Choosing the right homeschool curriculum is one of the most important decisions parents face when starting their homeschooling journey. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to determine which approach and materials will best suit your child’s learning style, needs, and your family’s values.
Whether you prefer online programs or traditional textbooks and workbooks, there’s an option to suit every family’s needs. Be sure to explore the links throughout this page to discover non-curriculum-based homeschooling methods, hands-on manipulatives, and educational games.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore different types of curricula and provide tips for selecting the best homeschooling curriculum for your family.
Table of Contents
- What Is Curriculum?
- Different Approaches to Homeschooling
- Understanding Different Types of Homeschool Curriculum
- How to Choose the Right Homeschool Curriculum
- Homeschool Curriculum by Subject Area
- Secular vs. Faith-Based Homeschool Curricula
- Homeschool Curriculum for Specific Grades
- Circular vs Linear Learning
- FAQs About Homeschool Curriculum
- Making the Best Decision for Your Family
1. What Is Curriculum?
Before choosing curriculum, it’s important to understand what curriculum is and the purpose of curriculum.
Curriculum is a structured series of lessons designed to teach specific subjects like math, history, or reading. While curriculum provides a focused approach to learning, it’s important to remember that no curriculum is created specifically for your child. This means that finding a perfect match can be challenging, though there are many high-quality homeschool curriculum options available.
As a homeschooling parent, adaptability is key. If your child is struggling or not being challenged enough by their current curriculum, it’s crucial to stay flexible. You can adjust the pace, skip unnecessary sections, or supplement with additional resources like games, books, or videos to better meet your child’s needs and keep them engaged in their educational journey.
2. Different Approaches to Homeschooling
Before choosing a curriculum, it’s important to consider the homeschooling style that best fits your family. Many new homeschoolers start with a curriculum-based, teacher-led approach. While curriculum can guide your child’s learning, it’s just one tool in your homeschooling toolkit, not the main focus.
Homeschool curriculum comes in a wide range of formats and educational philosophies. Understanding these options allows you to choose a curriculum that aligns with your child’s unique learning style and your broader educational goals.
The purpose of curriculum is to support your child’s educational progress, but it shouldn’t dictate every aspect of your homeschool journey. There are many effective ways for children to learn, and not all of them rely on a formal curriculum. Some homeschooling methods are more flexible and experience-driven, offering a well-rounded education without being curriculum-centered.
Explore More Homeschooling Styles
Whether you’re drawn to a more structured routine or prefer a flexible, child-led approach, understanding the variety of methods available is key to finding your fit.
Click here to discover more styles of homeschooling.
3. Understanding Different Types of Homeschooling Curriculum
Below are some of the more popular methods of homeschooling. Some educational styles focus more on hands-on experiences and diverse learning resources rather than traditional curricula.
Traditional Curriculum-Based Method of Homeschooling
Traditional curriculum resembles what you would find in public or private schools. They are structured with textbooks, workbooks, and tests, often following a grade-level approach.
- Pros: Familiar format, easy to follow.
- Cons: Can be rigid and may not cater to individualized learning paces.
Click here to learn more about traditional homeschooling.
Charlotte Mason Curriculum
This approach focuses on living books, nature studies, and narration. Charlotte Mason emphasizes the development of good habits and character.
- Pros: Gentle learning and fosters a love for literature and nature.
- Cons: Less structured, may require more preparation time from parents.
Click here to discover Charlotte Mason curriculum and learn more about this method of homeschooling.
Classical Education
Classical Education is based on the three stages of learning known as the Trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
This approach focuses on mastering foundational knowledge, developing critical thinking, and honing persuasive communication through a structured, sequential learning process.
Pros: Rigorous, emphasizes critical thinking and strong language skills.
Cons: This method can be rigid, time-intensive, and less flexible for creative learners.
Click here to learn more about classical homeschooling and to discover online classical academies.
Montessori Curriculum
The Montessori method emphasizes hands-on learning and student-led activities. It’s designed to help children develop independence and problem-solving skills.
