[homeschool mama]

Thankfully, my daughter is being tutored in Algebra by her father, using Saxon. They both love the program. My husband knows high math and his father was a rocket scientist, instilling a good understanding and appreciation for the subject.

As far as Saxon being charasmatic, you sure couldn't determine that from his books. Black and white...no flashy colors. My daughter prefers this. And very honestly...it works for her. :o) Can't argue with that.

I've heard good things about Chicago Math...and a program called Singapore Math (not sure of the exact text name).

[mathluv]

Chicago math was developed at the University of Chicago, and is the other end of the spectrum from Saxon. Saxon even bought full page ads in NCTM journals asking UC to go head to head in school tests on which way was better.

Saxon is based on a lot of review. UC is based on application. I prefer something in the middle. Application helps students see how math applies in everyday world, review reinforces what they need to learn.

[mathluv]

Forgot to address Singapore math. It has a website - don't know the url. It is used by homeschoolers, not regular schools that I know of. I think, from what I have read or been told, that it has a lot of drill.