How To Choose A Homeschool Curriculum

By
Lindsey S.
-
Textbooks and a pencils in a cup on a table.

© Naypong from Getty Images via Canva.com

Choosing the right curriculum for your family is both exciting and daunting. There are thousands of options, which can feel overwhelming. With so many great curriculum options, there is no “best” choice for everyone. It depends a lot on your child and family’s specific needs. What works great for one child might not go well for the next. What seems to be perfect for one family might flop with yours. You may be able to use the same curriculum from kindergarten through graduation, or you might change it up every year. Some people start homeschooling with a clear picture of what and how they want to teach, while others figure it out through trial and error. To help you narrow down the options, we’ve organized some curricula into considerations you might have, based on your family’s needs.

* indicates a faith-based curriculum.

Common Questions about Choosing a Curriculum

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Beyond the decision to start homeschooling, choosing a curriculum seems to be the next major hurdle for new (and even seasoned) homeschoolers. Families beginning their homeschooling journey have a lot of questions about curriculum options. Below are some of the common questions people have and explanations to help ease your curriculum search.

Which curriculum is the best?

Many people want to use the best curricula, but there is no one “best” option for everyone. As a parent, you get to choose what works for you and your family. You get to tailor your curriculum choices to your needs and can change your curricula as your needs change.

How do I know if a curriculum will work for us?

You can research different curricula and decide which you think will work best for you based on many factors. You can consider how much preparation it requires, learning styles, cost, and other factors in your choice. Often, it is a matter of trial and error. You can start with a curriculum, realize it just isn’t a good fit for your family, and switch to another. There is no shame in needing to try a few and changing it up.

To try to be as informed as possible about the curriculum you are considering, you can research by reading their webpage, downloading samples, looking up reviews on YouTube, and joining their Facebook groups to ask questions of other families who use the curriculum.

Should my curriculum meet Common Core Standards or be accredited?

There is no such thing as an accredited homeschool class or curriculum in New York State. NYS requires students to complete certain courses and hours, but it is left to each family to decide which curriculum works best for them. People have found that most homeschool curricula meet or exceed Common Core Standards, without necessarily adhering to them. There are some curricula associated with accredited private schools that can be done online.

Note: If you plan on enrolling your child in public high school, you should do so before they enter 9th grade. You can enroll them in the middle of high school, however, there are no homeschool curricula that the state considers equivalent to a Regents class, so your child may need to take those courses over again.

How do I know if a curriculum covers what my child needs to learn at this age?

As a homeschooling parent, you decide how your student is taught. There are subjects that the NYS Regulations require, but there is a lot of freedom within that. Most curricula go beyond the basics and teach more than is typically expected for each grade level. Some curricula sequence their topics in a different order than traditional schools due to research on what is developmentally appropriate. If you are concerned, there are lists of scope and sequencing for what children typically learn in each grade level, but there is no solid authority on this.

Do I need to be concerned about prepping for state testing or anything?

As a homeschooler, your child is not required to complete New York State testing. Instead, they must complete an annual assessment starting in fourth grade. There is a list of approved assessments for you can choose from. Homeschoolers are required to score above the 33rd percentile on their composite score (you can work with your district if you suspect your child will need an exception).

The curricula and experiences available to homeschoolers do an excellent job of preparing our children for the required testing. If you know what test you plan to give your child, there are often preparatory materials and practice exams available, so you can be informed ahead of time if there are any gaps in their learning.

Can I mix and match different homeschooling styles?

Yes! Some curricula provide everything you need for your core subjects and beyond. However, most homeschoolers piece together their curriculum choices according to what works best for them. Not only can choose different publishers and approaches, but you can also accommodate your child by mixing and matching grade levels to meet them where they are in their learning journey.

Where can I find reviews of curricula?

There are so many curricula available that it can be overwhelming. Cathy Duffy Reviews is a reputable resource that provides general descriptions of most curricula. Looking up parent reviews on YouTube is always my next stop. There, you’ll find people flipping through the pages of the books and sharing their real-life experiences with the curriculum. And, if you’re looking for some in-person feedback, there are usually dedicated Facebook groups for each curriculum so you can ask questions, buy used materials, and get advice.

Choosing a Curriculum by Homeschooling Style

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There are many approaches to homeschooling, and it is helpful to be informed on the various types. You do not need to commit to a particular style or method of homeschooling; some families simply prefer to. Many lean towards one style or another; however, most combine styles to fit their goals. Researching the styles can help you find curricula that uphold your values and find a like-minded community to support you in your homeschooling journey. As children grow and learn, it is common to switch styles to meet their changing educational needs. Below is a list of a few popular styles and curriculum suggestions to go with them.

Charlotte Mason

The Charlotte Mason approach of homeschooling is based on the observations and conclusions of educational researcher Charlotte Mason. She approached the child as a whole person whose education should be “an atmosphere, a discipline, a life”. Homeschooling in this approach involves reading living books, nature study, and hands-on learning in short lessons. Children’s personalities drive learning, and developmental stages are heavily considered.

Charlotte Mason Curricula to Consider:

Child-Led Learning

Child-led learning requires the parents to be in tune with their child’s development, interests, and goals. By observing these and communicating with the child, parents can facilitate learning experiences that allow the child to explore and develop based on their interests. Resources such as unit studies, literature, activities, and classes can foster learning as a child explores a chosen topic. This form of education does not necessarily break learning down into subjects but rather reflects whole-life learning and exploration. A child may choose what topics, activities, and time are allotted to their interests, or a parent may choose to add more structure to their education.

