Best Homeschool Curriculum for Pre-Algebra: 5 Books Compared

A homeschool parent looking for a math course without a screen will find the best homeschool curriculum for pre-algebra in workbook form. This list compares five pre-algebra workbooks by fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading level where one is given.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	EP Math Pre-Algebra Workbook by Giles	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Pre-Algebra Skill Workbook by Otillio	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Pre Algebra Grades 6-8 by Kumon	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Big Fat Math Workbook by Workman	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	EP Pre-Algebra Parent's Guide by Giles	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

EP Math Pre-Algebra Workbook by Giles

PuzzleFast·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A standalone pre-algebra workbook with 180 daily lessons for a homeschool student without a computer.

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Pros

• 180 daily lessons that replace all online activities
• Works alone or beside the online course
• Lessons build on previous lessons in order

Cons

• No grade level stated
• Answer key sits in a separate parent guide
• No practice test count stated

2

Pre-Algebra Skill Workbook by Otillio

Stacy Otillio·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A workbook with explanations, examples, worksheets and an answer key, for a student building skills topic by topic.

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Pros

• Practice worksheets follow each topic
• Answer key stated at the back of the book
• Step-by-step examples stated for each topic

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• No companion parent guide stated
• No practice test count stated

3

Pre Algebra Grades 6-8 by Kumon

Kumon Publishing·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a student who needs to cover math requirements before high school, with step-by-step practice.

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Pros

• Step-by-step method with topic explanations and definitions
• Topics include algebra, geometry, probability and statistics
• Listed reading age and grade level both point to the middle school years

Cons

• No answer key is stated in the listing
• The listing shows a November 26, 2016 publication date, with no newer edition stated
• At 192 pages, it has less practice volume than the longer picks

4

Big Fat Math Workbook by Workman

Workman Publishing·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a student who wants broad middle school math practice with 600 exercises and word problems.

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Pros

• 600 exercises and word problems across 448 pages
• Recap of each concept with definitions and examples
• Sample problems are worked out step by step

Cons

• Pre algebra is not named in the title or description
• A solution process replaces an answer key, per the description
• Reading age of 11+ is marked as from customers only

5

EP Pre-Algebra Parent's Guide by Giles

Lee Giles·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The answer companion to the EP workbook, with examples and alternate approaches, for a parent checking work.

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Pros

• Contains all answers to the EP workbook
• Examples, explanations and alternate approaches stated
• Tips for using the workbook stated

Cons

• Not a course on its own, it supports the workbook
• No reading age or grade level stated
• No standalone practice problems stated

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More picks to compare

• Spectrum 8th Grade Math WorkbookFor grade 8 students covering geometry, linear equations and moreCheck on Amazon
• Mark Twain Pre-Algebra WorkbookDaily warm-up activities for grades 5 to 8Check on Amazon
• Pre-Algebra Grade 4 by SmithPractice problems for pre-algebra grade 4 studentsCheck on Amazon
• 100 Lessons Advanced Pre-Algebra100 lessons with free-response tests and detachable answer keys for grades 6-7Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Two of the five give a level: the EP workbook gives a reading age of 13 years and up, and the Kumon title gives grades 6-8. The other three state no level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best homeschool curriculum for pre-algebra

Match the level to the student

Level is the first thing to check, and only two listings state one: the EP workbook gives a reading age of 13 years and up, and the Kumon title gives grades 6-8. The other three state no level. See also the pre-algebra workbook list.

Workbook alone or with a parent guide

Some workbooks stand alone and some pair with a guide. The EP workbook can be used as a stand-alone course, and its parent’s guide contains all of the workbook answers with examples and alternate approaches. The Otillio workbook states an answer key at the back. See the 7th grade homeschool curriculum list.

Before you buy

• Check the edition or publication date on the listing.
• Check whether the answer key is included or a separate guide.
• Check the reading age or grade level against the student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy homeschool curriculum?

The books here are listed with links on this page; check each edition and format.

Do I need a curriculum to homeschool?

No listing here states a requirement. The EP workbook can be used as a stand-alone course, per its description.

Which book here has an answer key?

The Otillio workbook states an answer key at the back, and the EP parent’s guide contains all answers to the EP workbook.

Still deciding? Our top pickEP Math Pre-Algebra Workbook by Giles

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See every homeschool curriculum list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: 7th grade curriculum, pre-algebra workbook, algebra I workbook, gifted children curriculum.