Khan Academy-Math

 

Overview: 

Khan Academy is one of the most popular and comprehensive free learning platforms, especially praised for its math curriculum. Covering everything from early math and algebra to AP Calculus and beyond, it’s ideal for high school students at any level.

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Pros:

• Free, high-quality video lessons taught by expert instructors

• Interactive exercises and instant feedback

• Organized by grade level and subject

• Personalized learning dashboard to track progress

• Aligned with common core and standardized exams

Cons:

• Some students may prefer more real-time interaction

• Occasional gaps in higher-level problem sets

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AOPS Online

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Overview:

AoPS is the gold standard for students aiming to go beyond school math and excel in competitive environments like Math Olympiads, AMC, and AIME. Its curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, creative thinking, and deep mathematical understanding.

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Pros:

• Challenging and rigorous content ideal for gifted and motivated students

• Interactive online classes and detailed textbooks

• Strong community forums for discussion and support

• Excellent prep for math competitions (AMC, MathCounts, Olympiads)

Cons:

• Can be too advanced for beginners without strong math foundations

• Not free (although Alcumus and videos are)

Paul's Online Notes

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Overview:

Paul's Online Math Notes, hosted by Lamar University, is a highly regarded free resource for high school and college students seeking to strengthen their math understanding. The notes cover a broad range of topics, including Algebra, Calculus I–III, and Differential Equations. Each section is clearly organized with detailed explanations, step-by-step examples, and practice problems with solutions.

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Pros:

• Extremely clear and concise explanations

• Covers foundational to advanced math topics

• Great for both learning and review

• PDF downloads available for offline use

• No ads or distractions

Cons:

• No interactive features like videos or quizzes

• Some older formatting, not optimized for mobile viewing

Math Planet

Overview:
Math Planet is a free online resource offering lessons in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, and Geometry, with a strong focus on high school math aligned to U.S. curricula. It includes explanations, examples, and SAT practice.

 

Pros:

• 100% free with no registration needed

• Covers key high school math topics clearly

• Includes video tutorials and SAT practice sections

• Easy-to-navigate layout, great for quick reviews

Cons:

• Not as interactive as platforms like Khan Academy

• Content depth may not satisfy advanced learners

JHU Center for Talented Youth
Overview:

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers online mathematics courses for students in grades 2–12.  Courses range from foundational algebra AP Calculus and Competitive math. Courses are available in various formats, including session-based, self-paced, and live instruction. 

 

Pros:

• Wide range of courses well beyond school curriculum

• Experienced instructors & flexible learning options

• Easy-to-navigate layout

Cons:

• Tuition is significantly more expensive compared to other options ($955-$1455)

• Certain courses may be more self-study based with limited instructor interaction; instructor quality varies by courses

Coursera​

Overview:
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to offer online courses in a variety of subjects, including math—from foundational algebra to advanced calculus, linear algebra, and data science.

Pros:

• Courses from top institutions like Stanford, Princeton, and Imperial College London

• Flexible scheduling with self-paced and instructor-led options

• Many courses are free to audit

• Professional certificates and degrees available

Cons:

• Full access and certificates often require payment

• Quality can vary depending on instructor or institution

• Some courses may be more lecture-based with limited practice

edX

Overview:
edX, founded by Harvard and MIT, provides rigorous university-level math courses across disciplines like calculus, statistics, and discrete math.

Pros:

• Courses from prestigious institutions (MIT, Harvard, etc.)

• Free to audit with optional certificate purchase

• Wide range of difficulty levels

• Strong academic credibility

Cons:

• Some advanced courses require strong prerequisites

• Less interactive than some platforms (depending on course)