Switching from Math-U-See to Singapore Math: where to start
Two programs, two level systems, and one test that settles it
Switching homeschool math or reading? Test first
Get our free list of placement tests and level guides for 25 programs, so the new box is the right level.
Math-U-See names its levels with Greek letters instead of ages or grades [S1]. Singapore Math uses its own levels and editions. Neither publisher maps its levels to the other [S0], so a Greek letter does not translate into a Singapore level on its own.
Start with Singapore's placement tests [S2]. Depending on the edition, a test checks one of two things: whether a student has mastered a level, or whether a student is ready to begin it [S2]. Pick the edition first, then the test.
For grades 6 to 8, Singapore says it does not currently offer placement tests for Dimensions Math. A student who finished any Grade 5 program begins Dimensions Math 6 [S2].
Singapore says its tests "assess representative skills, but they do not cover every topic taught in a level" [S2]. Treat the score as a strong hint, then watch the first few weeks.
Not sure the switch is needed? Math-U-See's online placement tool asks yes/no questions and works through example problems, to find what a student has mastered and where the gaps are [S1]. Running it first can show whether a gap, not the program, is the trouble.
Steps
- Choose your Singapore edition.
- Take Singapore's placement test for that edition [S2].
- Start at the level the test points to, then check in after two weeks.
Price check
One example kit per program.
- Math-U-See Gamma Set: instruction manual, online lesson videos, student workbook, tests booklet and block kits. $220.12 at the Demme Learning Store, the publisher [S9] (opens in a new tab). Math-U-See gives no grade band by design; its levels run from Primer to PreCalculus [S1] (opens in a new tab).
- Dimensions Math Grade 3 Set with Teacher's Guides (3A and 3B): $152.00 from Singapore Math, the publisher [S10] (opens in a new tab). Dimensions Math covers grades PK to 5 and 6 to 8 [S10] (opens in a new tab).
More switches: all switch guides and placement tests and guides by program.
Sources
- [S0] SWITCH-AND-PLACEMENT-GUIDE.md slots 5 and 6: "No publisher found publishes a direct crosswalk to another publisher." Confirmed Oct 23, 2026, and still true on recheck Oct 31, 2026 (research/seo/SWITCH-GUIDES-FACTCHECK-2026-10-31.md).
- [S1] https://placement.mathusee.com/ and https://mathusee.com/digital-tools/placement-tool/ , checked Oct 31, 2026.
- [S2] https://www.singaporemath.com/pages/placement-tests , checked Oct 31, 2026.
- [S9] https://store.demmelearning.com/products/gamma-set (publisher store), checked Oct 31, 2026.
- [S10] https://www.singaporemath.com/products/dimensions-math-grade-3-set-with-teachers-guides (publisher), checked Oct 31, 2026.
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