Is Brilliant aligned with Common Core State Standards?

Yes! Brilliant's math content maps to Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M). Our lessons cover key domains from grades 3-12 and support the standards' emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.

Coverage by domain

Brilliant offers hundreds of interactive lessons mapped to Common Core domains:

Grades 3-5:

  • Number & Operations - Fractions

Grades 6-8:

  • Ratios & Proportional Relationships
  • The Number System
  • Expressions & Equations
  • Functions
  • Geometry
  • Statistics & Probability

Grades 9-12:

  • High School Algebra
  • High School Functions
  • High School Number & Quantity
  • High School Geometry
  • High School Statistics & Probability

How alignment works

Definitions and terminology

Our content team uses mathematically correct definitions that align with CCSS-M. For example:

  • A fraction is a multiple of a unit fraction constructed by subdividing a whole
  • A percentage is a rate per 100 (example: we don't say 25% = 1/4, we say 25% of 80 = 1/4 × 80)
  • Two numbers with the same magnitude and different signs are "opposites"
  • Congruence is defined through rigid transformations

These precise definitions support the deep conceptual understanding emphasized in the standards.

Mathematical practices

Brilliant's interactive format naturally supports the Common Core's Standards for Mathematical Practice:

  • Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
  • Reason abstractly and quantitatively
  • Construct viable arguments
  • Model with mathematics
  • Use appropriate tools strategically
  • Look for and make use of structure

Students engage with these practices through hands-on problem-solving rather than passive reading.

Representations and models

We use visual representations consistent with standards-based curricula, including:

  • Double number lines for equivalent ratios
  • Tape diagrams for percentages
  • Number lines for operations with signed numbers
  • Balanced scales for solving equations

These representations help students build intuition before moving to formal procedures.

Alignment considerations

Brilliant is a supplement, not a replacement: While our content aligns with standards, Brilliant is designed to complement your existing curriculum—not replace textbooks or classroom instruction.

Course structure differs from textbooks: Brilliant courses may span multiple grade levels or combine topics in ways that differ from traditional scope and sequence. This supports deeper exploration and connections between concepts.

Standards-plus content: We also offer enrichment topics beyond Common Core, like logic, computer science, and applied problem-solving. These extend learning for students ready for additional challenge.

Browse the full catalog

To see all available courses by subject area and grade level, visit our complete course catalog.

Getting alignment details

For a comprehensive lesson-by-lesson mapping of Brilliant content to Common Core State Standards, see our complete Standards Alignment Guide. This detailed reference shows every lesson and the specific standards it addresses, organized by Common Core domain.

For additional questions about standards alignment, contact support@brilliant.org.


Ready to explore aligned content? Apply for Brilliant for Educators at educator.brilliant.org.

Users also ask:

  • Brilliant for Educators - Complete Standards Alignment
  • What courses are available in Brilliant for Educators?
  • What grade levels does Brilliant cover?
  • How can teachers use Brilliant in the classroom?

Last updated November 12, 2025

Product

Courses
Terms of service

© 2025 Brilliant Worldwide, Inc., Brilliant and the Brilliant Logo are trademarks of Brilliant Worldwide, Inc.