Homeschool Curriculum
How to choose curriculum, what to teach by grade, and side-by-side comparisons of the most popular programs — so you can pick something and start.
Not sure which one to pick?
Answer 4 quick questions and get a short list of programs that fit your family.
Where to start 5
-
How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Choosing homeschool curriculum doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's a simple way to pick the right materials — without overcomplicating it.
-
Charlotte Mason vs Classical vs Traditional vs Unit Studies (2026)
The four main homeschool methods explained and compared: how each teaches, what a day looks like, and which programs fit each one.
-
What Subjects Do You Need to Homeschool? (Simple Breakdown by Age)
What subjects do you need to homeschool? A simple breakdown by age — so you know exactly what to teach and what to ignore.
-
Can You Homeschool Without a Curriculum?
Can you homeschool without a curriculum? Yes — but here's what that actually means, and what most parents get wrong.
-
Homeschool Curriculum for Working Moms: What Works
You work and you homeschool. Here are the curriculum types that fit a working parent's schedule, plus how to structure the day when your time is limited.
Best picks 4
-
Best Secular Homeschool Curriculum (All-in-One) for 2026
Seven secular, all-in-one programs, from boxed literature to Waldorf to project-based, with real costs, grade range, and who each one fits.
-
Best Christian Homeschool Curriculum (All-in-One) for 2026
Seven Christian all-in-one programs, from gentle and free to rigorous textbooks, with real costs, worldview notes, and who each one fits.
-
Best Open-and-Go Homeschool Curriculum for Beginners (2026)
Seven low-prep, all-in-one programs for new homeschoolers, Christian and secular, with real costs, worldview, and who each one fits.
-
Cheapest Homeschool Curriculum: Free and Low-Cost Picks (2026)
Seven free and low-cost programs, Christian and secular, with what each one covers, grade range, and how much sourcing it asks of you.
By grade 5
-
Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum (Simple Plan)
A simple kindergarten homeschool curriculum plan — what to teach, what to skip, and how to keep it manageable.
-
Homeschooling a Kindergartener: What to Teach and How to Start
Homeschooling kindergarten is simpler than you think. Here's what to teach, how long it takes, and what a realistic day looks like for a 5 or 6 year old.
-
First Grade Homeschool Curriculum (Step-by-Step Plan)
A clear first grade homeschool curriculum plan — what to teach, how to structure your day, and how to keep it manageable.
-
Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum: A Simple Plan
Here's what to teach in second grade homeschool, which subjects matter most, and a simple curriculum plan that covers everything without overloading the day.
-
How to Start Homeschooling a 7 Year Old
Starting to homeschool a 7 year old? Here's what to teach, where to start with reading and math, and what a realistic day looks like at this age.
Complete programs compared 12
-
Sonlight vs Bookshark: Christian or Secular, Same Method? (2026)
Bookshark is Sonlight's secular spin-off: same method, different worldview. Books, science, cost, and content choices compared side by side.
-
Sonlight vs My Father's World: Which Christian Core Fits? (2026)
Two literature-rich Christian cores that teach several ages at once. Read-aloud vs hands-on, worldview, and the real yearly cost compared.
-
My Father's World vs The Good and the Beautiful (2026)
Two open-and-go Christian favorites for beginners. Unit study vs subject-based, young-earth vs non-denominational, and cost compared.
-
The Good and the Beautiful vs Master Books: Which Fits? (2026)
Two affordable, open-and-go Christian programs with a Charlotte Mason feel. Worldview, cost, schedule, and format compared side by side.
-
The Good and the Beautiful vs Abeka: Which One Fits? (2026)
Two Christian curricula, opposite philosophies: gentle and nearly free vs rigorous school-at-home. Cost, daily life, and worldview compared.
-
Abeka vs BJU Press: Which Christian Textbook Program Fits? (2026)
Two traditional Christian textbook programs from Christian colleges. Drill vs discussion, teaching load, worldview, and real cost compared.
-
Gather Round vs The Good and the Beautiful (2026)
Two affordable Christian favorites, built in opposite ways: a multi-age themed unit study, or subject-based courses that are partly free. Compared.
-
Bookshark vs Build Your Library: Which Secular Lit Program? (2026)
Two secular, literature-based programs with a Charlotte Mason feel. The whole box shipped, or a $30 to $60 guide you build from the library.
-
Oak Meadow vs Torchlight: Which Secular Curriculum Fits? (2026)
Two secular programs at opposite ends: a Waldorf-inspired, accredited K-12 curriculum, or a budget digital guide for the early years. Compared.
