ST Math

ST Math offers a unique approach to learning mathematics through visual puzzles rather than traditional text or lectures. Parents and educators have shared their experiences with this innovative program, highlighting both its strengths and limitations for various types of learners.

What Parents Appreciate

The visual, conceptual approach to mathematics consistently receives high praise from parents. Many report that ST Math helps their children develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than just memorizing procedures:

"ST Math does one thing really well, and that is to illustrate math concepts visually... it shows both the problem and the answer in a way that lets your child see why their answer is correct or incorrect." Homeschool Mom - Homeschool Smarter

Parents often describe the program as providing thorough practice that leads to genuine mastery. One homeschooler noted that ST Math gave them confidence that their child "really knows the math solidly" after completing the exercises.

The engaging, game-like format appeals to many children, transforming what might otherwise be tedious math practice into an enjoyable activity:

"My boys LOVE ST Math and have learned so much." Parent on ST Math Homeschool Facebook Group

The program's penguin mascot, JiJi, seems to create a connection that motivates students across age groups. Even middle schoolers enjoy helping JiJi navigate through the puzzles, providing a sense of purpose to their problem-solving efforts.

For parents of children with learning differences, ST Math's language-free approach removes significant barriers. Since the program teaches through visual puzzles rather than written instructions, children who struggle with reading or are learning English can still excel:

The program was designed by a neuroscientist who experienced dyslexia himself, making it particularly effective for visual learners and students with language-processing challenges. Parents report that this approach can be a confidence-booster for children who typically struggle with traditional math instruction.

Many parents appreciate that ST Math requires minimal supervision once children understand how to use it. The self-paced nature allows students to work independently while parents attend to other responsibilities:

"The kids can easily get on it at school and home... my students are engaged throughout the lessons." Educator Review - G2

For busy homeschooling families, this "open-and-go" quality means one less subject requiring extensive parent preparation and direct teaching, while still providing quality instruction.

Challenges Parents Note

Despite its innovative approach, some aspects of ST Math can be challenging. The lack of explicit instructions in the puzzles creates a learning curve that can frustrate some children, especially when first using the program:

"Some children will find it intuitive while others are likely to find it confusing... there are no instructions or hints... it often takes trial and error to figure out what to do." Cathy Duffy Reviews

Parents report that children who prefer clear directions or who become easily frustrated may need considerable support during initial sessions. Some children resist the trial-and-error approach that ST Math requires, preferring to be shown exactly what to do.

Many parents find they need to supplement ST Math with other resources to ensure comprehensive learning. Since the program focuses on conceptual understanding rather than explicit teaching of procedures and vocabulary, students might understand a concept visually without knowing its formal mathematical name or how to write it on paper:

"It is a supplement, and not intended to be a full curriculum. Not every standard is covered." Former ST Math Employee - Facebook Group

Most homeschooling families find they need to pair ST Math with a traditional math program to ensure students learn mathematical vocabulary, algorithms, and paper-and-pencil computation skills.

While many children enjoy ST Math's puzzle-based approach, others find it less engaging than flashier educational games:

"They don't seem to enjoy it, alas. They want something where there will be applause and cheering and confetti and dressing up avatars..." Parent on Well-Trained Mind Forums

The program's deliberately minimal design lacks the elaborate animations and reward systems found in some math apps, which can disappoint children accustomed to more entertainment-oriented educational software.

ST Math's mastery-based progression can be another source of frustration. Students must generally complete all puzzle levels within a topic correctly before advancing, which means repeating exercises when mistakes are made:

For quick learners, the required repetition can feel tedious once they've grasped a concept. On the other hand, students who struggle may become discouraged by having to redo levels multiple times.

Though designed for independent use, parents often find they need to provide more support than expected:

"You really need the teacher there, especially when the kids need help." Teacher quoted in EdSurge

For optimal results, parents should be available to discuss puzzles and guide thinking when children get stuck. The program works best when combined with conversation about mathematical concepts, rather than being used as a completely hands-off solution.

Who Thrives With ST Math?

Based on parent and educator feedback, ST Math works particularly well for:

• Visual-spatial learners who think in pictures rather than words
• Students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or language processing challenges
• English language learners who benefit from language-free instruction
• Children who enjoy puzzles and problem-solving challenges
• Students who need to develop deeper conceptual understanding of mathematics
• Learners who benefit from seeing why math works, not just how to do it

The program may be less ideal for:

• Children who become easily frustrated by trial and error
• Students who prefer explicit, step-by-step instructions
• Learners who need frequent external motivation and rewards
• Those who require verbal explanations to grasp new concepts
• Families looking for a standalone, comprehensive math curriculum

The Bottom Line

ST Math offers a distinctive approach to mathematics education that emphasizes conceptual understanding through visual puzzles. As one parent noted, it can be "a delight" in terms of learning outcomes, though some children may find the process challenging or insufficiently entertaining.

Most families find ST Math works best as a supplement to a traditional math curriculum rather than a standalone solution. The program excels at building problem-solving skills and mathematical intuition, while a companion program can provide the necessary practice in computation, algorithms, and mathematical vocabulary.

For parents considering ST Math, the current free access for homeschoolers makes it an especially attractive option to try without financial risk. With appropriate expectations and support, many families find it adds a valuable dimension to their child's mathematical education—developing the visual intuition and conceptual understanding that can make all mathematics more accessible.