Learn how to select the best homeschool curriculum for your child's learning style and educational needs.
Selecting the right curriculum is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeschooling parent. With thousands of options available, finding what works best for your family can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the curriculum landscape and make informed choices.
Before choosing a curriculum, it's important to understand how your child learns best. Common learning styles include:
Learn best through: Seeing information
Benefit from: Charts, diagrams, videos, illustrated books, color-coding
Curriculum suggestions: Programs with strong visual components, video courses
Learn best through: Hearing information
Benefit from: Discussion, audio books, music, verbal instructions
Curriculum suggestions: Audio-based programs, discussion-heavy approaches
Learn best through: Movement and hands-on activities
Benefit from: Experiments, building projects, manipulatives
Curriculum suggestions: Hands-on curriculum, project-based learning
Learn best through: Reading and writing
Benefit from: Books, written assignments, note-taking
Curriculum suggestions: Literature-based programs, writing-intensive curriculum
Note: Most children learn through a combination of styles. Observe your child's preferences and adjust accordingly.
Different educational philosophies guide curriculum development. Here are the major approaches:
Overview: Similar to conventional school with textbooks, worksheets, and structured lessons
Good for: Families transitioning from public school, those who prefer structure
Popular curricula: Abeka, BJU Press, Saxon Math, Houghton Mifflin
Overview: Based on the Trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) with emphasis on great books
Good for: Families who value rigorous academics and traditional knowledge
Popular curricula: The Well-Trained Mind, Classical Conversations, Memoria Press
Overview: Focuses on "living books," nature study, arts, and habit formation
Good for: Families who prefer a gentler approach with rich literature
Popular curricula: Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason, Living Books Curriculum
Overview: Child-led learning with specially prepared environments and materials
Good for: Families who value independence and hands-on learning
Popular curricula: Montessori for Everyone, KHT Montessori, DIY Montessori materials
Overview: Child-led, interest-driven learning without formal curriculum
Good for: Families who believe in natural learning through life experiences
Popular resources: Libraries, museums, nature, community resources, interest-based projects
Overview: Mix-and-match approach taking elements from various methods
Good for: Families who want flexibility to adapt to each child and subject
Popular resources: Variety of curriculum providers, online resources, unit studies
What it is: Complete package covering all subjects for a grade level
Pros: Convenient, comprehensive, ensures all subjects are covered
Cons: Less flexibility, may not fit all learning styles
Examples: Sonlight, Oak Meadow, Abeka, Time4Learning
What it is: Programs focusing on one subject area
Pros: Can choose best fit for each subject, flexibility
Cons: Requires more research, may lack coherence
Examples: Saxon Math, IEW Writing, Apologia Science
What it is: Web-based programs, apps, and digital resources
Pros: Interactive, often self-grading, accessible anywhere
Cons: Screen time concerns, tech requirements
Examples: Khan Academy, CTC Math, Outschool, BrainPOP
What it is: Thematic approach covering multiple subjects through one topic
Pros: Engaging, integrates subjects naturally
Cons: May have gaps in systematic learning
Examples: KONOS, Five in a Row, DIY unit studies
Choosing the right curriculum can be challenging. Learning Corner's AI-powered tools can help you make informed decisions and customize your homeschooling materials:
Use Subject Explorer to:
Create custom materials with these specialized tools:
Learning Corner's AI tools allow you to take the best elements from different curricula and blend them with custom-generated content perfectly suited to your child's needs. This hybrid approach combines the structure of established curricula with the personalization of custom materials, creating an optimal learning experience. Explore all tools to see how they can enhance your curriculum decisions.
What matters most to your family? Academic excellence, character development, religious instruction, creativity, or something else? Choose a curriculum that aligns with these priorities.
Use the information in the previous section to identify your child's preferred learning style(s).
Do you prefer highly structured materials or flexible guidelines? How much prep time can you realistically commit?
Read reviews, join homeschool forums, attend curriculum fairs, and request samples when possible.
Homeschool curriculum can range from nearly free to several thousand dollars per year. Determine what you can afford.
Consider beginning with just core subjects (math, language arts) before investing in everything.
Even the most carefully chosen curriculum may need adjustments. Be willing to modify or change course if something isn't working.
Pro Tip: Many experienced homeschoolers recommend focusing on finding the right math and language arts curriculum first, as these are foundational skills. Then add other subjects as you become more comfortable.