Thinkwell

Thinkwell provides online video-based courses in math and other core subjects for middle school through college-level students. Families enroll in a course, and students follow a structured sequence of short, college-professor–style video lessons paired with interactive practice problems, automatic grading, and printable notes; it can function as a full-year course, honors track, or credit-bearing option for high school transcripts.

Thinkwell is designed for fairly independent learners, but parents remain important for monitoring progress, answering occasional questions, and proctoring tests or assigning grades for transcripts. Some families sit in during the first couple of weeks to ensure students understand how to navigate the platform and take meaningful notes.

Prerequisites depend on the specific course: each math level assumes mastery of the previous one (for example, Algebra I expects solid pre-algebra), and students should be comfortable reading instructions on screen and working independently. A reliable internet connection and device with audio are essential.

Thinkwell’s video‑based math and science courses feature clear lectures and worked examples that many gifted, ADHD, and independent learners appreciate. For dyslexic or autistic students who find live classes stressful, the pause‑and‑rewind format can be a relief; some may still need extra practice problems or tutoring to cement concepts.

Thinkwell’s video-based courses can help some older students with dyscalculia who prefer watching and rewatching short lectures over reading a textbook. The program is designed for typical learners, though, and doesn’t build in the extra scaffolded practice, manipulatives, or alternative representations that dyscalculic students usually need. I’d treat it as a content-delivery tool paired with targeted remediation and accommodations like extended time, formula sheets, and reduced problem sets.

Video‑based, honors‑level math (and other subjects) that some 2e teens love because it moves quickly and respects their intelligence. Lectures can be long for ADHD learners, so pausing, note‑sketching, or watching at 1.25x speed can help.

Thinkwell’s video-based courses can help some older students with dyscalculia who prefer watching and rewatching short lectures over reading a textbook. The program is designed for typical learners, though, and doesn’t build in the extra scaffolded practice, manipulatives, or alternative representations that dyscalculic students usually need. I’d treat it as a content-delivery tool paired with targeted remediation and accommodations like extended time, formula sheets, and reduced problem sets.

Thinkwell typically offers a limited satisfaction window in which families can request a refund or course change, after which access continues until the enrollment term ends; specifics vary by promotion and vendor. Parents should review the current terms of sale at checkout and contact Thinkwell support promptly if a course is clearly not a good fit.

Less suitable for very young students, for kids who need lots of manipulatives and multi-sensory support, or for families firmly opposed to online courses; may not be ideal for students who strongly prefer a live teacher over recorded videos.

Thinkwell periodically updates course interfaces, adds new practice items, and refreshes or expands subject offerings (including honors and AP-aligned courses). Families benefit from automatic access to these improvements during their enrollment period.

Print or write down example problems while watching, pause frequently for your student to try similar problems on paper, and schedule one weekly “exam light” day to review any topics their quiz data flags as weak.