RightStart Math takes a fundamentally different approach to elementary mathematics by building deep number sense through visualization. It uses an AL Abacus — a specially designed two-color abacus , as its primary teaching tool, helping students literally see mathematical relationships rather than memorize facts.

Developed by Dr. Joan Cotter, a Montessori educator with decades of experience, RightStart teaches children to think in groups of five and ten from the very beginning. This builds an intuitive understanding of place value that many other programs struggle to achieve. Students learn to visualize quantities, compose and decompose numbers, and perform mental math with remarkable fluency.

At a Glance

What to Know

The program is heavily teacher-led, especially in the early levels. Lessons are scripted and follow a specific sequence, with the parent working directly with the child using the abacus, math cards, and games. This hands-on, interactive approach means RightStart requires more parent time than self-teaching programs, but the depth of understanding it produces is exceptional.

RightStart covers kindergarten through pre-algebra across six levels (A through F, plus a Geometry course). Each level costs $99-$317 depending on whether you need the starter kit with manipulatives or just the lesson book. The manipulatives are a one-time purchase that carries through multiple levels.

The curriculum is particularly strong for visual and kinesthetic learners, children who struggle with rote memorization, and families who want their children to understand math deeply rather than just perform calculations. It has a devoted following among Montessori-influenced homeschoolers and families with math-anxious children.