This summer, Khan Academy is introducing a new set of Math Essentials courses designed to provide a focused path through the most important grade-level math concepts.

These courses are intended for students and teachers who want a streamlined learning experience that focuses on the most essential on-grade-level skills.

This update is part of Khan Academy’s 2026 back-to-school content rollout. You can view the full 2026 Back To School course overview here.

Introducing Math Essentials

Math Essentials courses ask a simple question:

If a student can only complete about 60 exercises worth of grade-level math, what should they prioritize?

Using Khan Academy’s full grade-level math courses as a foundation, Math Essentials courses focus on the most important grade-level concepts while removing redundant skill-reinforcement exercises.

The result is a focused course containing approximately 60–70 exercises that emphasizes the content students are most likely to need for future success.

Note: The Math Essentials courses are designed around Common Core standards. There are no Essentials courses for other state standards

How are Math Essentials courses different from other Khan Academy math courses?

Khan Academy now offers three primary types of math courses, each designed for a different learning need.

Grade-level courses

Grade-level courses provide the most comprehensive math experience available on Khan Academy.

These courses:

• cover major, supporting, and additional work
• include approximately 150–180 exercises
• provide a deep, year-long learning experience
• work well for differentiated instruction and comprehensive skill development

Examples include:

• 6th grade
• Algebra 1

Get Ready courses

Get Ready courses focus exclusively on prerequisite skills students need before entering the next grade level.

These courses:

• contain approximately 35–80 exercises
• focus on below-grade-level content
• help students address unfinished learning
• work well for summer programs, diagnostics, and just-in-time support

Examples include:

• Get ready for 6th grade
• Get ready for Algebra 1

Math Essentials courses

Math Essentials courses focus exclusively on the most important on-grade-level content.

These courses:

• contain approximately 60–70 exercises
• include only on-grade-level content
• focus on major work and foundational skills
• provide a streamlined pathway through grade-level mathematics

Unlike Get Ready courses, Math Essentials courses do not include below-grade-level content.

Unlike full grade-level courses, Math Essentials courses focus only on the most essential concepts and skills.

When should I use Math Essentials?

Math Essentials courses may be a good fit for:

• students who need a focused path through grade-level math
• classrooms with limited time available for supplemental practice
• teachers who want to prioritize the most important concepts and skills
• students looking for a more streamlined course experience

These courses are designed to help students focus on what matters most while still working within grade-level expectations.

Available Math Essentials courses

Available Essentials courses include:

• 3rd grade math
• 4th grade math
• 5th grade math
• 6th grade math
• 7th grade math
• 8th grade math
• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Precalculus

Why are these courses being added?

Students and teachers have different goals, schedules, and learning needs.

While some learners benefit from a comprehensive year-long course and others need prerequisite review, some simply need a focused path through the most important grade-level content.

Math Essentials courses provide that option.

By focusing on the most essential grade-level concepts, these courses give students a streamlined way to build understanding and prepare for future learning.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out.