Are you struggling to find the right math tutoring program for your kid? With so many options out there, it can be difficult to determine which one will best meet your child’s needs.
Two popular tutoring programs that people often consider are Mathnasium vs IXL. While both programs aim to improve students’ math skills, they have different approaches and teaching methods.
The main difference between Mathnasium and IXL is that Mathnasium is a one-on-one or small-group tutoring program, while IXL is a self-paced online learning program.
In this article, we’ll compare Mathnasium vs IXL and help you make an informed decision on which tutoring center is the right fit for your child.
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Introduction to the debate: Mathnasium vs IXL
If you are considering online tutoring, the most important step is to carefully compare all your options for top online tutoring services and make an informed decision on which tutoring service is the right fit for your child. We have analyzed the two programs Mathnasium vs IXL on the following parameters:
- Subjects offered
- Teaching methodology
- Tutor matching process
- Pricing and plans offered
- Customer reviews
Mathnasium vs IXL: Comparison
The following table can help in easily determining which platform will be a good choice for you based on different parameters.
| Parameters | Mathnasium | IXL |
| Company Type | In-center and online tutoring | Homeschool program-Short Video Lessons |
| Subjects Offered | Covers mathematics topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. | IXL is an online, subscription-based learning program for PreK-12 students.IXL offers math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish. |
| Mode of teaching | Online and In-Person Classes | Online video lessons |
| Cost of tutoring | Kindergarten and grade 1: 1.5 hours for $52 monthly and $1872 yearly.Grade 2-6: 2 hours for $80 monthly and $2298 yearly. Grade 7-12: 4 hours for $103 monthly and $3708 yearly | You have to purchase a minimum package of $9.90 per month for a single subject. |
| Minimum purchase | You must pay a non-refundable annual registration fee of $100.If you are joining mid-year pay a reduced fee of $80 from January through March or$40 if joining in April or later. Enrollment is not finalized until the annual registration fee is received. | You have to purchase a minimum package of $9.90 per month for a single subject. |
| Help in Tutor selection(Tutor Match) | The service connects you with a tutor based on your requirement | IXL offers multimedia online lessons |
| Offers free trial | Yes. Mathnasium offers a free trial for 30 minutes. | No, IXL doesn’t offer a free trial.Although IXL does have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.If you find that IXL doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel and receive a full refund. |
| Cancellation policy | 6 hours or less notice will be treated as sessions are taken. | If in the first 30 days, IXL doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel and receive a full refund. |
| Rating | Trustpilot score: 3.8/5 | Trustpilot score: 1.3/5 |
Understanding Mathnasium
What is Mathnasium?
Mathnasium is a specialized learning center that focuses on mathematics education for students of all ages. They have nearly 1,000 centers in the United States.
At Mathnasium, the primary goal is to help students build a solid foundation in math and develop strong mathematical skills.
The Mathnasium Method focuses on three main components: assessment, customized learning plans, and ongoing support. The program begins with an assessment to identify the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their math knowledge.
Based on the assessment results, a personalized learning plan is created for the student, targeting their specific needs and goals.
Throughout their Mathnasium journey, students receive ongoing support and instruction from instructors, who monitor their progress and provide guidance and feedback.
How does Mathnasium work?
Mathnasium is a math learning center that operates on a unique approach to help students improve their mathematical skills and build a strong foundation in the subject.
The core of Mathnasium’s methodology lies in its individualized learning plans, customized to meet the specific needs of each student.
The first step at Mathnasium is an initial assessment, where students are evaluated to identify their current skill level and areas of strengths and weaknesses.
This assessment helps the instructors create a customized learning plan for each student, focusing on filling knowledge gaps and enhancing comprehension of mathematical concepts.
Once the learning plan is established, students attend regular sessions at the Mathnasium center, typically 2-3 times per week, for as long as they need.
These sessions are typically held in a small group setting, allowing for personalized attention and guidance from trained math instructors.
Mathnasium follows a structured curriculum that covers a wide range of math topics, starting from the elementary level to high school-level math.
