Brilliant's interactive STEM lessons are most commonly used in grades 5-12, with content spanning elementary math fundamentals all the way through advanced college-level topics.
K-12 grade coverage
Elementary (Grades 3-5)
Content focuses on building number sense and foundational concepts:
- Fractions and operations
- Basic geometry
- Introductory problem-solving
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Comprehensive coverage of core middle school topics:
- Ratios and proportional reasoning
- Number systems (integers, rational numbers)
- Expressions and equations
- Functions and relationships
- Geometry and measurement
- Statistics and probability
This is where Brilliant has the deepest curriculum alignment with traditional school math.
High School (Grades 9-12)
Full coverage of high school mathematics and introduction to advanced topics:
- Algebra I, II, and beyond
- Functions and modeling
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Statistics and probability
- Pre-calculus and calculus
- Introduction to computer science and data analysis
Beyond grade levels
Many Brilliant courses don't fit neatly into grade levels. We offer:
- Advanced topics like differential equations, linear algebra, and machine learning
- Applied skills in programming, data science, and technology
- Enrichment content that extends beyond standard curriculum
Students often explore topics above or below their grade level or subject based on interest and preparation.
Who uses Brilliant at each level
Elementary and middle school: Teachers typically use Brilliant for enrichment, extension, and to support advanced learners. The interactive format helps build conceptual understanding.
High school: Brilliant works well for supplementing courses, preparing for exams, and providing hands-on practice. Many students use it for independent exploration of computer science and STEM careers.
Beyond high school: College students and adults use Brilliant to learn new skills, refresh foundations, or explore subjects they didn't study in school.
Flexible by design
Brilliant courses don't strictly follow grade-level sequences. Each course starts with fundamentals and builds progressively, so students can jump in wherever they're ready—regardless of age or grade level or subject.
Example: A 7th grader interested in coding can start with Python programming, while a 10th grader reviewing fractions can revisit middle school content.
How to choose appropriate content
When selecting lessons for your students:
- In the Educator portal, check the suggested grade level or subject listed for each course
- Preview lessons yourself to gauge difficulty
- Start students with foundational content if they're new to a topic
- Use Brilliant's standards alignment to match your curriculum
Want to explore content for your grade level or subject? Apply for free educator access at educator.brilliant.org.
Questions about content alignment? Contact support@brilliant.org.