-
Timberdoodle vs Blossom and Root: Which Secular Program? (2026)
Two secular, hands-on programs with very different DNA. A big box of games and STEM, or a gentle, digital nature and arts plan. Compared.
-
Blossom and Root vs Playing Preschool: Which One Fits?
Two beloved play-based preschool programs compared: cost, daily setup, style, and which one fits your family.
-
Memoria Press vs Classical Conversations: Which Classical Path? (2026)
Two classical Christian paths: a complete at-home great-books and Latin curriculum, or a weekly community co-op. Model, cost, and workload compared.
Reading and phonics compared 6
-
Homeschool Phonics Curriculum Comparison: 5 Programs That Work
A side-by-side look at five phonics programs for homeschool: what each one does well, where it falls short, and which one fits your family.
-
Logic of English vs All About Reading: Which One Is Right for Your Child?
A side-by-side look at Logic of English Foundations and All About Reading: price, format, lesson length, what's included, and which fits beginner homeschoolers best.
-
Logic of English vs The Good and the Beautiful: Which Language Arts Program Fits Your Family?
A real comparison of Logic of English Foundations and The Good and the Beautiful: price, format, scope, teaching style, and which works best for beginner homeschoolers.
-
All About Reading vs The Good and the Beautiful: Which One Should You Start With?
A real comparison of All About Reading and The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts: structure, scope, price, teaching style, and which one fits your child best.
-
All About Reading vs Hooked on Phonics: Which One to Pick
One costs $160 a level, the other $7 a month. How each one teaches, who each one fits, and which is worth your money.
-
All About Reading vs Explode the Code: Which One to Pick
One teaches reading, the other practices it for $13.49 a workbook. How each works, what each costs, and when the right answer is both.
Math compared 7
-
Math With Confidence vs Math Mammoth: Which One Fits Your Family?
A real comparison of Math With Confidence and Math Mammoth: price, format, teaching style, lesson length, and which one works best for beginner homeschoolers.
-
Math With Confidence vs Good and Beautiful Math (2026)
One is scripted, parent-led, and secular. The other is free and runs itself from grade 4. Prices, lessons, and a clear pick for each family.
-
Math With Confidence vs Singapore Dimensions (2026)
Both parent-led, both excellent. One is scripted for parents with no math background, the other goes deeper and asks more of you. How to choose.
-
Saxon Math vs Singapore Dimensions: Which One Fits? (2026)
Saxon drills skills into memory. Dimensions builds understanding first. Prices, daily lessons, and which kind of kid each one serves best.
-
Singapore Dimensions vs Beast Academy: Which Fits? (2026)
Two rigorous math programs, two temperaments. One builds understanding step by step, the other makes kids fight for it. Prices and picks inside.
-
Beast Academy vs Math Mammoth: Which One to Pick (2026)
A $100-plus comic-book challenge vs a $39.50 quiet workhorse. How each teaches, who each fits, and which is worth it for your kid.
-
All About Math vs Math With Confidence (2026)
All About Math and Math With Confidence both teach elementary math well. One costs more upfront and goes deeper on manipulatives. Which one fits your family.
History and science compared 7
-
Story of the World vs History Quest: Which One to Pick in 2026
The classical favorite vs the secular story-driven alternative: price, format, worldview, and coverage compared, with a clear pick for each family.
-
Story of the World vs Mystery of History: Which to Pick
Both tell history as a story. One keeps faith at arm's length, the other weaves the Bible through every era. Cost, format, and fit compared.
-
Curiosity Chronicles vs History Quest: Which History Curriculum Fits Your Family?
A real comparison of Curiosity Chronicles and History Quest: grade range, format, price, teaching style, and which one works best for beginner homeschoolers.
-
REAL Science Odyssey vs Elemental Science: Which Fits?
Two secular-friendly science programs: a lab-driven full course vs classical plans built on living books. Costs, prep, and picks inside.
-
Elemental Science vs Noeo Science: Which One Fits? (2026)
Same living-books style, opposite logistics: $44 plus a library card, or the whole year shipped in a box for $200-plus. How to choose.
-
Apologia vs Berean Builders: Which Science Fits? (2026)
Two Christian science curricula from a shared history. One goes deep on a topic per year, one teaches all sciences through history with daily experiments.
-
Notgrass Exploring World History vs Masterbooks World History (2026)
Notgrass gives you three credits in one year. Masterbooks is faster and cheaper. How the two most popular Christian homeschool world history programs compare.
Not sure which level to start at?
A quick reading assessment tells you where your child is right now — so you pick the right curriculum at the right level.
Start the Free Reading Assessment