Frequently Asked Questions

While we don't run any season sales or discounts, we do offer a discount when families order more than one copy of the the same course at the same time for an additional student. Contact [email protected] to receive a 40% discount off additional copies of a Denison Algebra course.

We understand making last minute curriculum switches and are more than happy to accept returns and/or exchanges of unopened course packages. Unfortunately, since our course materials are consumable, we are unable to accept returns or offer exchanges for course kits that have been opened (they come shrink wrapped). We have discovered the hard way that even if the materials are unused, they are not usable or able to be resold once the shrink wrap is removed. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to initiate a return or exchange. At that point, we'll send you the address to our warehouse, you'll ship the book back to us, and once our fulfillment team receives it we'll issue a refund for the full cost of the course.

Our system automatically starts access to the videos when a course is purchased. So, to give families more flexibility, we have added in three and a half extra months to cover those who want to order in the Spring or Summer but start in the Fall, those who need to pause school during the year for whatever reason, or who experience any of the other "life stuff" that can happen sometimes. For example, a May purchase will have access until September of the following year.

We understand that students work at different paces and that sometimes it just takes longer to complete a course. So, if you find your student needing more than the 15-month window, (the 12-month access plus a cushion to give some flexibility) please email us at [email protected]. We are more than happy to work with your individual situation.

Books ship 1-2 business days after an order is placed (this may be 3 days during peak seasons) and then typically take 4-6 days to arrive. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with a link to track your package.

Yes! But unfortunately, shipping our books internationally is ridiculously expensive and tends to add quite a bit to the course price (shipping to Canada, for instance, is around $60). For an exact shipping price, please email [email protected]  with your postal code. However, we completely understand if the cost of shipping puts our courses beyond what you want to spend on math. 

*Note: There is no additional shipping charge for military families stationed abroad. Simply use your APO address to order through our website.

Our courses are currently used in a number of private school and co-op settings, though they are primarily designed for a traditional homeschool setup. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss if our curriculum will work in your situation!

Unfortunately, due to our printing setup, we don't have a way to order a la carte books. This means that courses must be purchased as a whole kit and that we are unable to sell any part of the course package individually. While this does mean that materials can't be reused for multiple children in following years, we have found that consumable textbooks and complete materials sets make a profound difference for students tackling upper-level math, particularly when they don't like the subject...yet.

To log into the course, go to our website (www.denisonalgebra.com) and click on the “Login” tab in the upper right-hand corner. You'll use the email you entered at purchase and the password you set up at that same time. No worries if you forgot the password because there is a "Reset Password" link at the bottom of the login box. Once you're logged in, your course will show up and you can click on Lesson 1 to start.

Our system only allows one purchase per transaction, which is a pain. We chose the platform we use because it's fantastic for hosting online courses and easy for students to navigate, but it has a few quirks...one of them being the shopping cart. We’re hoping that the smart, techy people behind it all will eventually get around to fixing this, but in the meantime we opted for the best way to host courses.

Visit our Placement Guide to read our placement suggestions as well as specific prerequisite information for each course.

In short, our Standard courses are written for students who dislike math for external reasons (gaps, poor curriculum experiences, etc), while our Success courses are for students who dislike math due to internal reasons (dyscalculia, dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, etc). For a more detailed explanation of these differences and advice for deciding which best fits your student, visit our Standard vs Success Page.

Pre-algebra is designed to be a bridge course between middle school math concepts and the abstract world of algebraic concepts. It reviews and strengthens arithmetic concepts, as well as introduces students to beginning algebra topics. All algebra topics taught in pre-algebra are retaught in algebra 1 but taken to deeper levels. So, while there are not specific “pre-algebra” topics that are not covered in algebra 1, the reasoning is that if students can be exposed to intro algebra topics in pre-algebra, they will have an easier time understanding them and going deeper when seeing them again in algebra 1. So, if students can fit pre-algebra into their schedules, then it is recommended that students take pre-algebra before algebra 1.

While algebra 2 could certainly be taken directly after algebra 1, we recommend putting geometry in between for several reasons.