Child-Led Learning Resources to Consider:

Classical Education

Classical education is based on ancient methods from Greece and Rome. This rigorous approach to homeschooling focuses on developing a child’s reading, writing, thinking, and speaking skills. The core subjects are covered with an emphasis on critical thinking, research, and self-reflection. Students work their way through the trivium, which focuses on the developmental stages, including concrete learning (the grammar stage), critical learning (the logic stage), and abstract learning (the rhetoric stage). Co-ops are often available with a specific focus on Classical education.

Classical Education Curricula to Consider:

Family-Style Schooling

Family-style schooling allows all of the children in the family to learn together. One subject is taught to all of the children, and each child is provided with work that meets them at their level. This model is reminiscent of the one-room schoolhouses where students of all ages work side-by-side. While some subjects that build on a course of knowledge are more difficult to teach in this style, others provide beautiful opportunities for the whole family.

Family-Style Schooling Curricula to Consider:

Gameschooling

Gameschooling is a method in which a variety of games are used to teach subject matter to children. These can be online, video, board games, card games, etc. Many non-traditional learners find this refreshing since it avoids the pressures of traditional methods. Many homeschoolers like to use gameschooling to supplement their core curricula. As the method gains popularity, more developed options are entering the market.

Gameschooling Curricula and Resources to Consider:

Literature-Based

Literature-based education focuses on reading quality literature that helps students access information in an engaging and meaningful way. This method avoids using textbooks and seeks out stories that share people’s experiences of a topic. There are entire curricula built around teaching children through stories, while others use it to supplement or provide more depth on a subject. Several styles, including Charlotte Mason and Classical, tend to emphasize literature-based approaches.

Literature-Based Curricula and Resources to Consider:

Montessori

The Montessori method is based on the research and conclusions of Maria Montessori. She found that children learn best through exploration and experiences. Parents serve as facilitators in this method, providing materials and opportunities for their children. Children are allowed to delve into their interests and follow their own pacing. The Montessori method utilizes specially researched phrasing, environments, and materials. However, some curricula provide options to make the method more accessible to homeschooling families.

Montessori Curricula to Consider:

Relaxed/Eclectic

This style is the most common among homeschoolers. Relaxed or eclectic homeschoolers use a variety of approaches that may not stick to a particular style or method. They may choose a complete curriculum that uses multiple approaches or a different curriculum for each subject. While this approach offers a lot of flexibility, it may also require more effort in piecing together the necessary subjects.

Relaxed/Eclectic Curricula and Resources to Consider:

Traditional/School-at-Home

Traditional homeschooling is when a public or private school model is recreated at home. There is generally a recurring schedule that takes place on weekdays. Subjects are broken down into core and electives and taught using methods similar to typical schools. These families may create a classroom in their homes with desks and educational decor.

Traditional/School-at-Home Curricula to Consider:

Unit Studies

The Unit Study approach to homeschooling is one that can generally be used in both individual and family settings. A unit study focuses on one topic and explores it through several means, integrating the core subjects and activities. This approach allows a child to learn about a topic in greater depth while inspiring them to pursue more knowledge on their own.

Unit Studies Curricula to Consider:

Unschooling

Unschooling is a fairly controversial style of homeschooling. Unschooling is learning through the freedom to explore without the constraints of a formal curriculum or schedule. Parents may guide their children in how to pursue knowledge and often serve as active facilitators. They may strew books, plan trips, participate in activities, or create scenarios that promote learning opportunities throughout the day. Unschooling often takes on a life-learning approach, where families believe that everything they do is a learning experience. Some unschooling families choose to utilize light curricula to establish foundations or if a child wants to be prepared for a specific job that requires that knowledge.

Unschooling Resources to Consider:

Waldorf

Waldorf education was founded by Rudolph Steiner, who focused on the three spheres of activity: the head, the heart, and the will. This approach encourages a gentle, nature-focused experience with a respectful and spiritual connection to the earth. Much of the learning is done through routines including songs, drawings, stories, and play.

Waldorf Curricula to Consider:

Choosing a Curriculum by Subject

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Instead of following an all-in-one curriculum, many homeschooling families prefer to choose different curricula for each subject. This allows flexibility to be responsive to your child’s learning needs and styles. You may prefer to piece subjects together if you need to work within a certain budget, more challenging or remedial work, or an emphasis on a specific topic. Below are some suggestions for popular curricula and resources for a variety of required subjects.

Art

Economics

Foreign Language

Government

Grammar

Handwriting

Health

History

Language Arts

Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Reading/Phonics

Science

Spelling

Writing

All-In-One Curricula

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If you’re looking to make one purchase and have most of your child’s classes covered for the year, an All-In-One curriculum is your best bet. Below, we’ve made some recommendations for curricula that make it easy for you to get everything you need to cover the basics. Note that additional electives may be required, so please use the New York State Regulations as you choose your courses.

Online Curricula Options

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Online curriculum options are increasing in popularity as more families choose to homeschool. It is a good way to ensure your child is getting their core content if parents have other obligations, multiple children, or the subject is difficult to teach. These classes are credible ways to get a solid education that can be easily accessed almost anywhere.

Free Curricula and Resources

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Homeschooling doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. There are plenty of quality resources available for families who need cheap or free education. When looking at these options, be sure to confirm that they fulfill all of the New York State requirements and supplement as necessary.

College Courses Available to Rochester Area Homeschoolers

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Our local community colleges offer several dual-enrollment options for homeschoolers. This means they can take the course for both high school and college credit. While they may seem expensive for a high school course, the discounted costs make it a great option for college-bound students to earn credits before graduating.

Choosing a curriculum doesn’t have to be a stressful decision. Any curriculum that you use is simply a springboard for learning. They provide information and structure, but most of our children’s knowledge comes through the experiences we provide outside of formal instruction. If you’re looking for additional classes and activities for your homeschoolers, check out our Guide To Homeschool Co-ops And Groups In Rochester.

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