There are hundreds of distinct homeschool curricula, ranging from complete all-in-one programs to subject-specific materials. Here’s a breakdown:
Types of Homeschool Curricula
Complete Boxed Curricula (All subjects included)
Examples: Abeka, Sonlight, BJU Press, The Good and the Beautiful, BookShark
Online or Digital Platforms
Examples: Khan Academy, Time4Learning, Power Homeschool, Monarch (AOP), Easy Peasy
Classical Education
Examples: Classical Conversations, Memoria Press, Well-Trained Mind
Charlotte Mason-Based
Examples: Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason, A Gentle Feast
Montessori-Inspired
Examples: Montessori by Mom, NAMC, Oak Meadow
Unit Study-Based
Examples: Konos, Gather ‘Round Homeschool, Moving Beyond the Page
Unschooling or Interest-Led Learning
Not a formal curriculum, but often supplemented with resources like Project-Based Learning, Strewing tools
Secular Curricula
Examples: Build Your Library, Blossom & Root, Oak Meadow, Torchlight Curriculum
Faith-Based Curricula
Examples: My Father’s World, Christian Light Education, Rod & Staff
Specialized / Niche Approaches
Examples: Waldorf-inspired, Eclectic Homeschooling, Worldschooling, Roadschooling
So, How Many Are There?
If you count:
Full curricula providers: likely 100+
Individual subject providers: hundreds more
Mix-and-match options, co-ops, and DIY approaches: virtually infinite combinations
Step 1: Know Your “Why”
Ask yourself:
Why are you homeschooling?
This will help set the tone for everything else.
Examples:
Flexibility and family time?
A safer or more nurturing environment?
Religious or philosophical reasons?
Academic rigor or tailored learning?
Step 2: Know Your Educational Philosophy
Different curricula are built on different philosophies. Which one feels like a fit for your values and your child’s learning style?
| Philosophy | Traits | Sample Curricula |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional/School-at-Home | Structured, textbooks, tests | Abeka, BJU Press, Christian Light |
| Classical | Logic, rhetoric, Latin, great books | Classical Conversations, Memoria Press |
| Charlotte Mason | Living books, nature, art, gentle learning | Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason |
| Unit Studies | Thematic, hands-on, integrated subjects | Gather ‘Round, KONOS |
| Montessori | Child-led, tactile, independent | Montessori By Mom, NAMC |
| Unschooling | Learner-directed, informal | No set curriculum |
| Eclectic | Mix and match | You choose from various sources |
| Online/Tech-Based | Digital learning, videos, quizzes | Time4Learning, Monarch, Khan Academy |
Step 3: Consider Your Child’s Learning Style
Is your child:
A visual learner? (Needs diagrams, charts, videos)
An auditory learner? (Learns by hearing, discussion)
A kinesthetic learner? (Needs hands-on activities, movement)
A reader/writer learner?
Choose curricula that support your child’s learning strengths.
️ Step 4: Think About Your Teaching Style & Time
Do you want something open-and-go (little prep)?
Are you willing to plan and customize?
Do you prefer independent work for your child or close supervision?
How much time do you have per day?
Step 5: Set a Budget
Costs range from:
Free (Easy Peasy, Ambleside Online)
Low-cost ($50–$200/year for digital or printables)
Premium ($300–$1,000+/year for full boxed sets or online subscriptions)
Step 6: Decide on Religious vs. Secular
Some curricula are explicitly Christian, while others are secular. Decide upfront:
Do you want curriculum that includes religious content?
Do you prefer completely secular or neutral resources?
Step 7: Try Before You Buy
Use free samples on publisher websites
Read curriculum reviews (Cathy Duffy Reviews is a popular site)
Join Facebook homeschool groups for honest opinions
Consider starting with one subject, like math or language arts, to get a feel
Final Tip: Use a Curriculum Finder
Try tools like:
The Homeschool Style Quiz (free, online)
Online Learning Preferences Quiz (free)
Learning Styles for Homeschooling Quiz (free, online)