Algebra 2 is the most difficult course of the three courses. By putting geometry before algebra 2, this gives students an extra year of growth and maturity before they tackle algebra 2. It also lets the student practice and improve their algebra 1 skills an additional year.

Advanced Algebra & Trig is a course that comes in between algebra 2 and pre-calculus. It is not the same as pre-calculus but does cover some of the same material while also strengthening and building upon material learned in algebra 2. It can be used as a prep course for pre-calculus, college algebra, SAT/ACT skills, or just to keep the algebra skills sharp through a student’s junior or senior year. It is recognized as a full high school math credit in all states. Sometimes this kind of class can be called “Algebra 3” or just “Trigonometry,” but primarily it is called “Advanced Algebra & Trig.” It is not a course that can be substituted for pre-calculus. If a student is planning on taking calculus at some point, they will need to take pre-calculus before it. Advanced Algebra & Trig is a great prep course for pre-calculus, however.

When a student finishes algebra 2, they have many options for an additional math credit, depending on the student’s goals, interests, and math strengths. Students can take a consumer math class, advanced algebra & trig, pre-calculus, or college algebra (dual enrollment). The Advanced Algebra & Trig course is designed for students who…

• Are planning on taking pre-calculus and perhaps calculus, but still need another year to strengthen math skills
• Are planning on going to college, but not majoring in a math-related field and plan on just taking college algebra or college statistics to fulfill college requirements
• Are not sure what they are doing upon graduation (maybe college, maybe not), but would like to keep the algebra skills sharp and would like to avoid forgetting their math skills
• Are planning on taking the SAT/ACT after finishing algebra 2 and would like to keep the skills sharp and improve upon them in order to increase test scores

Yes! Our standard courses are full, standard, high school level courses intended to provide the student with all the skills needed to move on to their next level of study, whether it is geometry, algebra 2, trigonometry, pre-calculus, statistics, consumer math, or even college algebra.  Not only are math concepts taught, but also specific math learning techniques and habits that will help students to be successful in all math classes going forward. Our courses are not just designed to help a “non-mathy” student finish high school math requirements strong and graduate, but also to give students the skills and confidence they need to go on to the next level of study.

Yes! Our standard courses are full, standard, high school level courses, presented and taught in a brain-friendly way for the “non-mathy” student, math-resistant student, or the student who just isn’t a huge fan of math. While the ACT is a little more math-heavy than the SAT, both tests cover concepts from math up to and including algebra 2 (but not beyond). Students who take Denison Algebra courses up through Algebra 2 will have learned all the topics needed for these tests, but it is always encouraged to have students do some extra prep to get used to the language and style of questions found on the SAT and ACT exams.

Yes, Denison Algebra works great for your middle-of-the-road math student, where they really don’t like math all that much, but they don’t struggle with it. It also works great for the neutral student, who doesn’t struggle with math, but has no opinion on it (it is just one of the subjects they do). The courses are standard level courses. So, students will learn what they need for the next math course, SAT/ACT exams, college prep, and so forth, in a no-fuss sort of way.

If you have a S.T.E.M. focused student (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) or an advanced student who really likes math, then we recommend using a more “honors” level course that would challenge your advanced or STEM-focused student. Denison Algebra courses are standard level courses that cover all essential math topics for high school study, but your advanced student might develop into a stronger math student if they use a more “honors” level course that matches their interest and math giftings.

No, they are not modified. The standard level of Denison Algebra high school courses are full “standard” level courses. They are not modified courses. They are just packaged and presented in a way that is designed for non-mathy students. They are not “advanced” or “honors” level courses (and they can’t be modified to be used that way), but a student taking a standard high school Denison Algebra course will be getting all the math needed for their next level of study, as well as the math needed for SAT/ACT exams, etc. They are designed for the college-bound, non-mathy student.

Our Success series courses (designed for students with heavy learning challenges) are modified courses. They cover the essential 70% of the material found in the standard courses, so the material can be spread out and presented in a way that makes learning possible. These courses are designed for students to still gain high school math credits for graduation, and to help students prepare for intro math courses at the college level (particularly at the community college level).