- Pros: Child-centered, encourages autonomy.
- Cons: Requires specific materials and setup.
Click here to discover Montessori Curriculum and learn more about this educational approach.
Online/Virtual Curriculum
Online programs offer digital coursework that can be completed at your child’s pace. Many are interactive and provide grading assistance.
- Pros: Flexible, convenient for tech-savvy families.
- Cons: It may involve screen time concerns and can lack personal interaction.
You’ll find online options in our articles about different styles of homeschooling and in specific subject areas.
Unit Studies
Unit Studies integrate multiple subjects around a common theme or topic. This approach allows children to explore subjects like history, science, and literature through a unified lens, making learning more immersive and engaging.
Pros: Encourages deep learning and is adaptable to various ages and interests.
Cons: It requires planning and may lack consistency across subjects if it is not well-structured.
Click here to learn more about unit studies and discover interesting resources.
Unschooling
Unschooling allows learning to occur naturally as children pursue their interests. It’s often child-led, with little to no formal curriculum.
- Pros: Extremely flexible, fosters a passion for learning.
- Cons: May lack structure, harder to measure progress.
Learn more about unschooling here.
4. How to Choose the Best Homeschool Curriculum for Your Family
To choose the best curriculum, start by assessing your child’s needs, your family’s values, and your educational goals. You’ll also want to consider the homeschooling style most appealing to you.
Assessing Your Child’s Learning Style
Every child learns differently. Some are visual learners, others are kinesthetic or auditory learners. Tailor your curriculum to match your child’s preferred learning method. For example:
- Visual Learners: Benefit from colorful textbooks, videos, and diagrams.
- Kinesthetic Learners: Thrive with hands-on activities and experiments.
- Auditory Learners: Learn best through discussions, lectures, and audiobooks.
Click here to listen to our podcast episode about different learning styles.
Identifying Your Homeschooling Goals
Your goals will influence the curriculum you choose. Consider whether you prioritize:
- Academic rigor
- Character development
- Faith-based or secular curriculum
- Flexibility and independence
Evaluating Your Family’s Schedule and Budget
Some curricula require more time from parents (e.g., Charlotte Mason or Montessori), while others are more independent (e.g., online programs). Likewise, consider your budget. Some programs are free, while others can be costly.
5. Homeschool Curriculum Subjects
When choosing homeschooling curriculum, many parents prefer to focus on individual subject areas to better meet their child’s strengths and needs.
Whether you’re looking for specialized resources for math, language arts, science, or history, selecting a curriculum by subject allows you to tailor your child’s education and ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
Below are some top curriculum recommendations organized by subject.
Geography Curriculum & Games
Explore a variety of geography curriculum options and fun games that make learning about the world engaging for your homeschooler. From map skills to cultural studies, this section offers resources that bring geography to life for students of all ages.
- Anno’s China, Anno’s Denmark, Anno’s Italy, Anno’s Spain. All ages.
- Arcademics Online Academic Games. PreK-elementary.
- Around the World with Picture Books. Elementary.
- Cooking Through Geography. Upper elementary through high school.
- Daily Geography Practice. Elementary.
- Draw Map Series. Upper Elementary through middle school.
- Drawing Around the World. Elementary through high school.
- Eat Your Way Around the World Cookbooks. Elementary through high school.
- Expedition Earth Geography Course. Middle to high school.
- Fun Online Educational Geography Quizzes: Elementary to High School
- Geography Songs. Elementary ages.
- GeoMatters Geography. Elementary to high school.
- Girls of American History Curriculum. Elementary ages.
- Guest Hollow’s Homeschool Geography Curriculum. Middle school to high school.
- Let’s Go Geography Curriculum. Elementary ages.
- Map Travelers by NIA Unit Studies. Elementary ages.
- Mapping the World with Art. Upper elementary through high school.
- Memoria Press Geography & History. Elementary through high school.
- PAC World Geography. High school.
- Read Through the USA. Elementary ages.
- Snapshots Across America Game. Elementary through high school.