The curriculum is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles, helping students excel not only in their current coursework but also in future math-related endeavors.
To support students’ learning, Mathnasium provides customized worksheets, textbooks, and manipulatives. These resources are used to reinforce concepts, provide additional practice, and encourage hands-on learning experiences.
By combining these materials with personalized instruction, Mathnasium aims to create a supportive and engaging learning environment.
In addition to in-person sessions, Mathnasium also offers online tutoring options for students who prefer remote learning or have scheduling constraints.
This flexibility allows students to access Mathnasium’s instruction and support from the comfort of their own homes.
Subjects covered by Mathnasium
Mathnasium focuses exclusively on mathematics, covering a wide range of topics across all grade levels.
The program is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, build strong problem-solving skills, and excel in math. Here are some of the subjects and skills covered by Mathnasium:
| Subjects/Skills | Description |
| Arithmetic | Mathnasium covers the basics of arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. |
| Algebra | Students learn algebraic concepts such as variables, equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs. |
| Geometry | Mathnasium covers geometry topics such as shapes, angles, lines, planes, and coordinate geometry. |
| Trigonometry | Students learn trigonometric functions, identities, and equations. |
| Calculus | Mathnasium covers calculus topics such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. |
| Test Preparation | Mathnasium helps students prepare for math-related exams, including standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. |
What is the cost of Mathnasium?
The cost of the Mathnasium can vary by location, as each center sets its own fees based on factors such as local operating costs and the services offered.
Mathnasium cost per month includes regular sessions with a Mathnasium instructor, personalized learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring.
The average pricing of Mathnasium is as below:
| Service | Average cost |
| Evaluation and enrollment fees | $100 – $150 |
| Cost per session | $25 – $75 |
| Cost per month | $250 – $400 |
| Summer programs (8 sessions to unlimited) | $395 – $1,000 |
Source: Mathnasium
*Pricing info retrieved from the Mathnasium website in November 2023
Evaluating Mathnasium: Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Personalized Instruction: Mathnasium’s program is customized to each student’s individual needs and learning style, so students receive personalized instruction and support that can help them improve their math skills. | Limited Subjects: Mathnasium doesn’t teach any other subject except maths. So it may not be suitable for some of the students. |
| Comprehensive Curriculum: The Mathnasium covers a wide range of math topics across all grade levels, from arithmetic to calculus, so students can build a strong foundation in math and develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. | No one-on-one tutoring: Students may grow more if they have one-on-one sessions with their instructors. But Mathnasium doesn’t provide one-on-one tutoring. |
| Focus on Mastery: Mathnasium’s program emphasizes mastery of key mathematical concepts, rather than just memorization or rote learning. This can help students develop strong problem-solving skills and build confidence in their math abilities. | Frequent change of tutors: Students work with different tutors rather than the same one each week as the tutors keep on changing frequently. |
| Flexible Scheduling: Mathnasium offers flexible scheduling, with sessions available during after-school hours and on weekends. This can make it easier for students to fit math tutoring into their busy schedules. | |
| Ongoing Support: Mathnasium provides ongoing support to students, with regular progress monitoring and assessments to ensure that students are making progress and achieving their goals. | |
| Certified Instructors: Mathnasium’s instructors are trained and certified in the Mathnasium Method, which emphasizes teaching math in a way that is easy to understand and engaging for students. |
Understanding IXL
What is IXL?
IXL is a subscription-based homeschool learning website for Pre-K – 12 students. IXL uses advanced learning technology for online video lessons. IXL offers analytics and recommendations which help parents to support teaching and learning for their kids with a clear focus on outcomes.
IXL offers math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish which is tailored according to the student’s age group. Math and language arts is covered from pre-K right up to 12th grade.
How does IXL work?
IXL is an online video lesson platform. It has built-in step-by-step lessons for each subject that helps students.
IXL offers practice tests for students. One interesting feature is that students earn points when they get a question right. Students are awarded a stamp in their virtual book once they collect 100 points for a subject. Students can earn other virtual rewards as they keep on practicing multiple subjects.
