This article compares the pros and cons of two popular algebra curriculums, Saxon Algebra and Alpha Omega Lifepac Algebra.

Saxon Algebra is a textbook format with an answer key and solutions manual. There are also teaching CD-Rom’s available, which can be a great help especially for students who need extra help. Alpha Omega Lifepac uses a unique, consumable fill-in-the-blanks workbook format, with ten student workbooks for the school year and one teacher manual. Think of the ten workbooks as chapters or units that the student will cover. Each Lifepac book takes about 3-4 weeks for a student to complete.

Saxon Algebra uses a characteristic format of lesson explanation with examples, followed by specific practice problems, followed by a problem set of 25-35 review problems. The continual review is a hallmark of the Saxon program. You will see problems using concepts from quite early in the book spiraled through at frequent intervals throughout most of the rest of the year. There is a test every four lessons.

Alpha Omega Lifepac uses a somewhat similar lesson-then-practice approach. However, review is restricted to more formal review exercises which occur only every few lessons. There are “self tests” intended to allow students to assess their own progress, which some parents opt to use as quizzes instead. There are also periodic tests.

Saxon has a reputation for excellence in the homeschool community and beyond. Students who have used Saxon math consistently score better than students from other curriculums. The explanations are very clear and geared to make independent work very possible. The detailed solutions manual available in addition to the simple answer key allows teachers to check students work more easily, and explain mistakes without having to work the problem over again themselves.

A drawback for some students is that the continual review of Saxon becomes tedious. For these bright students, it helps to use strategies like starting the book a good 20 to 30 lessons in, where they’ve finally wrapped up the review of the previous year and begun introducing new concepts. Thereafter, students can focus on working the practice sets for each lesson and only work a problem set every few days or so. This keeps these types of students engaged with fresh material and still employs enough review for them to retain old material.

Alpha Omega Lifepac curriculum is well liked for its ease of use. The teacher manual is simple and straightforward. It includes the answers to all lessons and tests. The student books also have a very simple and straightforward layout. Students have a sense of accomplishment when they complete a whole book.

There have been some complaints from homeshool parents of errors in the answer key that made grading a problem. Another drawback is that the answer key does not contain the worked out solutions to the problems, only the answer itself. Parents found a workaround in being able to consult outside books or in some cases call Alpha Omega for the correct answer.

Alpha Omega Lifepac is a complete package and there is a telephone number to call for assistance with any problem. Alpha Omega also offers accreditation if you enroll with them. There are some parents who love the Alpha Omega approach and use it throughout high school. Other parents switch to Saxon Algebra for high school due to the more detailed explanations and rigorous review. Parents who are not as strong in math themselves appreciate the Dive CD-ROMs which have a teacher explaining the concept in video. Saxon is a bit pricier than Alpha Omega, but many consider it worth it.

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