Popular Homeschooling Programs
and Curricula

There are many well-known homeschooling programs that come highly recommended for a variey of reasons. The trick is finding the one that suits your needs.

There are many factors to consider before you choose.

Cost: Does it fit in your budget?

Does it have positive reviews from parents?

Traditional textbooks or CD-ROM courses?

Do you and your student find it easy to use?

Does a teacher's guide come with the text?
Are the lessons explained in a way that your child understands the concepts?

Are additional resources available online?

Does the publisher provide good customer support?

Ask fellow homeschoolers which programs they prefer and why. Get the details. Just because they like a certain program doesn't mean it will be a good fit for you.

Keep the questions above in mind when you discuss the the pros and cons of the curriculum. Then ask to borrow the books so you have more time to check them out.

If you ask around you might find someone willing to loan you the books for the whole year. Many times parents save their curriculum for younger children and they don't mind sharing when their own children are not using them.

After using the program for a while you'll know whether or not to buy it for yourself.

Even if you're not happy with the first homeschooling program you use, at least you learned what you don't like. And you can try something different next year.

Ask questions. Read reviews. Try it out.

Homeschool Curriculum Basics

If you don't know where to find your homeschool curriculum, start with the basics. I have tips to help you search the internet, local book stores, and homeschool conventions.

Christian Home School Curriculum

Some well-known Christian book publishers offer a full course curriculum for each grade level. If you find that one of these programs suits your teaching style all you have to do is order the appropriate grade kit. You'll have every subject you need from one source. Easy.

What if you're designing your own homeschooling program from several sources? No problem. Often you have the option of purchasing individual subjects. This way, if you're unsure about a new curriculum, you can try out one subject without investing in the full course.

Secular Homeschool Curriculum

Secular homeschool curriculum does not include a religion in its content. This type of program is popular among those parents who wish to teach their religious views independent of other homeschool subjects. These curricula are used by many eclectic homeschoolers (who choose Christian-based and secular courses for their homeschool).

Homeschooling Curriculum Guides

Some of the most popular curricula are organized by subject so you can easily compare textbooks, CD-ROMs, and other materials. From math and science to music and art, there are many programs for you to learn about.

Check out the Homeschooling Curriculum Guides.

Online Homeschool Curriculum

Online homeschool curriculum are becoming more and more popular. There are accredited schools which offer full-grade programs for kindergarten through 12th grade. Some also offer independent study programs for homeschoolers.

Of course, this option may be more expensive than traditional textbook homeschooling, but the support and resources the schools provide appeal to some parents.