It depends on your state and your transcript goals. If you are generally following the requirements for public/private school students in your state, then most likely pre-algebra will not count as a high school credit. So make sure you double check your state requirements. As a homeschool parent, you of course have the freedom to count pre-algebra however you wish if you are not following the requirements for public/private school students.

The true but rather unhelpful answer is that "it depends." States have graduation requirements for public/private school students, and it is a good rule of thumb to try to follow those for high school. As homeschool families, we do not HAVE to follow these, so it is completely up to you. The goal would be to take as many math courses as possible, while not robbing your school experience of peace, and not developing a negative attitude towards mathematics. If a student can come out of high school with a positive attitude about mathematics, then they can absolutely do anything they wish in college (even major in a heavy math or science field) regardless of what math level they got to in high school. There is always a path to any post high school goal a student has.

That being said, a good rule of thumb is to try to get 4 math credits, with 3 of them being algebra 1, geometry, and algebra 2.

We recommend pushing a student to take as high a level of math class that they can COMFORTABLY handle. It is not worth introducing stress and anxiety into a normal college-bound student’s math world for the sake of finishing high school with a high-level math course such as pre-calculus or calculus (unless the student has clear math-related college goals that require high levels of math to be completed in high school).

No. Most colleges just require the standard state math credits of algebra 1, geometry, and algebra 2 on student’s transcripts for college admission (check with your college of interest, of course, to make sure). If a student has goals to go into specific STEM related major, then we recommend the students and parents check with the college and see what the math requirements are and adjust accordingly. But if a standard college-bound student is not majoring immediately in a heavy math related field, then they just need to get through algebra 2 (and most likely also have 4 math credits).

It depends on what college a student is planning to attend.

Regular 4-year institutions prefer to see 4 math credits (algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, and one additional course beyond algebra 2).

4-year institutions with strict requirements may want to see more. Check with the college your student is planning to attend for more information.

If a student plans on attending community college, then it really doesn’t matter. There is a path for any student to attend community college regardless of what is on their transcript, how well they test, or how much math they know going into college. It is a good rule of thumb to aim for having algebra 1, geometry, and algebra 2 on a student's transcript, but you have wiggle room with community colleges.

Denison Algebra courses combine a physical textbook, solutions manual, and parent's guide with video lessons and solutions. Visit our YouTube channel for a course walk-through!

The exact time it takes to complete a course will depend on the individual student and his/her situation. However, every course includes a pacing guide within the Parent Guide to give an overview of the course with suggested time-frames. Below is each course’s estimated length according to its pacing guide. These estimations account for daily lessons, study days, and test days.

• Pre-Algebra: Approximately 140 Days
• Algebra 1: Approximately 140 Days
• Geometry: Approximately 126 Days
• Algebra 2: Approximately 142 Days
• Success Algebra 1: Approximately 135 Days
• Success Geometry: Approximately 123 Days

Typically, students will need 30-45 minutes to complete a Standard lesson and 20-25 minutes to complete a Success lesson. This includes the time it will take to watch the lesson video, complete the homework assignment, and grade/correct homework answers.

Denison Algebra courses are primarily mastery. While there are advantages to the constant review offered by a spiral curriculum, what gets sacrificed is practice on the current topic being taught. Denison Algebra courses do include review in most of the homework assignments (unless the assignment is particularly challenging... then we let students just focus on that assignment). Our reviews are very intentional - if a particular topic is coming up that uses a skill the student learned a few chapters ago, we start reviewing that skill as we approach that chapter. We also don't bother reviewing skills that are being used in the context of other problems already.

The review is carefully planned in each of our courses because it is very important. But to be clear, our curriculum is not technically spiral, though math is very spiral in nature (especially once you hit the algebra 1 level).

Visit our YouTube channel to watch a full course tour!

