Which Homeschool Curriculum Should I Use?

As you probably have figured out….there are a lot of different homeschool curriculums. It can get so overwhelming and not to mention so expensive! There’s also different forms of homeschooling that you can do like Montessori, classical, or eclectic. I will dive into all the different homeschooling forms in another post, but for now we’ll be focusing on curriculums.

What is Homeschool?

Choosing to homeschool is a very personal decision that you need to decide if your family can do it. It can be a scary leap to take especially if you’ve never done it before or don’t know many people who have homeschooled. The term homeschool and how we know it today wasn’t really done until the 1970s where the author John Holt wrote a book about homeschooling and the efficiency of public schools. He talked about how schools don’t really focus on other methods of learning. If you dive into the homeschooling scene you’ll find many different ways to homeschool. There’s unschooling, homeschooling, and relaxed schooling! There are so many terms out there that it can become overwhelming. So take a deep breath and figure out your Why.

Your Why

Sit in a comfy chair with a pen and paper. Now ask yourself the question “Why do I want to homeschool my kids?” Now write it down. This is your homeschool mission statement. This will keep you going when the days get tough. Believe me…they will get tough! You will question why you even took your kids out of public school and if this was the right decision. If your why is special to you then you won’t give up.

Curriculums

Now there are many many curriculums to choose from. First I think it might be easier to figure out what form of homeschool you want to choose. This will make choosing a curriculum a little bit easier. Here’s a list of some of the best curriculum.

Sonlight: literature based, strong focus on reading and real books. It encourages critical thinking and in-depth learning through engaging stories and historical fiction.
Abeka: traditional, structured, and Christian-based. Provides a comprehensive, rigorous education with clear daily lesson plans.
The Good and the Beautiful: Integrates faith, nature, and high academic standards. Christian-based.
Stride K12: online public school option with accredited curriculum. Offer flexibility and access to certified teachers while following state standards. Good for families seeking a structured, but remote option.
Oak Meadow: Waldorf inspired, hands-on, and creative. Focuses on artistic and experiential learning, promoting creativity and critical thinking. Perfect for those who value a more relaxed, nature oriented approach.
Time4Learning: online, interactive, and flexible. Easy to use and allows for self-paced learning. Effective for tech-savvy families and children who thrive on interactive lessons.

Choosing the best curriculum for you really depends on your child’s learning style, your teaching preferences, and the specific needs and goals of your homeschool. Experiment with a few different ones and find one that best fits you! Remember, you don’t need to break the bank for this either.

Have a blessed day!