IXL’s SmartScore is a unique scoring system designed to give the best possible information on students’ true understanding of a skill. SmartScore is a flagship feature of IXL and is based on IXL’s proprietary algorithm.
SmartScore is an adaptive platform that tailors the difficulty level of practice questions based on how a student performs. This approach helps students stay focused and reach their learning goals.
Subjects covered by IXL
IXL is aligned with the educational standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and all U.S. state standards.
| Subject | Grade Levels |
|---|---|
| Math | Pre-K to Calculus |
| English Language Arts | Pre-K to 12th Grade |
| Science | 3rd to 8th Grade |
| Social Studies | 4th to 8th Grade |
| Languages | Spanish |
IXL has integrated its standards alignment with its analytics and progress tracking, so parents and teachers can track a student’s progress in relation to state standards across different subjects.
What is the cost of IXL?
The cost of IXL starts from $79 to $159 per year. IXL offers multiple monthly and yearly options for families.
| Package | Single subject package | Combo package | Core subjects package |
| Package Desc | Select from Math: Pre-K to 12 or Language Arts: Prek-K to 12 | IncludesMath: Pre-K to 12 and Language arts: Pre-K to 12 | Includes Math: Pre-K to 12 Language arts: Pre-K to 12 Science: Grade K to 8th Social studies: Grade K to 8th |
| Monthly | $9.95 | $15.95 | $19.95 |
| Yearly | $79 | $129 | $159 |
The prices are for one child. Enrolment for each additional child is charged at $4 more per month or $40 per year.
*Pricing info retrieved from the IXL website in November 2023
Evaluating IXL: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| IXL offers multiple packages. Families can purchase a single subject, a combo package, or 4 core subjects. | The IXL online curriculum requires a computer or device with an internet connection. The curriculum cannot be accessed offline. |
| IXL is aligned with the educational standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and all U.S. state standards. | IXL offers online video lessons. It is not suitable for students looking for online 1-on-1 tutoring. |
Mathnasium vs IXL: Which is right for your child?
Mathnasium and IXL are two popular math tutoring programs offering different learning approaches. Mathnasium is a one-on-one or small-group tutoring program that focuses on math only. Students work with a tutor who helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses and create a customized learning plan. IXL is a self-paced online learning program that offers a variety of subjects, including math, language arts, science, and social studies. Students can choose the topics they want to learn and the difficulty level of the problems.
Mathnasium is a good choice for students who prefer to work with a tutor and get personalized attention. It is also a good choice for students who are struggling in math and need extra help.
IXL is a good choice for students who prefer to work independently and at their own pace. It is also a good choice for students who need extra practice in specific math skills.
IXL’s prices vary depending on the program and the level of access, but they are generally lower than Mathnasium’s.
Mathnasium vs IXL cost
Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the Sylvan vs Mathnasium cost comparison.
| Mathnasium | IXL |
| Evaluation and enrollment fees- $100 – $150 | Single subject – $9.95 per month Combo subject – $15.95 per month Package -$19.95 per month |
| Cost per session- $25 – $75 | Single subject – $79 per yearCombo subject – $129 per yearPackage – $159n per year |
| Cost per month – $250 – $400 | |
| Summer programs (8 sessions to unlimited) – $395 – $1,000 |
Mathnasium vs IXL: which is the right one for your child?
Mathnasium and IXL are both popular educational platforms that offer unique learning experiences. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which might be the right fit for your child:
Mathnasium is a good option if you are looking for:
- One-on-one or small-group tutoring program.
- In-center and online tutoring.
- A focus on mathematics topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.
- Pricing varies by program and geographic area. It costs around $250 to $400 per month or $25 to $75 per session, depending on the location and whether you book a 3, 6, or 12-month plan. Some Mathnasium locations charge $100 to $150 for evaluation and enrollment fees.
IXL is a good option if you are looking for:
- A self-paced online learning program.
- A variety of subjects, including math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish.
- Personalized learning with comprehensive assessments.