On a typical day, students will open their consumable textbook to that day’s lesson. They will watch a short, clearly taught instructional video that has the exact notes on screen that the students have in their textbook. They can add additional notes, work example problems with the instructor, and then work a couple of problems at the end of the lesson to see if they understand the concept taught.

They will then complete the accompanying practice assignment (all assignments are less than 30 problems and are designed to strengthen skills, build confidence, and reduce math anxiety). Students or parents will then check the assignment with an easy-to-use Solutions Manual and correct any mistakes (this is where the best learning takes place). If needed, each assignment also has a solutions video showing each problem worked and explained by the instructor.

Yes, and no. It depends on what courses we are talking about. If you have a non-mathy 9^th grader who has not taken pre-algebra, then yes, you can skip pre-algebra and jump straight into algebra 1 so the student is on track in high school (make sure to assess whether your student needs the standard level of algebra 1 or the Success level…click HERE for more help on that).

If you have a 7^th grader, we do not recommend using our pre-algebra course to skip 7^th grade math and have your 7^th grader begin pre-algebra. We’ve found that most students do not benefit from rushing through math but tend to learn and absorb it better when taking it at a reasonable pace.

Yes! All of the teaching is done through videos, the assignments are designed to be done individually by the student, and the Solutions Manual is user-friendly and complete with a video solutions library where the instructor works and explains every homework problem (in case a student can’t figure out how to work a specific problem).

That being said, Denison Algebra courses are ideally designed to have some level of oversight by a parent, tutor, etc., in the form of keeping the student on pace, recording grades, and administering and grading chapter tests. This helps keep you, the parent, involved if you desire, but the heavy lifting of teaching and guiding the student through their math development is done through the videos and notes. If your student is particularly diligent and self-motivated, he or she can complete the course independently with no oversight. 

No, you do not. Denison Algebra courses are “stand-alone” courses, and that was intentional. Sometimes, there are situations where you just need to change curriculum (dramatic changes in family life, or starting a new school, or a new homeschool co-op, or financial situations change, etc.). I (David, the author) cut my teaching teeth in public school, where I would get a class of students (many of whom were not ready for the class) and I was expected to bring them up to speed, fill in gaps, and teach them the current subject, having them ready to go on to the next subject and a new teacher by the end of the year. So that is how these courses are written. Denison Algebra courses are stand-alone courses designed to prepare a student for whatever course is needed next, regardless of whether they stay with Denison Algebra or move on to a different curriculum.

Absolutely! Denison Algebra courses have so much review built in, that it is easy for a student to take a summer break and pick back up after summer. Each chapter has a review lesson at the end of each chapter (with a practice test). A student can easily stop for the summer after a certain chapter, and then when they pick back up after break, they can just go through those review lessons for each chapter and get back up to speed quickly. Topics are also always reviewed and retaught throughout the course (it is assumed a student is likely to forget a previously taught concept and could benefit from a review, whether it was taught 3 months ago or last week).

Denison Algebra course textbooks are consumable and  therefore cannot be used for multiple children. (For our thought process behind this, check out the Why are your textbooks consumable? FAQ!). A complete course kit must be purchased for each student taking the course.

Each of our courses comes with a physical, consumable textbook, which we believe is vital for students who struggle with math. The notes and assignments are all bound together, so nothing gets lost or disorganized. This helps remove stumbling blocks and reduces the cognitive load on students, allowing them to better focus on learning the material. Working math problems and taking notes on paper allows students to engage in tactile and visual learning, both of which are important for cementing otherwise abstract concepts.

Since our books are consumable, students don’t get bogged down trying to accurately copy problems out of a traditional textbook, and they are able to easily flip back and review past lessons and notes.

There is not a Success version of Pre-Algebra, but we hope it will be a good gauge as to whether a student should move to Success or stay with the standard level for Algebra 1. The format of daily teaching lessons and a physical book works well with students regardless of their math level, but if you feel like your student needs a slightly slower paced course where lesson videos are a bit shorter (approx. 10 minutes) and assignments are shorter as well, then Success would be a good option for Algebra 1. For more help determining whether standard or Success courses are a better fit for your student, see our comparison guide.