- Social Studies Games by Simply Fun. Geared toward elementary aged children.
- Trick Geography. Elementary to high school.
- Visualize World Geography. Upper elementary through high school.
- Where In the World Game. Upper elementary through high school.
Handwriting Curriculum: Printing & Cursive
We’ve done the research to help you choose the right handwriting curriculum. In this article, you’ll find helpful videos, resources, and even a podcast episode!
Click here for handwriting curriculum and helpful information.
History Curriculum for Homeschoolers: Books, Programs, Supplements, and Games
Explore a wide range of homeschool history curriculum options in this article. You’ll also find a curated list of engaging history podcasts that your family is sure to enjoy!
Click here to discover homeschool history curriculum and podcasts.
Language Arts Curriculum: Grammar & Composition
Discover language arts curriculum options focused on grammar and composition. This section covers resources that help your homeschooler build strong writing skills, master grammar rules, and develop effective communication abilities, all while making learning engaging and enjoyable.
- Easy Grammar
- Fix It! Grammar
- Grammar Galaxy
- Guest Hollow’s Language Arts
- Structure and Style for Students
Math Curriculum & Educational Resources
Explore math curriculum options for homeschoolers, along with fun math games, engaging manipulatives, and educational toys that make learning math enjoyable for your kids.
Reading Resources for Homeschoolers
Explore a variety of reading resources designed to support your homeschooler’s literacy journey. From phonics programs to advanced reading strategies, this section provides tools and curriculum options that help build strong reading skills and foster a lifelong love of books.
- All About Reading by Marie Rippel. PreK-elementary.
- Blumenfeld’s Alpha-Phonics by Samuel L Blumenfeld. Lower elementary grades.
- Explode the Code by Nancy Hall. PreK-Elementary.
- First Start Reading by Cheryl Lowe. Lower elementary grades.
- Foundations: Logic of English. PreK-2.
- Night Zookeeper. Elementary through middle school.
- Phonics Pathways, 10th ed. Dolores G. Hiskes. Lower elementary grades.
- Pinwheels Language Arts Program (Rooted In Language) Lower elementary grades.
- Starfall Reading Resources. PreK-3.
- Teach a Child to Read by Mark B. Thogmartin and Mary Gallagher. PreK-elementary.
- The Young Reader by Margaret Craig. PreK-Elementary.
Science Curriculum, Programs, & Books
- Backpack Sciences Online Curriculum: Elementary Curriculum
- BookShark Science Packages: PreK through High School
- Elemental Science Classic Series: Elementary and Middle School Curriculum
- Exploring the Building Blocks of Science Series: Elementary and Middle School Curriculum
- Learn Science Conceptual Academy: Middle and High School Curriculum
- Mystery Science Lessons: Elementary Curriculum
- Noeo Science Curriculum. Elementary and Middle School Curriculum
- Science People: Upper Elementary through Middle School
Spelling Curriculum
If you’re looking for homeschool spelling curriculum, tips, and activities, this article has everything you need! It’s packed with spelling review videos, helpful information, fun games, and recommended curriculum options—all in one spot.
Click here for spelling curriculum, resources, and helpful information.
6. Christian (Faith-Based) vs Secular Homeschool Curriculum
When choosing homeschool curriculum, families often decide between secular and Christian options. Secular curricula focus solely on academics without religious content, while Christian curriculum integrates faith-based teachings with traditional subjects.
At HomeSchool ThinkTank, we aim to be inclusive by offering curriculum options that cater to the diverse needs of homeschooling families.
Whether you prefer secular resources or faith-based programs, we provide a range of choices to help you find the right fit for your homeschooling journey.
Secular Homeschool Curriculum
- Example Programs: Oak Meadow, BookShark
- Best For: Families who prefer a non-religious educational approach.
Christian Homeschool Curriculum
- Example Programs: My Father’s World, Christian Light Education
- Best For: Families seeking a curriculum that integrates faith and academics.