- Pricing for IXL varies depending on the package. A single subject membership is charged at $9.95 per month, or $79 annually. The package that includes all subjects would cost you $159 annually or $19.95 per month.
Here are some additional tips for choosing Mathnasium vs IXL:
- Consider the learning style: If your child prefers to work with a tutor and get personalized attention, Mathnasium might be a better fit. If your child prefers self-paced learning, IXL could be a good choice.
- Look at the subjects offered: Mathnasium primarily covers mathematics topics, while IXL offers a broader range of subjects including math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish.
Mathnasium vs IXL cost
Although the pricing of both the programs varies by location but here is an overview of the Mathnasium vs IXL cost comparison.
| Mathnasium | IXL |
| Evaluation and enrollment fees: $100 – $150 | Single subject – $9.95 per month Combo subject – $15.95 per month Package -$19.95 per month |
| Cost per session: $25 – $75 | Single subject – $79 per year Combo subject – $129 per year Package – $159n per year |
| Cost per month: $250 – $400 | |
| Summer programs (8 sessions to unlimited): $395 – $1,000 |
Why you should consider Wiingy 1-on-1 online tutoring instead?
So far, we have compared Mathnasium vs IXL and explored their unique tutoring programs. However, before deciding on a tutoring service for yourself or your child, there is another better and more affordable option to consider Wiingy.
The Wiingy platform offers 1-on-1 online tutoring to school, college, and adult students through its network of 1,000+ expert-vetted tutors for coding, math, science, computer science, AP, and 100+ subjects.
Over 20,000 students have used Wiingy for private tutoring, homework help, assignment help, language learning, homeschool tutoring, and test prep. Students and parents have consistently rated the Wiingy experience as 4.8 out of 5.
Unlike tutor marketplaces, each Wiingy tutor is vetted individually and undergoes an extensive assessment that includes interviews, mock lessons, and coding tests.
Less than 3% of applicants are selected to become tutors on Wiingy’s platform. This means that you work only with top verified, qualified, and experienced tutors.
An experienced tutor will be able to create a structured lesson plan customized to your pace and learning style. You will also get access to study materials, notes, practice materials, and exam strategies to help accelerate your learning.
We know that sometimes you don’t want to pay for private tutoring because it is too expensive. Tutoring costs anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour which isn’t reasonable at all.
However, Wiingy’s rates are affordable, starting from just $28 per hour, much lower than the average tutoring offered by other platforms.
We don’t require you to sign up for packages or subscriptions, so you can pay for lessons as you need them. We also offer a free trial lesson so you can try out our service before you commit.
While we try to match you with the perfect tutor per your needs, we understand that sometimes, even the best tutors might not be the right fit for you.
This is why we offer you the Perfect Match Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your tutor for any reason, you can request a replacement tutor at no additional cost.
Lastly, if you do not wish to continue our services, we offer you a no-questions-asked full refund for your unused lessons with us.
In addition, we have 24/7 instant support from a personal student success advisor. You can contact your advisor via chat or phone if you have any questions, whether it’s about your lessons, your tutor, payments, or if you are looking to explore any other subject.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Mathnasium and IXL?
Service Focus: Mathnasium focuses primarily on in-person learning experiences with online options, emphasizing customized learning plans based on face-to-face interactions. IXL, on the other hand, offers a fully online platform with a broad range of subjects beyond just math, available anytime and anywhere.
Learning Methodology: Mathnasium uses a unique teaching approach tailored to each student’s needs, mainly through its centers, whereas IXL provides interactive questions and exercises that students complete online, offering immediate feedback and explanations.
Curriculum Structure: Mathnasium’s curriculum is built around personal tutoring sessions that align with the student’s schoolwork. IXL uses a more standardized approach with skills aligned to national standards, allowing students to practice and master skills at their own pace through an online interface.
How does Mathnasium work?
Students start with a diagnostic assessment to determine their strengths and weaknesses. They then work with a tutor to develop a personalized learning plan. Students progress through the program at their own pace, and they are not allowed to move on to the next level until they have mastered the current level.
