CTCMath: Is This Online Math Curriculum Right For Your Homeschool?

Have you heard of CTCMath? It’s the one math program I have used for years and recommend over and over again. 

As a busy working mom who struggles with math, I worried if I would be able to teach math to my children. Can you relate? We all have subjects we are less than comfortable teaching. 

Thankfully, after much research and reading reviews, I found CTCMath. I have a kiddo that struggled with math, and this is the only program that worked for her. 

Just because a program worked perfectly for your favorite homeschool buddy or us doesn’t mean it will work for you. 

It is vital that you do your own research and figure out the best curriculum for your child at this time.

Finding the right math program can be tough, I wanted to share questions to consider when picking the right online math curriculum for your homeschool.

I’ll also answer questions I’ve been getting about CTCMath. 

Although this question and answer article is sponsored by CTCMath, I’ve been a paying customer for years.

How To Pick The Right Online Math Curriculum For Your Homeschool

Are you looking for the perfect curriculum for your child? That can be tough. 

As children get older, they change. What worked when they were 5 may not work when they are 7. 

Over the last 13 years of homeschooling, we have often changed programs for different subjects, which is totally normal! This is why doing your own research is essential. I usually suggest you ask these 7 questions to figure out what curriculum is best. 

However, when it comes to math programs, you can use the following questions to help you narrow down the choices:

1. How Does Your Child Learn?

Does your child learn best with videos? Text-based? Audio? A combination? Does your child prefer workbooks and textbooks? 

Make sure whatever math program you pick fits your child’s needs. 

2. Will It Fit My Family Schedule? 

This is really important for working moms because your children need a program as flexible as your life is. We do a lot of learning on the go. Our math program needs to be flexible, and it needed to be open and go. 

Take note of any requirements you need for your family. 

3. Is The Curriculum Mastery-based Or Spiraling?

This is something I never actually considered but should have. This little video explains the difference between the spiral and mastery approach. There is no right or wrong, but what works or doesn’t for your child? 

4. What Does Your Child Think Of The Program?

This is probably one of the most important parts of choosing a curriculum. Try to snag a free or low-cost trial period so you can test it out with your child. Give them time to use it, at least a week. 

If you are comparing one program to another math program, be sure they try the same lesson. For example, if you are learning fractions. Do the lesson on fractions for the program. It makes it easy to compare teaching styles. 

Do not try fractions in one, algebra in another, and long division in the last. 

Ask your child:

• What do you like about this program?
• What do you not like about this program?

For example, I learned my daughter hates being rushed or when a program jumps on to a new topic before she has had a chance to practice what she just learned, which is why the mastery approach works best for her. 

Talk to your child and get their input. If you are using a program your child hates, it will be a battle to get them to do their lessons. 

5. How Much Does This Program Cost?

Like it or not, cost matters. Check the price of the program. Do they offer a discount for homeschooling parents? Is it one price for the whole family or each child? What grade levels do you get access to? 

Is CTCMath Right For Your Homeschool?

I’ve been using CTCMath in our homeschool for a while now. It is the only program that has worked consistently over the last few years for my daughter, who is not a fan of math. 

Before CTCMath, there were times I wasn’t sure who would cry the most, her or me! While not every day is filled with joy, this program teaches in a way that works for her. 

A Quick Overview Of CTCMath:

In case you’ve never heard of this online program, here is a quick overview. 

CTCMath is an online program for grades k-12. It is designed to help your child learn math in an easy-to-understand way without being pushed ahead or held back. Great for catching up, for keeping up, and for moving forward.

An Inside Peek of the CTCMath Online Program:

CTC Math was founded by Patrick Murray, who has over twenty years of teaching experience, plus he has children of his own. He understands what parents need. 

When you sign up for a CTC Math membership, you are given access to all material for grades K-12. Each grade has several areas of focus, and each level has different parts. 

After you purchase your membership, you will have a parent login, and each child gets their own personal student login. With a CTCMath membership, you have access to all grades and lessons. There are no restrictions allowing freedom to move back and forward.

At this point, you can use the new walkthrough they have provided to help new users learn how the program works. 

CTCMath Lesson Overview:

Each lesson begins with a short video lesson to introduce the concept. The key is short. This is perfect for those who have a short attention span and prevents overwhelm. 

After the video, they are given questions to work through and then a worksheet. The worksheet can be printed, and I highly recommend they have a notebook to write and work through the lessons. 

Because I get asked a lot of questions about the CTCMath, I wanted to pull together this list of questions and the answers I have.

I find getting the facts are best to help you make an informed decision if this online math program is right for your family or not.

If you have a question I didn’t answer, please leave it in the comments, and I’ll update this list.

How Much Does CTCMath Cost?

