Math-U-See vs Torchlight
Math-U-See
mathusee.comTorchlight
torchlightcurriculum.comSide by side
| Figure | Math-U-See | Torchlight |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.83/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 12 | 8 |
| Spec score · Homeschool Curriculum | 8.8 (#1) | 7.0 (#27) |
| Placement | Placement is skill-based rather than grade-based, with individual placement tools and classroom tests. | The site offers a Level Placement Tool to recommend a suitable Torchlight level for a learner. |
| Support | Support includes searchable how-to articles and errata, live chat, phone and email assistance, with listed hours Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. | The site directs customers to its FAQ for common questions and provides a contact form for messages. |
| Teaching approach | Lessons use a four-step cycle of preparation, presentation and exploration, practice for mastery, and progression after mastery. | The curriculum uses open-ended, Socratic-inspired discussion and inquiry rather than questions seeking one correct answer. |
Plans
Math-U-See
- Free AccountFree
- Free Digital Toolbox accountFree
- Individual Essential Plan — Monthly$6.95 a month
- Individual Expanded Plan — Monthly$19.95 a month
- Individual Premium Plan — Monthly$29.95 a month
- Individual Essential Plan — Annual$70 a year
- Individual Essential Plan annual access card$70 a year
- Individual Expanded Plan — Annual$199.95 a year
- Individual Expanded Plan annual access card$199.95 a year
- Primer Set$205.63, paid once
Torchlight
- Torchlight Constellation: The Last Cuentista$15, paid once
- Compose Yourself$28, paid once
- Torchlight Level 1 (2nd Edition)$42, paid once
- Torchlight Level 2: Logic & Legends$42, paid once
- Torchlight Level Pre-K Bundle$43, paid once
- Torchlight Level 1 Bundle$45, paid once
- Torchlight Level 3$47, paid once
- Torchlight Level 2 Bundle$62, paid once
In their own words
Math-U-See
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.
Torchlight
Torchlight has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.