Pre-Algebra is just as straightforward, just as easy to use, and just as challenging. I think the problem sets are actually more reasonable than the younger levels. Horizons math is slightly advanced and it requires a lot of hard work. If the student has "grown up on" Horizons, she will be able to do these with no complaint because the foundation has been laid well. We LOVE that the explanations are short and sweet, because she doesn't need any more explanation! I do recommend adding Zacarro's Challenge Math to solidify problem solving skills. We are thrilled with Pre-Algebra, and my dd scores above 90% in all her state tests.

We've used Horizon's Math for five years and it is, by far, the best math curriculum available. I have two girls that can sometimes get pretty frustrated with the more difficult lessons, but with Horizon's that frustration is usually short-lived. It will introduce a difficult activity and then go back to easier tasks that build back up to the more difficult ones. It's bright and colorful pages keep their interest piqued. Since we started Horizon's, my girls stay 2-3 grade levels ahead in math!!

I'll admit that Horizons was the last on my list for math programs with my children. Happy to say though that I went ahead and took a leap with buying an Alpha Omega product and couldn't be happier. We used a different math program with my oldest daughter and she just was not 'getting it' no matter what I did with her. I tried many things to make the curriculum work for us and it just wasn't working. To find out she needed color to concentrate on the math problems. I searched and Horizon's Pre Algebra was just what we needed. To focus on one concept at a time and to review concepts that were learned earlier so that they stayed fresh in her mind.

I will say you need the whole set for the program to work. The teacher manual contains all the problems and solutions , the resource book contains all the tests, quizes and final exams, and practice worksheets. The teacher manual though does not explain things the way I wished it did because I'm not very math minded, but I have found with the advent of websites like Khan Academy and Hippo Campus really the manual is obsolete when it comes to explaining things anymore.

What I like about this course is not only does it teach Pre Algebra but it also introduces the beginning of Trigonometry as well. I also like the College Prep tests they include in the workbook for the children to practice with. It definitely gives them an idea of what to expect for college entry tests some day. I also like the continuous review so that she does not forget what she's learned.

My daughter says she likes the color to help her focus on the math problems, and the fact it focuses on one math concept at a time.

Everything we have is of high quality and is an excellent product. The only negative is that Horizons only goes to Algebra 1 as of right now (2012). I hope they come out with more levels in the future.

I do plan on giving it a try with my other three children for the upcoming school year.

I just received the set and after using Horizons for 3 years now this set looks even better than the other levels. I just love how well structured the pages are, also great for older kids (the K-6 have more pictures, this has real people like missionaries, etc telling, where they need math, which I find very encouraging!)

Also the teacher book now has a printed student page in small (like BJU does) so you´ll find the correct answers right within the lesson . I like that the extra worksheets are not in the teacher book anymore, but in the seperate test and resource book, so you can just get this book new for each child.

I will update my comment as soon as we´ve worked with this books for a while, happy home schooling!!

I have used Horizons K-8. It has always been a bit fater paced than the "average" math curriculum in ALL their subjects. I would not recomend this for any student who has not completed Horizons grade 7 or is a strong math student. It moves just as quickly as any other Horizons. I found the classwork to be far tougher than the tests. I appreciated the practical application aspects. It does well in covering the topics and teaching application. There is not a ton of practice on each concept, but more than enough for a GOOD math student that would get bored the extreme repetition. I am more than happy with it. I have bought Grade 8 and can't wait for grade 9.