The Saxon Difference
Saxon is an integrated curriculum. Concepts in each math strand are broken into small increments that are interwoven together to create rich mathematical connections. Once taught, the increments are systematically distributed and practiced throughout a full year of instruction. No skills are ever dropped. It is this consistent review and practice that makes the difference in helping all students achieve long-term success.
Nancy Larson, Author of Saxon Math K–4
I began my career in education as a high school and middle school mathematics teacher. As an algebra and geometry teacher, I was aware of the gaps in students' mathematical background. When I became the district math coordinator, it was clear that the gaps were not the results of the teachers' failure to present concepts, but rather by the lack of materials that ensure students' long-term retention of these concepts. After researching many math programs, I found that the textbooks written by John Saxon and Stephen Hake addressed this problem for middle school and high school students.
I then began looking for an elementary program that had the same philosophy as the materials developed by John and Stephen. Unable to find materials that had a similar approach, I decided to write a program with the same philosophy that addressed the needs of primary students and their teachers.
The goal of the Saxon Math K-4 program was to teach important mathematical content using an integrated, incremental approach and to provide the practice necessary for children to master the concepts presented. By working closely with classroom teachers and incorporating extensive field testing, we were able to develop a program that provides children with a solid understanding of the language of mathematics and the mastery of the skills needed to be successful in future mathematics courses.
Stephen Hake, Author of Saxon Math Intermediate 3-5 and Courses 1-3
When I read the published field-test results of John Saxon's Algebra 1 manuscript and learned that John Saxon taught students with the same methods I did, I placed an order and began using John's book with my eighth grade students with great success. Recognizing the country's need for an effective math program from grade school through high school, we joined our efforts and soon Saxon Math was helping millions of students across America succeed in math. Students can learn math and are advanced through the subject matter in a way that gently guides them step by step and provides the time and practice necessary to learn and remember the foundational concepts of mathematics.
Saxon Math is written the way I taught–one bit of instruction each day with plenty of practice on previous instruction. The excellent performance of my students on problem-solving contests and on standardized tests convinced me that this method of instruction works. It produces excellent problem-solving skills and long-term learning of key math concepts.
Pat Wrigley, Author of Adaptations for Saxon Math
I began to adapt Saxon's intermediate grades series in 1991 for use with my own Special Ed students. When other resource specialists began to request copies of my work, I realized it might be of value to Saxon users. The Saxon approach is reliable. I've seen repeated proof that this program works for all students. Even as I reach my 40th year as a full-time resource specialist, seeing the happiness of my students' faces as they achieve beyond their dreams is still the greatest joy of my life.
Dr. Frank Wang, Author of Saxon Calculus
"My passion is for teaching and for helping students learn more mathematics than they ever thought possible. I am a fervent advocate for the Saxon pedagogy and highly recommend its mathematics textbooks as the best textbooks for providing students with a solid and firm foundation for further study in mathematics."
Dr. Wang holds an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a Ph. D. in pure mathematics from MIT. He began working for Saxon Publishers at age 16 as a high school student. He was president of the company from 1994 to 2001. Frank has taught at the University of Oklahoma and currently teaches at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics.
