I'm coming of the mind that algebraic equations should be avoided as much as possible until the student understands the idea that's being discussed. Algebraic equations are great ways to abstract out ideas that you've already wrapped your head around into generic forms so that they can be easily applied to a wide variety of situations. When you don't have that intuitive base, though, it just seems like voodoo. You don't learn how to do math by memorizing equations.

As an alternative to traditional math classes, where it can be tough to find approaches that aren't purely abstract, I suggest practical hybrid courses. For example, you might have a "programming-algebra"-based curriculum, wherein you learn mathematics as you make simple videogames. You pass by showing that you can actually apply both the mathematics and the programming to make something that functions as intended.