Subject guide

Homeschooling high school math

A two-track homeschool math curriculum covering Algebra 1 through Algebra 2, with an advanced Art of Problem Solving path and a standard Jacobs/Lial path, both preparing students for Precalculus and college math.

Key takeaways

  • The default sequence is Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.
  • Students aiming for competitive colleges or STEM careers should consider adding a fourth course, such as Precalculus or Number Theory, via the Add Courses page.
  • Choose between an advanced track and a standard track; both prepare students well for Precalculus and college-level math.
  • The advanced track uses Art of Problem Solving textbooks and videos, offering greater depth and more challenging problems with less repetition.
  • The standard track uses Jacobs textbooks for Algebra 1 and Geometry and Lial's Intermediate Algebra for Algebra 2, with clear presentation and ample practice and review.

Course sequence

Our default high school curriculum follows the traditional sequence of Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. Students who are applying to competitive universities or are planning careers in science or engineering should consider adding a fourth course in Precalculus or another branch of math. (Precalculus, Number Theory and other math electives may be added from the <a href="https://www.nautilushomeschool.com/add-courses">Add Courses</a> page of your account.)

Our high school math curriculum offers two tracks, advanced and standard. Both leave students well prepared for Precalculus and college-level math.

Advanced vs. standard track

The advanced math courses use the rigorous Art of Problem Solving textbooks and videos. These cover the material in far greater depth than traditional high schools, and include many challenging problems and limited repetition and review. Art of Problem Solving courses are a good fit for students who want to be challenged in math and have a strong interest in the subject.

The standard math courses are designed for students who wish to learn the material thoroughly without making math a major area of focus. The Algebra 1 and Geometry courses use the Jacobs textbooks, and the Algebra 2 course uses Lial's Intermediate Algebra text. These books present the material in a clear, straightforward way, with plenty of practice and review.

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