Math-U-See Algebra 1
Math-U-See keeps it simple and smart—clear pages, short lessons, and a mastery approach that helps math make sense from the very start!
$89.40
Quantity:
Consumable
In a Curriculum Kit
Mastery Learning
Nonreligious
2025 Eighth-Grade Curriculum Kit
Classic Math That Still Adds Up
If your family loves a no-fuss, get-it-done approach to algebra, Algebra 1: Legacy Edition delivers the goods. This is Math-U-See in its original form: clear instruction, a trusted format, and time-tested results.
Each lesson includes a single, focused video taught by the much-loved Steve Demme, followed by workbook practice and a test to wrap it up. The layout is consistent from start to finish, which makes planning (and learning) a breeze.
This edition leans heavily on physical manipulatives—those colorful blocks and overlays that turn abstract ideas into “aha” moments. It's the perfect match for hands-on learners and parents who appreciate a simple structure with proven success.
Whether you're building a strong foundation or circling back for a second pass, this legacy version keeps the focus on understanding—no digital extras required. To find the Math-U-See level that best fits your child you can try the placement test here.
About Math-U-See
A math curriculum with fewer meltdowns and more “aha!” moments? Yes, please.
Math-U-See has been helping families ditch the math tears and build real understanding for over 20 years. It’s a hands-on, mastery-based program that moves at your child’s pace—not a boxed-in grade level. Instead of rushing from topic to topic, Math-U-See helps kids really “get it” before moving on. And it works.
So what makes it different?
Math-U-See doesn’t just tell kids how math works—it shows them. With videos, manipulatives, and a simple, step-by-step approach, this program breaks down math into bite-sized concepts that build on each other like stacking blocks (literally—there are blocks involved). Each level focuses on mastering one main concept at a time. No bouncing around. No cluttered pages. Just clear, logical progression—and lots of real-world applications that help things click.
Why parents love it:
Why kids love it:
How it’s organized:
Math-U-See levels aren’t labeled by grade. They go in this order:
Primer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, PreCalculus, Calculus.
(Need help picking a level? We’ve got placement tests ready for you.)
Let’s talk manipulatives:
These aren’t just add-ons—they’re essential tools in the learning process. From early number sense to fractions and even algebra, the manipulatives help make abstract ideas click. They come in a lightweight plastic tray inside a cardboard box, but heads up: the packaging is… not exactly indestructible. We suggest upgrading to a sturdy bin or bag for long-term storage.
Bottom line:
If your child needs a confidence boost, a rock-solid foundation, or a fresh start with math, Math-U-See is a smart, structured, no-fluff way to get there—without the daily drama. And when your child starts teaching you what they’ve learned? That’s when you’ll know it’s working.
Look inside this book and read through a lesson to see how it might work for your family.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this product below:
There are a number of differences in layout between the two programs. Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics is student-led, with the lesson content written directly to the student. It also has multiple videos per lesson, broken up by topics. Rather than featuring the familiar teacher Steve Demme, these videos have an off-screen teacher walking students through digitized Student Worktext pages, with animated clips woven in to help students visualize complex subjects. Students will fill in guided notes and examples in Student Worktext as they follow video instructions. In both editions, students are expected to work through problems until they have achieved mastery but avoid superfluous drilling and busywork. However, Algebra 1: PSM integrates a new, streamlined system for checking for mastery. Algebra 1: PSM has been rewritten to be standards-based and includes nationally expected topics for Algebra 1. And unlike the Legacy Edition, Algebra 1: PSM requires no Integer Block Kit or Algebra/Decimal Inserts. The publisher has provided much more information about the differences on their site here.
