Program Comparison – Schools

Dimensions Math, Primary Mathematics U.S. Edition, and Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition are the three programs that schools most commonly use. (Primary Mathematics Common Core and Standards Editions are very similar to the U.S. Edition with minor differences to align with specific standards.)

This page offers a brief overview of each program with some thoughts and suggestions from math teachers, curriculum advisors, and professional math trainers.

Dimensions Math® PK–5 in a nutshell

Dimensions Math PK–5 is our flagship curriculum. It provides a comprehensive, supported, and beautiful Singapore math experience.

• Cohesive PK–5 series, which continues through more advanced grades in our Dimensions Math 6–8 program.

• Substantial, ever-expanding teaching resources including video lessons and more.

• Vibrant illustration and clean design engages students and educators, making learning and teaching more enjoyable.

• Excellent value and accessible pricing.

Look Inside Dimensions Math

Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition in a nutshell

Primary Mathematics is the original, world-renowned Singapore Math curriculum. It put Singapore on the map of international math achievement over 20 years ago.

Due to wide adoption over many years, there is ample support for the early editions of Primary Mathematics.

Different editions align with specific standards:

Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition: Focuses on U.S. standards alignment and differentiation. Note: Content is entirely new, marks major departure from previous Primary Mathematics editions.

Look Inside Primary Mathematics

PRIMARY MATHEMATICS U.S. Edition in a nutshell

Primary Mathematics is the original, world-renowned Singapore Math curriculum. It put Singapore on the map of international math achievement and is the first curriculum we offered.

It's almost identical to the original program used in Singapore, but uses U.S. measurements and currency.

This program is lean in every way. Teaching notes are straightforward and the number of student problems is spare. It's almost always used with supplementary material.

Look Inside Primary Mathematics

Reflections on each curriculum

Below are thoughts and suggestions from Singapore math writers, teachers, and trainers who have extensive experience with all the Singapore math programs out there today.

REFLECTIONS ON DIMENSIONS MATH

Your student is generally competent in math and hasn't struggled with the topic much in the past.

• Teachers are often wary at the point of adoption. The first year is about getting their bearings, the second year is more enjoyable, and by the third year, almost every single teacher will be a convert and devoted to Singapore math from that point on. They've deepened their own knowledge of math and have come to see how effective the methods and material are. If math wasn't their strong point before, it might become their favorite subject.

• You are mostly confident in your ability to teach math and to fit the curriculum to your student’s needs, or are willing to gain that confidence by studying the content and the guides.

• You want your student to be exposed to more mental math strategies and a greater variety of problems, including more challenging ones.

• You want your student to be more advanced in math than a typical U.S. student, but still cover the Common Core Standards, though sometimes in an earlier grade level.

• You want the option to add a video subscription that covers each lesson very comprehensively.

• You enjoy math yourself or want to gain more depth in your own understanding of math.

Jenny says, "Use Primary Mathematics U.S. Edition if..."

Your student is generally competent in math and hasn't struggled with the topic much in the past.

• You want the “original” that has been around for the longest time and has been successfully used for decades.

• You want the shortest lessons and workbook exercises. This is an efficient program.

• You are not concerned about Common Core Standards. (This was not written for U.S. standards. It was lightly adapted for currency and measurement from the Singapore curriculum.)

• You are willing to supplement with additional resources for more practice and challenge as needed. (This is a relatively spare program as it was designed to give teachers in Singapore time to do their own additional teaching. There are many great supplementary options that complement this series.)

Jenny says, "Use Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition if..."

Your student struggles with math, and has difficulty moving to the abstract. (Of our core programs, this one is most suitable for students who struggle with math because its scope, pace, and reviews make it a more manageable curriculum. Please note, it can be used for all levels of ability and includes differentiated learning pathways.)

• You prefer to follow more scripted lesson plans without the need to modify much for ability.

• You want to cover only the topics covered in U.S. public schools for that grade level, but cover them with greater depth and understanding.

• You prefer a holistic approach to math that's more integrated with other subjects with emphasis on growth mindset, social and emotional learning, and preparing students for twenty-first century competencies. This program includes journaling, self-reflection, and STEAM activities.

• You are coming to Singapore math in Grades 4 or 5 and do not want to have any issues with transitioning from another U.S. curriculum because topics were not covered earlier.

 The takeaway:

All are excellent Singapore Math® programs that instill deep conceptual understanding and computational fluency.