Starting at Algebra 1/2, the format changes again, though only slightly. The kit still includes three pieces, but it is now a hardcover student textbook, a small answer key, and a test booklet. A solution manual is available seperately, but no longer part of the kit. The textbook no longer conforms to the 120 lesson format, and no longer has the investigations. The answer key provides the answers to the text and solutions to the tests, and the test booklet is simply that; it does not include worksheets. The solution manual is like those in the earlier grades, offering step by step answers to the questions in the daily work.

In 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt released 4th editions of Algebra 1 & Algebra 2 and now offers a separate Geometry course. The 3rd editions are still available. The 4th edition homeschool kits now include the Solutions Manual, and video tutorial CDs were released in 2015.

Depending on which edition you choose to use, here is the sequence for use:

Our Honest Opinion:

We have heard increased negativity about these books over the last few years, but think a large number of the complaints are due to lazy students: algebra is hard and requires discipline! We understand that people are different and that Saxon isn't for everyone, but we pose the question: which option is better? Every possibility we know of* has its own weaknesses (we hear complaints about them too). We've seen Saxon prove itself in test results for years, and personally know several students who have done extrememly well in both college and military careers after using Saxon. David Schormann (teacher and developer of the DIVE software) thinks Saxon is the best choice and offers his own defense here. If you have a math-minded student, we are still confident to suggest Saxon, especially in conjunction with the DIVE CD-ROMs.

* The only other options we would suggest seriously considering for a "normal" homeschool setting (in which the student is doing most of the work on his own) are:

• Teaching Textbooks (which are user-friendly, but don't have as much depth or go as far—plus they aren't generally available at Exodus), and
• Elementary Algebra and Geometry by Harold Jacobs (more logical texts, but harder and don't offer quite as much teacher support).

If your student has been using and doing well in the newer edition of 8/7, it is possible to skip Algebra 1/2—take a placement test to see if this would be wise.