Spectrum Workbooks
Standards-aligned, single-subject workbooks from Carson Dellosa Education for preschool through 8th grade, covering math, language arts, reading, phonics, spelling, science, social studies and test practice. Newer editions pair short lessons and practice with chapter tests.
What are Spectrum Workbooks?
Spectrum is a series of single-subject workbooks published by Carson Dellosa Education, the same company behind Evan-Moor and Summer Bridge. The books cover preschool through 8th grade in math, language arts, reading, phonics, spelling, word study, science and test practice.
Carson Dellosa describes Spectrum as standards-aligned practice for children who need to build skills in core subjects, and says its methods have helped kids for more than 20 years. You will find the books in bookstores, big-box stores and online, which makes Spectrum one of the easiest workbook series to pick up.
How it works
Each book focuses on one subject for one grade. Lessons are short: a brief explanation or example, then practice problems. Tests in every chapter show whether a child is ready to move on.
The new Spectrum Math editions add parent support pages at the start of each chapter, with definitions, tools, tips and a skills list. Each lesson also lists IXL skill IDs, so kids can practice the same skill online if you use IXL. The Grade 3 Math workbook, for example, has 192 pages on multiplication, division, fractions and more.
Most families do a page or two a day per subject. Because each book stands alone, you can use one Spectrum book next to any curriculum.
What it covers
| Book | Grades | List price (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Math (new edition) | K–8 | $14.99 |
| Language Arts (new edition) | Through 8th | $14.99 |
| Phonics, Word Study, Spelling | Early and elementary grades | $12.99 |
| Science | Elementary grades | $12.99 |
| Test Practice | Elementary grades | $16.99 |
| Cursive Handwriting | 3–5 | $9.99 |
Carson Dellosa also offers free printable worksheets and free state-specific test practice PDFs on its Spectrum page.
Who it's best for
Spectrum fits families who want targeted, inexpensive practice: a math workbook for summer, a grammar book for a weak spot, or test prep before a standardized test. Some homeschoolers use Spectrum Math and Language Arts as a simple, low-cost core in the elementary years.
It is not a rich or hands-on curriculum, and it teaches only briefly before practice. Kids who need more explanation may do better with a teaching-focused program like Horizons Math or Saxon Math. For daily mixed review, compare Evan-Moor.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, Carson Dellosa lists Spectrum Math and Language Arts at $14.99, most other subjects at $12.99, Test Practice at $16.99 and Cursive at $9.99. Retailers often sell for less. Authorized returns can be requested within 30 days of receipt.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Often, as curriculum or supplementary material. Arizona's ESA law allows "curricula and supplementary materials," and Florida's PEP handbook lists curriculum and instructional materials as eligible. Each program decides, and some require purchases through their own marketplace. Read our ESA and scholarship guide or check Arizona and Florida.
Save Spectrum Workbooks to your wishlist on Edulist, then apply once to programs that may cover it.
How it compares
- Evan-Moor, from the same publisher, offers daily practice books and full homeschool bundles.
- Brain Quest is all-subject review in one book, plus Q&A card decks.
- IXL covers similar skills online, and new Spectrum Math lessons link to IXL skill IDs.
Browse math curriculum, elementary homeschool curriculum and test prep, or try our free math worksheets.
Who Spectrum Workbooks is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Targeted practice in one subject, like math facts or grammar
- Summer review and catch-up
- Budget homeschoolers building a simple workbook core
- Families preparing for standardized tests
Look elsewhere if
- Children who need rich, hands-on or literature-based learning
- Families who want a complete, all-subject curriculum in one package
- Students working beyond 8th grade
Spectrum Workbooks pros and cons
Pros
- Inexpensive at about $10–$17 per book
- One subject per book makes it easy to target weak spots
- Chapter tests built into new editions
- Parent support pages in new editions
- Widely available at bookstores and online
Cons
- Mostly practice, with brief instruction
- Worksheet format can feel repetitive for some kids
- Need several books per child to cover all subjects
- Sequence follows typical public school standards, which may not match your curriculum
What’s included
- One subject per book: math, language arts, reading, phonics, spelling, word study, science, test practice
- Preschool through 8th grade
- Parent support pages with definitions, tips and skills lists in newer editions
- Chapter tests to check progress
- IXL skill IDs in each lesson of new Math editions
- Free printables and state-specific test practice PDFs online
Spectrum Workbooks levels
| Level | Grades | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool and Kindergarten | Pre-K–K | Early phonics, math and readiness workbooks. |
| Grades 1–5 | 1–5 | Math, language arts, phonics, spelling, word study, science and test practice by grade. |
| Grades 6–8 | 6–8 | Math and language arts through 8th grade, plus test practice. |
How much does Spectrum Workbooks cost?
As of October 2026, Carson Dellosa lists new-edition Spectrum Math and Language Arts workbooks at $14.99, Spelling, Phonics, Word Study and Science workbooks at $12.99, Test Practice at $16.99 and Cursive Handwriting (grades 3–5) at $9.99. The Grade 3 Math workbook is 192 pages. Prices at big-box and online retailers are often lower.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Math workbook (one grade) | $14.99 | One-time | — |
| Spectrum Language Arts workbook (one grade) | $14.99 | One-time | — |
| Spectrum Spelling, Phonics or Science workbook | $12.99 | One-time | — |
| Spectrum Test Practice workbook | $16.99 | One-time | — |
| Spectrum Cursive Handwriting (grades 3–5) | $9.99 | One-time | — |
Free trial: No trial. Look Inside previews and free printables are on the Carson Dellosa site.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
View wishlistSpectrum Workbooks family reviews
Be the first to review
Loading…
Spectrum Workbooks FAQs
Who publishes Spectrum workbooks?
Spectrum is a brand of Carson Dellosa Education, which also owns Evan-Moor and Summer Bridge. Carson Dellosa says Spectrum's instructional methods have been helping kids for more than 20 years.
What grades do Spectrum workbooks cover?
Spectrum covers preschool through 8th grade. Math and language arts run through 8th grade, while some subjects, like phonics and science, cover a narrower range.
Can Spectrum be used as a homeschool curriculum?
Many families use Spectrum Math and Language Arts as a simple workbook core, especially in the elementary years. Because the books are practice-focused with brief instruction, some parents add teaching from another source or reading-rich subjects.
What is new in the latest Spectrum Math editions?
New Spectrum Math editions include parent support pages at the start of each chapter with definitions, tools, tips and a skills list, tests in every chapter, and IXL skill IDs on each lesson for optional online practice.
Is Spectrum aligned to Common Core?
Carson Dellosa describes Spectrum workbooks as standards-aligned and publishes correlations to Common Core and state standards on product pages.
Can an ESA pay for Spectrum workbooks?
Often, as curriculum or supplementary material. Arizona's ESA law and Florida's PEP handbook both cover these materials, but each program sets its own rules. Save Spectrum to your Edulist wishlist and check programs in your state.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources:
- carsondellosa.com · spectrum workbooks
- carsondellosa.com · spectrum
- carsondellosa.com · 705502 new spectrum math workbook grade 3 paperback 705502
- carsondellosa.com · 705493 new spectrum language arts workbook grade 3 paperbac
- carsondellosa.com · 704599 spectrum spelling workbook grade 3 paperback 704599
- carsondellosa.com · 704249 spectrum test practice workbook grade 3 paperback 70
- carsondellosa.com · 704692 spectrum cursive handwriting workbook grade 3 5 pape
- carsondellosa.com · who we are
- carsondellosa.com · help center
- azleg.gov · 02402.htm
- stepupforstudents.org · pep family handbook