CTCMath offers online subscription plans, both monthly and annual rates. At this time, for one student, the rate is $29.97 monthly or $197 yearly. For more than one student (the family plan), the rate is $39.97 monthly or $297 yearly.

They offer a 50% discount for homeschooling families. Click here to check that out. I highly recommend you start with the free trial period. 

Remember, each child has their own log-in and access to all grade levels, which is perfect if you are unsure what grade your child is in. 

Can You Customize Your Lesson Planning?

With CTCMath, you get to pick what your child learns. I recommend you start with a placement test and use the results as an overview to know where your child needs work. 

They have a standard and comprehensive test for each topic from grades K-8. When a student completes the test, you will get a report detailing any lessons which may need to be reviewed.

You also get to choose how they complete the lesson. I decided the percentage and set it at 75% pass. You can adjust this as needed. 

Don’t forget, in the parent dashboard, you can toggle back and forth between the parent dashboard view and the student view. 

Alternatively, because CTC Math is flexible and it provides access to all grade levels, you can move ahead or stay on a lesson as long as needed. You can replay and practice previously learned concepts with ease. 

Does CTCMath Include Tracking & Reporting?

I love how easy it is to get reports and tracking. These are perfect for your homeschool portfolio and year-end reports. 

To get weekly updates:

1. Log in to the Parent’s Area
2. Select your settings
3. Check off the ‘Weekly Reports’ option.

There is also the option within the Parents Area to view detailed reports at any time. 

No longer want these reports? No big deal! Log in to your parent dashboard, select your settings, and uncheck the report or newsletter box.

All records are printable, making it easy to document lessons for homeschool portfolios.

Is CTCMath A Full Math Curriculum?

Yes! While you can supplement CTCMath if you wish, this is optional. CTCMath is a full online homeschool curriculum covering K-12. 

I have found that at times your child may need extra reviews or to take a break and reinforce learning with games. 

CTCMath does include a few games such as speed skills, times tables, and swap pieces game. You can also use your board games and card games to have fun and practice those math skills. 

Is CTCMath Spiral Or Mastery Approach? 

CTC Math uses a mastery approach to math, meaning that the previous topics aren’t reviewed. Instead, you continue to build on the skills you have learned. This type of approach assumes you have mastered the content and can, therefore, move on.

Is CTCMath Online Or Offline?

This is one of my favorite aspects of CTCMath. You can learn both online and offline. The video lessons are online; however, you can print off a reference sheet if you wish along with worksheets. 

There is also a printable PDF of each lesson if you prefer to have a handout or keep the notes for reference. I had my daughter create a math binder where she takes notes and keeps pages for review. 

Great for learning on the go or if you want your kids to have a screen break. 

Echo checking on the student and offering offline support!

Does CTCMath Have Filler Content?

I’ve had a few moms complain about their homeschool programs having silly animations that are annoying to some children. 

CTCMath videos are short and to the point which may be good for kids who struggle with sensory processing or attention deficits.

Each lesson covers one skill at a time and breaks it down into smaller pieces making it easier to grasp. 

While they do have printable awards as praise for doing a great job, they are optional. You can also print off certificates of accomplishment for each section if you wish. 

For the record, we love the awards! 

Is CTCMath The Right Homeschool Curriculum For Your Family?

I feel CTCMath is excellent for:

• Kids who struggle with learning math.
• Younger kids who need interactive lessons.
• Children who do not read yet, or read well. Lessons are video-based and the comprehension questions feature audio instructions.
• Kids who need the option to repeat lessons or jump ahead.
• Kids who learn best when the information is presented both online and offline.
• Families with multiple children looking for an affordable math option
• If you have kids who have varying learning styles.
• Moms who are busy and need a more hands-off approach to math.

The right math program is the one that works for your child. CTCMath has been the best choice for my girl, who struggles. Math is still not her favorite subject, but it has become tear-free and stress-free!

If you like to be able to check out the program before you buy it go ahead and sign up for their Free Trial and see how CTC Math can work for you and your family.

You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

Are You Homeschooling? 

Grab This Fantastic Deal! CTCMath offers an excellent discount for homeschooling parents. 

Right now, they are offering a fantastic deal where you will get an exclusive 50% off discount and 6 months FREE that’s just $148.50 if you sign up for their 12- month Family Membership. 

>>>Homeschool Discount<<<

If you don’t need a family subscription, they also have a single membership for just $98.50 for a 12-month membership + 6 months FREE.

You’ll get unlimited access to all lessons across all grade levels. Students can work at their own pace, as fast as they want or as slow as they need to.

If you have a teen who hates math, read how we are overcoming that challenge here: CTCMath: The Homeschool Math Program For Teens That Hate Math

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