7. Homeschool Curriculum for Specific Grades
Different grades require different approaches. Below are secular and Christian curriculum suggestions for various age groups:
Preschool & Kindergarten Christian Homeschool Curriculum
- Curriculum: The Good and the Beautiful, My Father’s World
- Approach: Focuses on foundational skills with a blend of faith-based learning, incorporating stories and activities that instill Christian values.
Preschool & Kindergarten Secular Homeschool Curriculum
- Curriculum: Blossom and Root, Oak Meadow
- Approach: Emphasizes play-based learning with a focus on nature, basic literacy, and numeracy.
Elementary (Grades 1-5) Christian Curriculum
- Curriculum: Abeka, Heart of Dakota
- Approach: Strong emphasis on Bible study, character development, and rigorous academics through a traditional, faith-integrated curriculum.
Elementary (Grades 1-5) Secular Curriculum
- Curriculum: Torchlight, Build Your Library
- Approach: Literature-based learning that integrates history, science, and art, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
Middle School (Grades 6-8) Christian Curriculum
- Curriculum: BJU Press, Lifepac by AOP
- Approach: Structured, Bible-centered education that combines core academic subjects with opportunities for spiritual growth.
Middle School (Grades 6-8) Secular Curriculum
- Curriculum: Moving Beyond the Page, History Odyssey
- Approach: In-depth studies with an emphasis on interdisciplinary connections, encouraging independent thinking and project-based learning.
High School (Grades 9-12) Christian Curriculum
- Curriculum: Notgrass History, Apologia
- Approach: College-prep curriculum with a strong emphasis on worldview studies, apologetics, and subject mastery from a biblical perspective.
Secular: High School (Grades 9-12)
- Curriculum: Secular Eclectic Academic Homeschoolers (SEA), Art of Problem Solving
- Approach: Comprehensive college-prep materials with a focus on critical analysis, advanced mathematics, and student-led research.
Podcast Episode: What’s the Purpose of Homeschool Curriculum?
8. Circular vs Linear Learning
Homeschool curriculum is often structured in either a linear or circular pattern. In a linear approach, students follow a straightforward path from step 1 to step 10, building on each concept sequentially. For instance, history might be taught chronologically from ancient to modern times, or math concepts might progress in a logical order from basic to advanced. Reading levels typically follow this linear pattern as well, moving from simpler books to more complex ones.
However, learning doesn’t always happen in a straight line. In a circular approach, students constantly revisit and expand upon previous knowledge as they progress. This type of learning is more dynamic and allows for deeper connections between subjects. For example, your child might read a book that sparks an interest in Russian history, leading them to explore the Romanov family, draw portraits, and research related historical events. As subjects intertwine naturally, learning becomes more engaging, self-directed, and meaningful.
Circular learning tends to be more organic and often aligns better with how the human brain processes information, allowing for richer, more interconnected learning experiences.
9. FAQs About Homeschool Curriculum
Q: How do I know if a curriculum is working for my child?
A: Regularly assess your child’s progress through informal quizzes, observation, and reviewing completed work. You’re on the right track if your child is thriving and showing growth.
Q: Can I mix and match different curricula?
A: Yes! Many homeschoolers choose a “curriculum buffet,” selecting different programs for each subject based on what works best for their child.
Q: Do I need to follow a specific state curriculum?
A: This depends on your state’s homeschooling laws. Some states require specific subjects to be taught, while others allow full freedom in curriculum choice.
10. Making the Best Decision for Your Family
Choosing a homeschool curriculum is a highly personal decision that depends on your child’s learning style, your family’s values, and your educational goals. By understanding the different types of homeschooling curriculum available and considering your child’s needs, you can confidently select the right resources to create a fulfilling homeschooling experience.
Get Personalized Help
Feeling overwhelmed with all the curriculum choices or unsure where to start? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Book a free homeschool consultation to get personalized guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs and your family’s goals.
We’ll discuss your specific challenges, preferences, and priorities so you can confidently choose the right curriculum and approach for your homeschooling journey. Let’s work together to set your family up for success!
2018-2024+. HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
2018-2024+. HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights REserved.