BookShark vs Math-U-See

BookShark is a literature-based homeschool curriculum for Pre-K through age 16, with History, Science, Language Arts, and several math options. Rather than fixed grades, it uses flexible age-based levels, and children within three years of age can share a Reading with History program while following separate Math and Language Arts levels. Schedules run for 36 weeks, four days per week, with lesson plans, assessments, and parent guidance. BookShark Virtual adds online reading schedules, assessments with instant auto-graded results, parent work tracking, customizable assessments, and student messaging. It integrates Math-U-See and accepts schedules or assignment uploads for Singapore, Singapore Dimensions, Saxon, and RightStart. Virtual does not replace the physical books. Each seat covers one student and one teacher account, and courses must be used within six months of purchase. Families can try the first week of a Virtual course free. Listed Virtual seats range from $88, paid once to $300, paid once; BookShark's pricing note also says From $309.43 · 7-day trial.

Math-U-See is a math curriculum with 13 levels, from introductory math through calculus, combining manipulatives, lesson videos, textbooks, and digital resources. Students work at their own pace and focus on mastering foundational concepts before moving to new topics. Its Build, Write, Say approach has learners model problems with manipulatives, write solutions, and explain why a concept works. An individual placement questionnaire uses yes-or-no questions and example problems to help identify a suitable level. The curriculum is used in homeschools, public and private schools, independent study programs, tutoring, and learning groups. With an Essential, Expanded, or Premium subscription, users can stream instructional videos and access an online manual and lesson solutions through a browser. The Digital Toolbox provides the first three lessons of each level and virtual manipulatives for concepts from number sense through Algebra 1. A free account offers samples across program levels, and a 14-day trial is listed. The Digital Manipulatives app is designed only for tablet use; the maker advises checking compatibility before purchase.