer Set | $205.63 | One-time | — |
| Alpha Set | $220.12 | One-time | — |
| Alpha Student Workbook and Tests | $48 | One-time | — |
| Integer Block Kit | $81.90 | One-time | — |
| Digital access, Essential (annual) | $70/yr | Yearly | $5.83/mo |
Free trial: A free Demme Learning account gives access to the first three lessons of each level.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise the blocks for building real understanding and note that many parents finally understand math themselves. Common cautions are plain black-and-white books, a light geometry course, and heavy reliance on the videos.
Common praise
- Hands-on blocks make abstract ideas concrete
- Engaging, clear teaching videos
- Parents learn the math along with their kids
Common complaints
- Plain workbooks at upper levels
- Geometry is lighter than other courses
- Pace doesn't line up with standard grade levels
Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com · math u see
Math-U-See family reviews
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Math-U-See FAQs
What are the Math-U-See levels in order?
Primer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, then Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, PreCalculus and Calculus. The Greek letters describe skills, not grades, so a child works through them at their own pace.
What Math-U-See level should my child start?
Use the free online placement tool. It asks yes or no questions and has sample problems to find what your child has mastered. If the result is unclear, Demme Learning's placement specialists can help by chat or phone.
Is Math-U-See Christian?
The lessons themselves are math-focused. Demme Learning is a family-owned publisher, and the optional Skip Count songs come in both a Bible version and a Science and Literature version, so families can choose.
Do I need the blocks?
Yes, for Primer through Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. The blocks are how concepts are taught. One 133-piece Integer Block Kit lasts across all those levels, and digital manipulatives are also available.
Can I try Math-U-See for free?
A free Demme Learning account gives you the first three lessons of each level. That is enough to see the teaching style before buying a set.
Is Math-U-See good for struggling learners?
Many families choose it for that reason. The mastery pace, visual blocks and short video lessons help children who got lost in faster, spiral programs. Because levels are not labeled by grade, kids working below grade level often feel less pressure.
Can an ESA pay for Math-U-See?
Often, because it is standard curriculum with manipulatives. Each program decides what qualifies and how you buy. Save it to an Edulist wishlist and apply once to scholarships in your state.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: